Vision and Learning – Helping Your Child Thrive

What Does Vision Have to Do With Learning?

Imagine trying to read a book while constantly losing your place, struggling to focus on the words, or feeling exhausted after just a few minutes. Now picture a child going through this every day. Many children don’t even realize there’s a problem with their vision because they think this is how everyone sees. The truth is, an undiagnosed vision issue could be the reason your child is having a hard time in school.

Here at the Visual Processing Institute, we understand that vision is about so much more than seeing the black-and-white letters on an eye chart. It involves 17 distinct visual skills that help us read, process, and understand information. And if even one of these skills is lagging, it can have a big impact on academic performance and confidence.

Could It Be a Vision Problem?

Sometimes it’s hard to pinpoint the root cause of a child’s academic struggles, especially when they don’t know how to explain what they’re feeling. However, there are telltale signs that a vision-related issue could be holding them back.

Common Symptoms of Vision-Related Learning Challenges

Skipping or Re-Reading Lines: Losing their place while reading and getting frustrated.
Poor Test Results: Struggling to perform well under pressure, even with preparation.
Trouble Concentrating: Getting distracted easily or avoiding work altogether.
Dislike of Reading: Books become a source of stress instead of enjoyment.
Short Attention Span: Especially noticeable during visual or written tasks and maintaining eye contact.
Fatigue During Homework: Complaining of headaches or tired eyes after school.
Difficulty With Spelling or Numbers: Mixing up letters like “b” and “d” or flipping numbers in math.
Double Vision: Experiencing blurry or overlapping images when looking at words on a page.

If this sounds familiar, it might be worth exploring if a vision issue could be playing a role. Many kids face challenges that go unnoticed because standard eye exams don’t always catch everything.

Children and Teens often WON'T Complain of Double Vision

These are Eye-Tracking Records of some of our patients who NEVER complained of double vision before.

Understanding How Vision and Learning Are Connected

Did you know that vision problems aren’t always “eye” problems?

At its core, learning-related vision challenges stem from how the eyes and brain work together to interpret visual information. That’s why you may have heard the term “brain problem, not eye problem.” And even if your child has passed a basic 20/20 vision test, they could still struggle with important skills like focusing, tracking, and processing.

Two Main Categories of Vision-Related Learning Disorders

1. Binocular Vision Challenges

This refers to how well the two eyes team up to focus on the same point. If the eyes are out of sync, it can affect depth perception, make words appear to move on a page, and cause double vision.

2. Visual Information Processing Issues

Even if the eyes see clearly, the brain needs to process and understand the information they capture. When this system falters, it leads to reading difficulties, poor comprehension, and trouble recalling visual details later.

These challenges are frustrating but fixable with the right treatment.

Why 20/20 Vision Isn’t the Full Picture

Think back to your child’s last eye exam. Did they pass with flying colors and still continue to struggle in school? You’re not alone. Many parents don’t realize that 20/20 vision only measures how well the eyes can focus on a stationary object at one specific distance.

Here’s the truth—our vision relies on 17 interconnected skills, and we need all of them working together to succeed in learning environments.

Key Visual Skills Needed for Learning

Eye Tracking

Keeping the eyes moving smoothly across a line of text.

Focus Shifting

Adjusting quickly between the chalkboard and desk work.

Coordination

Both eyes acting as a team to create one image.

Depth Perception

Seeing how close or far away something is.

Visual Memory

Remembering what was just read or observed.

Spatial Awareness

Knowing how things in your environment relate to each other.

Now when these skills lag or fail, everyday learning tasks become overwhelming. Thankfully, vision therapy can help fill the gaps.

What is Convergence Insufficiency (CI)

According to the Convergence Insufficiency Treatment Trial, convergence insufficiency, or CI, "has a prevalence of 4.2% to 6% in school and clinic setting". That's roughly 1 out of every 20 kids sitting in a classroom trying to keep up with their studies. CI is when the visual processing system is not correctly sending enough of an autonomic signal to both eyes that would normally align them at a closer object such as a book that a child is trying to read. This lack of signaling causes the two eyes to be aimed at a point in space that is behind the desired target (book or paper) and results in the target (words attempting to be read) to become doubled. Aside from doubling of the letters, headaches and loss of comprehension are very common with CI as the child struggles to force their eyes together.
Visual Information Processing Skills and Symptoms of Disorders

1. Visual Discrimination: The ability to visually tell/detect the difference between similar items. - Problems can lead to difficulty distinguishing between p and q, or b and d. This can slow reading and decrease comprehension and learning of new material. 2. Visual Memory: The ability to recognize or recall previously presented visual information. - Problems can lead to a decrease in comprehension from what is seen in a lecture in class to problems remembering what they have read in a book or calculated in math or science classes. 3. Visual Spatial Relation: ability to perceive relationships of different objects' position in space. - Problems can lead to difficulty judging how far something is from yourself and from other objects. This can also be problematic even if something is verbally described to you or if it is read. 4. Visual Form Constancy: ability to recognize and label objects even when they are viewed from a different angle or in a different environment. - Problems recognizing the same letters in a different font. This can be problematic when copying things written on the board at school, finding wording in a visually busy place, efficiently reading different fonts, and more. 5. Visual Sequential Memory: ability to remember the specific sequence of what is seen. - Problems can affect math work, copying from the board or from other material, reading speed, and reading comprehension. 6. Visual Figure-Ground: ability to quickly find a target or object from a busy background. - Problems can lead a child to have a difficult time finding something specific on a page or on a wall or board in a classroom. Copying from the board could be affected as the child would have difficulty finding where they left off on the board. 7. Visual Closure: ability to identify an object or word when only part is visible. - Problems can present in children being slower readers and/or less comprehensive readers, as well as having difficulty with writing and math.
17 Visual Skills

1. Eye Movement Control: The ability to move both eyes together to point at an intended target or follow along a path, like a line of text 2. Simultaneous Focus at Far: Forming a clear image of something in the distance 3. Sustaining Focus at Far: Keeping an image of something in the distance clear 4. Simultaneous Focus at Near: Forming a clear image of something close to the eyes 5. Sustaining Focus at Near: Keeping a clear image of something close to the eyes 6. Simultaneous Alignment at Far: Lining up both eyes at the same point the distance 7. Sustaining Alignment at Far: Holding both eyes lined up at the same point in the distance 8. Simultaneous Alignment at Near: Lining up both eyes at the same point up close 9. Sustaining Alignment at Near: Holding both eyes lined up at the same point up close 10. Central Vision (Visual Acuity): This is where "20/20" vision comes in! 11. Peripheral Vision: Being able to see what's on either side of you while your eyes are pointed forward 12. Depth Awareness: Being able to tell that things are further away or closer up than each other (also know as depth perception) 13. Color Perception: Being able to tell different colors apart (if you are not color-blind) 14. Gross Visual-Motor: Moving yourself through space without bumping into things by using information from your vision 15. Fine Visual-Motor: Writing, sewing, texting, and doing other small and close-up activities with accuracy by using information from your vision 16. Visual Perception: Being aware of your environment and what is going on around you in your visual field (the area you can see) 17. Visual Integration: Bringing together your vision and your other senses to accomplish complex tasks, like reading while walking a balance beam www.covd.org
Visual Skills Needed for Reading

Every time we read from a book, a sheet of paper, a computer, or a mobile device, we are performing a visual task using 7 of the 17 vital visual skills: - When we aim two eyes at the same point simultaneously and accurately, we use: Skill #1 Eye Movement Control Skill #8 Simultaneous Alignment at Near Skill #9 Sustaining Alignment at Near - When we focus both eyes to make the reading material clear, we use: Skill #4 Simultaneous Focus at Near Skill #10 Central Vision (Visual Acuity) - When we continue to sustain clear focus, we use: Skill #5 Sustaining Focus at Near - When we move two eyes continually as a coordinated team across the line of print, we use: Skill #1 Eye Movement Control Skill #9 Sustaining Alignment at Near Skill #15 Fine Visual-Motor www.covd.org

How Vision Therapy Works

Vision therapy is a specialized program that builds and retrains the connection between the eyes and brain. Think of it as physical therapy, but for the visual system.

At Visual Processing Institute, we design vision therapy programs tailored specifically to your child’s needs, allowing them to focus on the exact areas causing difficulties. By strengthening the weakened skills, we help students regain the tools they need to learn confidently.

How Therapy Helps With Vision and Learning

Builds focus and attention stamina.
Trains the eyes to align correctly to prevent double vision.
Improves processing speed so information is retained more easily.
Enhances depth perception and awareness.

About Your Vision

The Benefits of Vision Therapy For Vision and Learning

Addressing a vision challenge doesn’t just improve grades; it can change a child’s entire world.

For Children and Teens

Boost in Academic Performance: Homework time becomes shorter and more productive.
Less Frustration: Enjoying reading and school instead of dreading it.
Improved Behavior: Many parents report fewer emotional outbursts as frustration fades.
More Confidence: Knowing they can finally keep up with classmates.

For Adults

Even adults can benefit from uncovering and addressing long-standing challenges.

Better Work Efficiency: Tasks that once felt burdensome become manageable.
Relief From Headaches or Fatigue: Eye strain is drastically reduced.
Freedom To Explore: Improved vision unlocks hobbies and interests you’ve always wanted to enjoy.

What to Expect During Your Child’s Therapy Journey

We pride ourselves on creating a therapy process that’s engaging and effective for patients of all ages. Here’s how we approach it.

Comprehensive Vision Evaluation

Our assessments go beyond basic vision tests. We evaluate how every element of your child’s visual system performs, from eye tracking to memory integration.

Personalized Therapy Plan

Based on our findings, we build a tailored plan. Every exercise and activity is designed to address the specific visual challenges your child is facing.

Interactive Sessions

No boring drills here! Therapy sessions include fun, science-backed exercises and technology like virtual reality games and prisms.

Ongoing Support

We continuously monitor progress, making adjustments as needed to maximize benefits.

Celebrating Progress

The result? A student who feels ready to take on any challenge, both in and outside the classroom.

What We Treat

Why Families Trust Visual Processing Institute

Learn More

✔️ Expertise in Complex Vision Challenges

We specialize in uncovering and treating the hidden vision problems causing learning struggles. Our understanding of the connection between vision and learning sets us apart.

✔️ Advanced Treatment Options

We bring the latest tools and technology, like immersive eye-tracking systems, to every therapy session.

✔️ Compassionate, Individualized Care

Your family’s concerns are our priority, and we’re with you every step of the way.