How Do I Know if My Child Needs Vision Therapy?

As parents, we do everything we can to support our children’s success - from school and sports to their confidence and everyday comfort. But sometimes a child’s struggles may be linked to a vision problem that isn’t always detected in a standard eye exam. At Eyes for Wellness, our eye doctor in Indianapolis, IN, Dr. Mary VanHoy, specializes in identifying the visual challenges that can impact learning, attention, and performance.

What Is Vision Therapy?

Vision therapy is a doctor-supervised program designed to improve visual skills such as tracking, focusing, eye teaming, and visual processing. If these skills aren’t working properly, a child may have trouble reading, concentrating in class, or participating in sports.

Many visual challenges can go unnoticed because children don’t always know how to express that something feels “off.” Here are key signs to look out for.

Reading & Learning Difficulties

•           Avoiding reading tasks or becoming easily frustrated

•           Skipping lines or losing their place when reading

•           Confusing similar letters like b, d, p, and q

•           Poor reading comprehension despite strong effort

Attention & Behavior Concerns

•           Difficulty staying focused during schoolwork

•           Daydreaming or appearing to not listen

•           Diagnosed or suspected ADHD-like symptoms

Vision-Related Discomfort

•           Frequent headaches or eye strain

•           Rubbing eyes often

•           Sensitivity to light

Poor Hand-Eye Coordination

•           Trouble catching or throwing a ball

•           Clumsiness, poor balance, or difficulty with coordination

Eye Alignment or Tracking Issues

•           Eyes drifting outward or inward

•           Closing one eye while reading

•           Losing objects in motion or struggling to copy from the board

What Makes Vision Therapy Different?

A routine eye exam typically evaluates how clearly a child sees, but it may not reveal how well the eyes and brain work together. Vision therapy in Indianapolis focuses on strengthening this connection to support reading, learning, and overall development.

Every program is tailored to each child’s needs, combining in-office therapies and at-home activities to improve:

•           Eye coordination

•           Depth perception

•           Visual memory and processing

•           Tracking and focusing abilities

Early Detection Can Change Everything

The earlier vision-related challenges are identified, the easier they are to overcome. Vision therapy has helped countless children build stronger academic skills, become more confident readers, and enjoy better performance in activities they love. If you’ve noticed any of the signs listed above or feel something just isn’t right with your child’s visual comfort or behavior, it may be time for a deeper evaluation.

Find Out if Vision Therapy Is Right for Your Child

Your child’s eyes play a critical role in how they learn, play, and engage with the world. Vision problems can easily be mistaken for learning or behavioral concerns, but the right treatment can make a life-changing difference. Dr. VanHoy and her team is here to help identify whether vision therapy is the missing link in your child’s success.
 

Contact Eyes for Wellness to schedule a consultation to learn if vision therapy is the right for your child’s needs. Visit our office in Indianapolis, Indiana, or call (765) 222-9300 to book an appointment today.