In this episode, I interview Christine Kalicki, a developmental optometrist, to uncover the vital link between vision and everyday challenges faced by children and even older teens. Christine sheds light on the lesser-known aspects of vision assessments for children, including eye movements, convergence, accommodation, and depth perception, which are often overlooked in routine eye exams.

The episode unfolds with practical insights, personal experiences, and valuable resources that will help parents and caregivers identify symptoms related to visual challenges and seek the appropriate professional assistance. Christine also shares her expertise on the impact of vision on athletic performance and even driving anxiety in older teens. Join us for an engaging conversation that delves into the integral role of vision in various aspects of daily life and support in understanding and addressing visual challenges. 

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In this episode you'll hear about:

• Christine explains that routine eye exams for children typically focus on acuity and ocular health. She emphasizes the importance of checking skills such as ocular motility, pursuits, saccades, convergence, accommodation, and depth perception in children, which are often not part of routine eye exams.

• How parents can proactively inquire about these additional skills being checked during their child's eye exam.

• Advises parents to ask specific questions when scheduling an appointment and to ensure that the eye doctor is experienced in dealing with children's visual skills.

• The roles of optometrists, ophthalmologists, and neuro-ophthalmologists, along with the specific areas they specialize in.

• Reassures parents that the primary care for visual health tends to be optometry, with specialists being ophthalmologists.

• The impact of visual skills on functional abilities, such as reading, writing, attention, and coordination.

• Christine shares her approach to visual therapy, which involves using various exercises and tools to improve eye movements and coordination.

• The relationship between visual challenges and symptoms such as headaches, discomfort while reading, avoidance of schoolwork, and underperforming academically.

• Some children may not verbalize their visual difficulties, making the importance of parental observation in identifying potential visual problems valuable.

• Explores the connection between the visual system and other sensory systems, in particular proprioception and body awareness.

• How visual challenges can impact a child's overall sensory integration and motor skills.

• The relationship between dyslexia and visual challenges, especially regarding left-right orientation and eye movements.

• The importance of addressing underlying visual issues alongside dyslexia to gain a better understanding of their impact on the child's performance.

• Online resources such as COVD and OEPF to help parents find qualified vision care providers in their area.

• The impact of visual challenges on older children, particularly concerning anxiety while driving, judging distances, and handling crowded environments.

• Christine highlights the positive outcomes of addressing visual difficulties for older teens, especially in improving driving safety and comfort.

Links and Resources From Today's Show

• The Connection between Vision and Literacy
• Vision Therapy: An Interview with the Experts
• COVD
• OEPF
• Vision Therapy or Occupational Therapy?
• Eye Power by Dr. Stanley Applebaum
• Christine's Practice, My Visual Edge
• Vision Assessment Screening