When children struggle with reading, it’s easy to assume the problem is academic, but often, the real issue lies with how their eyes work together. At Focus Vision Development Center in Camillus, we use vision therapy to help young readers develop the visual skills they need to learn comfortably and confidently.
How Vision Can Affect a Child’s Ability to Read
Reading is one of the most important skills a child learns in school, but for many families in Camillus, reading struggles go beyond sounding out words. Up to one in four children may have a vision problem that affects how their eyes work together, track lines of text, or focus on close-up material. These challenges often mimic learning difficulties such as dyslexia, when in fact, they stem from issues with binocular vision or eye coordination.
Our team at Focus Vision Development Center understands that clear sight isn’t enough; your child also needs efficient visual processing to read comfortably and understand what they see. That’s why we look beyond 20/20 vision to evaluate how the eyes move, focus, and communicate with the brain.
Visual Skills Involved in Reading
When a child reads, several visual systems must work together in harmony. If one skill lags, reading becomes a chore instead of a joy. Here’s how each plays a role:
- Eye Tracking: Smoothly following a line of text helps a child read without losing their place or skipping words.
- Eye Teaming (Binocular Vision): Both eyes must work together to focus on the same point. Misalignment, known as strabismus, can make words appear doubled or blurry.
- Focusing Flexibility: Switching focus between near and far objects, like looking from the board to a book, requires strong accommodation. Weak focusing muscles can lead to eye strain and slow reading.
- Visual Processing: The brain interprets what the eyes see. Poor processing can make it hard to remember or recognize letters and words.
- Depth Perception and Coordination: Children use visual-spatial awareness to track where they are on a page. Poor hand-eye coordination can make it difficult to follow lines accurately.
- Visual Memory: This skill helps children recognize sight words and understand sentence structure. Weakness here often leads to rereading or confusion when encountering new material.
How Vision Therapy Can Help Your Child Read with Ease
At Focus Vision Development Center, our vision therapy for children programs strengthen the visual skills needed for comfortable, efficient reading. Conditions that vision therapy can treat include:
- Vision therapy for strabismus (crossed eyes) helps correct eye misalignment and double vision.
- Vision therapy for binocular vision dysfunction improves how both eyes work together.
- Vision therapy for convergence insufficiency helps train the eyes to work together at near distances, reducing eye strain and double vision during reading or screen use.
Guided by Dr. Kelly Chajka, O.D., each vision therapy treatment plan is personalized to your child’s needs for lasting results, not quick fixes. Vision therapy helps children:
- Strengthen eye coordination and tracking for smoother reading.
- Improve focus and flexibility to reduce eye strain.
- Enhance visual processing for better comprehension.
- Build confidence and enjoyment in reading.
Many families in Central New York discover that hidden vision issues, not learning issues, cause reading frustration. Once these visual skills are corrected, children often experience calmer homework sessions and renewed excitement for learning.
The Pediatric Vision Therapy Process
Our pediatric vision therapy programs are safe, evidence-based, and designed to fit into busy family schedules. A typical plan may include a combination of in-office sessions and home eye exercises.
Step 1: Comprehensive Vision Evaluation
Before starting any program, Dr. Chajka performs a comprehensive eye exam to assess eye teaming, tracking, and focusing skills. These tests go beyond standard vision screenings.
Step 2: Personalized Treatment Plan
We design a structured plan using vision therapy exercises that children can enjoy at home and in the office. Activities target specific weaknesses and build long-term visual coordination.
Step 3: Weekly or Biweekly Sessions
Sessions usually take place at our Camillus office, where children work one-on-one with our vision therapy team. Activities use specialized lenses, prisms, and digital training tools to build binocular vision and alignment.
Step 4: At-Home Reinforcement
Repetition is key for progress. Simple exercises are assigned for practice at home to reinforce what’s learned during each visit.
Step 5: Regular Progress Reviews
Dr. Chajka monitors every child’s development closely, making adjustments to ensure steady improvement. Parents receive updates and are encouraged to share feedback from school and home.
Real Results for Camillus Families at Focus Vision Development Center
If your child struggles with reading despite having 20/20 vision, it may be time to explore vision therapy for children at Focus Vision Development Center.
Book your child's eye exam for individualized care for children in Camillus and the greater Syracuse area. Our eye doctors help young readers develop stronger, more comfortable visual skills so they can focus on what truly matters: learning and growing with confidence.
Children's Vision Therapy FAQs
At what age is it best to start vision therapy?
Vision therapy can benefit children as young as five, though the ideal time depends on developmental readiness and the specific vision challenges. Early intervention often leads to faster results.
How long does vision therapy take?
Most programs last between six and nine months, with weekly or biweekly sessions. Each child’s progress is closely monitored and tailored for sustained improvement.
Does insurance cover vision therapy?
Some insurance plans may offer partial coverage, depending on the diagnosis. Our staff will help families understand their options and make care as accessible as possible.