Why Functional Neurologists Refer Patients to Our Clinics for Treatment of Binocular Vision Dysfunction
- Dr. Kalie McCartin
- 2 days ago
- 4 min read
If you’ve been struggling with symptoms of binocular vision dysfunction (BVD)—like headaches when reading, eye strain, or double vision—you may be referred to our clinic by a functional neurologists. In this post, we’ll explain why functional neurologists collaborate with vision therapy clinics, what BVD looks like in real life, and why our clinics in Southern California offer uniquely powerful and affordable solutions.
What Is a Functional Neurologist—and Why Do They Refer Vision Therapy?
A functional neurologist specializes in understanding how the brain and nervous system operate functionally rather than structurally. Instead of focusing purely on lesions or obvious damage, they address network imbalances, functional connectivity, and subtle neurological dysfunctions.
Many patients who see functional neurologists present with a constellation of “mystery” symptoms—brain fog, dizziness, fatigue, headaches, or difficulties processing visual stimuli—that don’t show clear structural findings on MRI or CT scans. Some of these symptoms stem from subtle visual processing or eye-teaming issues, such as convergence insufficiency, amblyopia, or hidden binocular misalignment (BVD).
When a functional neurologist suspects that a patient’s symptoms are being amplified—or even caused—by an undiagnosed binocular vision disorder, they may refer the patient to a vision therapy clinic. In doing so, they collaborate with neuro-optometrists or vision therapists to support the brain-eye connection and reduce strain on the rest of the nervous system.
Because functional neurologists often work with patients who don’t respond fully to general neurologic or rehabilitation approaches, they increasingly recognize that “visual inefficiency” can be a missing piece in recovery. By referring patients to vision therapy, they help close that gap.
Symptoms and Signs of Binocular Vision Dysfunction
Patients with BVD or related conditions often report confusing and non-specific symptoms, which makes diagnosis challenging. Common indicators include:
Eye strain, fatigue, or soreness—especially after reading or near work
Headaches or brow pain during or after reading
Blurred vision or trouble maintaining focus
Double vision (diplopia) during reading or computer work
Words or letters “moving” on a page
Losing place while reading
Poor concentration, especially on schoolwork
Motion sensitivity or dizziness
Squinting or closing one eye to see clearly
Symptoms overlapping with ADHD or reading difficulties
Because BVD often escapes detection in routine eye exams, many people struggle for years without realizing that their visual system is the root issue.
Convergence insufficiency is one of the most common forms of BVD—it occurs when the eyes have trouble turning inward together during near work. Other related issues include:
Amblyopia (lazy eye) — where one eye is suppressed to avoid double vision
Esotropia (inward turning of one eye) or exotropia (outward turning)
Vertical misalignments (one eye drifting up or down relative to the other)
Latent misalignments (heterophorias) that the brain struggles to compensate for
A functional neurologist may recognize that visual stress is amplifying neurological symptoms, prompting a referral for binocular vision dysfunction testing.
Causes and Triggers — Why Functional Neurologists Get Involved
Several factors can push someone into symptomatic binocular vision dysfunction:
Developmental or congenital imbalances – subtle misalignment or weak vergence from childhood
Neurological injury or concussion – trauma can degrade visual coordination
Chronic stress or fatigue – reduces the nervous system’s ability to compensate for small visual misalignments
High visual demands – long hours of screen time or reading can expose underlying weakness
Suppression and neural adaptation – the brain may suppress one eye to avoid double vision, leading to lazy eye or poor depth perception
Functional neurologists are trained to recognize subtle, system-wide issues. When patients plateau with standard care, they often suspect that visual stress is dragging down overall brain function—and that’s when they refer for vision therapy.
Vision Therapy: The Functional Solution
What Vision Therapy Involves
Vision therapy is a structured, customized rehabilitation program that retrains how the eyes and brain work together. It’s not just “eye exercises”—it’s a neurologically guided process to improve coordination, focus, and eye-teaming.
A typical program may include:
Convergence and divergence training
Stereopsis and depth-perception exercises
Prism and fusion therapy
Computer-based vergence systems
Lens-based activities and visual filters
Home reinforcement programs
For patients needing lazy eye treatment (amblyopia treatment) or esotropia treatment, therapy may combine corrective lenses, prism adjustments, or patching as needed.
Why It Works for Functional Neurology Patients
When a functional neurologist refers a patient, it’s because the problem lies in how visual information is processed—not in the eyes themselves. Vision therapy directly targets this brain-eye coordination, helping to:
Reduce headaches, eye strain, or double vision
Improve reading comfort and attention
Support recovery after neurological events
Improve balance, focus, and overall visual efficiency
Research shows that in-office vision therapy is significantly more effective than at-home exercises alone for convergence insufficiency and other forms of BVD.
Why Choose Our Clinics
If your functional neurologist refers you for vision therapy, you deserve the best care possible. Our clinics are:
The largest and most technologically advanced vision therapy centers in California
The most affordable, with sessions starting as low as $123.33
Known for faster graduation rates and more success stories than other clinics such as Ketchum or NVISION
Conveniently located in Newport Beach, Torrance/South Bay, West LA, and San Juan Capistrano
Focused on patient success, with a warm, professional, and encouraging atmosphere
We work hand-in-hand with functional neurologists to share progress reports, align care, and deliver measurable results. Visit our Vision Therapy page or Contact Us today to learn more.
What Happens After a Referral
Referral & Records Transfer – Your functional neurologist may send us case details.
Comprehensive Developmental Vision Exam – We test eye teaming, focusing, and tracking.
Customized Vision Therapy Plan – We design a program based on your results.
Progress Reports – We update your referring neurologist regularly.
Graduation & Maintenance – We help you sustain your gains long-term.
Our clinics proudly serve Coto de Caza, Ladera Ranch, Torrance/South Bay, Bel Air, Culver City, and surrounding communities.
Ready to Get Started?
If you or a loved one are struggling with binocular vision dysfunction, convergence insufficiency, or visual symptoms that may be connected to neurological issues, don’t wait.
Schedule a developmental vision exam today.Let our experienced team help you restore balance, comfort, and confidence through advanced vision therapy.