Locations: Los Angeles | Torrance | Newport Beach | San Juan Capistrano
Strabismus & Amblyopia Treatment – Cure the Eye Turn
At Visual Processing Institute, we know how frustrating it is to watch your child struggle with vision problems—or to experience them yourself.
Whether it’s strabismus (eye turn) or amblyopia (lazy eye), these conditions can make reading, learning, and even simple daily tasks more challenging. But there’s good news: vision therapy for strabismus and amblyopia can provide lasting improvements—without the need for surgery.
And unlike surgical procedures that mainly focus on eye position, our binocular vision dysfunction treatment retrains the brain and eyes to work together, leading to functional, long-term results.
What Are Strabismus & Amblyopia?
Strabismus (Eye Turn)
Strabismus occurs when the eyes don’t align or work together, causing double vision, poor depth perception, and eye strain. While many assume surgery is the only fix, research shows that vision therapy can retrain the brain to coordinate the eyes—without cutting eye muscles which have been misappropriately believed to be weak or attached incorrectly. But they’re actually aren’t any studies that prove either of those claims.
Amblyopia (Lazy Eye)
Amblyopia occurs when one eye has weaker communication with the brain, leading to reduced vision. Traditional patching increases the communication between the brain and the eye with worse vision, but can actually delay the development of the brain’s skills that control the eyes working together. Modern vision therapy targets the brain’s processing skills—helping both eyes function as a team and improve the vision of the eye with worse vision for true vision improvement.
Why Try Vision Therapy for Strabismus & Amblyopia Before Surgery?
World-renowned Dr. Robert Sanet who has treated and trained children to Olympic athletes said it best when he said, "Cutting eye muscles to cure a vision problem is like cutting the tongue to cure a speech problem."
While most surgeons will be honest that the goal of surgery is merely cosmetic, Vision Therapy works to not only align the eyes for better cosmetics but also improve the brain's processing and control of the eyes so they work better together and see better.
The eyes must work well together as a TEAM. Eye turns and "lazy eyes" are typically NOT caused by an eye muscle problem but instead by a brain problem that results in the two eyes not working well together as a team. That's why our treatment is directed at the actual cause of the problem and not just the cosmetics.
The Benefits of Vision Therapy for Amblyopia & Strabismus
We go beyond traditional treatments like patching or surgery to offer a science-backed, non-invasive solution. Our customized vision therapy programs focus on training the brain and eyes to work together, addressing the root cause for lasting improvements in vision.
Why Vision Therapy For Amblyopia & Strabismus?
Strabismus and amblyopia are not just muscle problems—they stem from how the brain processes vision. Instead of masking symptoms, vision therapy reprograms neural pathways, ensuring both eyes work in sync for better function, depth perception, and clarity. This makes everyday activities easier while avoiding the risks and limitations of surgery.
Key Benefits of Vision Therapy
Lazy Eye Treatment for Children:
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Improved Learning & Focus – Reduces visual barriers that affect reading, writing, and comprehension.
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Stronger Hand-Eye Coordination – Enhances skills for sports, arts, and other physical activities.
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Boosted Social Confidence – Clearer vision leads to better engagement in school and play.
For Adults:
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Reduced Eye Strain & Fatigue – Minimizes discomfort from screens, reading, and daily tasks.
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Better Spatial Awareness & Balance – Helps with driving, walking, and coordination.
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Enhanced Quality of Life – Improved vision supports independence and confidence.
For Everyone:
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Non-Invasive & Drug-Free – No surgery, no medications—just safe, effective treatment.
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Long-Term Results – Strengthens eye-brain connection for lasting improvement.
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Sharper Depth Perception & Visual Processing – Enhances daily interactions, work performance, and hobbies.
Tailored Treatment Plans for Lasting Change
No two patients are the same, so we design each therapy plan to fit individual needs—whether it’s a child struggling in school or an adult looking for a permanent alternative to surgery. With advanced techniques and clinically proven methods, our team at Visual Processing Institute is dedicated to transforming vision—and lives.
How Vision Therapy Works at Visual Processing Institute
Here at Visual Processing Institute, we take a technology-driven approach to vision therapy by using cutting-edge tools and equipment that are FDA-approved and clinically tested.
RightEye Eye Tracking
Our FDA-approved RightEye technology monitors every movement of the eyes with precision. This innovative tool records, tracks, and analyzes how your eyes move to identify errors and compare performance against age-appropriate benchmarks.
Vivid Vision Virtual Reality
Virtual reality takes engagement to the next level. Using Vivid Vision VR headsets and software, patients actively enjoy therapy sessions, making the process fun and interactive.
Computer Orthoptics’ 3-D Software
This system takes patient involvement to new heights by combining therapy with interactive gaming elements. Patients wear specialized glasses and hold an Xbox controller to engage in visually stimulating exercises.
Sanet Vision Integrator Touch Screen
Designed by renowned vision therapy pioneer Dr. Robert Sanet, this customizable touch screen system helps patients build stronger visual and cognitive skills.
Senaptec Sensory Station
This state-of-the-art sensory training tool is used by professional and Olympic athletes to improve visual and motor performance. Now, it's available to patients seeking advanced vision therapy.
What to Expect at Your Strabismus Vision Therapy or Amblyopia Vision Therapy Session
We take a step-by-step approach to ensure each patient receives personalized care and support throughout their vision therapy.
1. Initial Evaluation
Your journey begins with a comprehensive visual processing evaluation by our highly trained team, led by Dr. Kalie McCartin. This evaluation will identify the precise nature of your or your child’s visual challenges, determining whether strabismus, amblyopia, or other binocular vision dysfunctions are impacting daily life.
2. Customized Treatment Plan
After the evaluation, we’ll design a personalized treatment plan tailored to the patient’s unique needs. This plan will include a combination of in-office therapy sessions, at-home exercises, and advanced technologies such as virtual reality or eye-tracking programs.
3. Guided Therapy Sessions
During therapy, our team will guide patients through engaging activities designed to retrain the brain and eyes. Sessions are interactive, goal-oriented, and compassionate to ensure positive outcomes.
4. Progress Monitoring
Our specialists will monitor progress closely through follow-up evaluations, making modifications to the therapy plan as needed to achieve the best results.
5. Life-Long Results
Once therapy is complete, patients enjoy both improved visual function and enhanced quality of life—without the risks and side effects of surgery.
Why Choose the Visual Processing Institute For Your Binocular Vision Dysfunction Treatment?
When it comes to binocular vision dysfunction treatment, strabismus vision therapy, and amblyopia vision therapy, we are leaders in the field. Here’s why so many families trust us with their care:
✔️Expertise You Can Trust
Dr. Kalie McCartin and her team are recognized experts in visual processing and neuro-optometry. Her compassionate care and commitment to cutting-edge, non-invasive treatments make us a trusted name in LA and Orange counties.
✔️State-of-the-Art Technology
We utilize advanced tools such as virtual reality and eye-tracking software to achieve optimal results.
✔️Personalized Care
Our customized treatment plans ensure every patient meets their vision goals. No one-size-fits-all solutions here.
✔️Convenient Locations
With four locations across LA and Orange counties, you can find the care you need close to home.
✔️Proven Track Record
We pride ourselves on delivering life-changing outcomes for both children and adults, transforming not just vision, but quality of life.
Seeing clearly isn’t the same as seeing efficiently. Our goal is to restore full binocular function—so both eyes work together seamlessly, making vision comfortable, effortless, and natural.