Dr. Rupa Wong, pediatric ophthalmologist, is joined by educational therapist, Dr. Dominique Marinello, to discuss when children with reading and learning struggles need educational therapy versus vision therapy. They dive into how to identify learning differences, the importance of executive functioning skills, and why early intervention matters for kids with ADHD, dyslexia, and other learning challenges.

Key Topics:

1. What Educational Therapy Is and Who It Helps

- Educational therapist background and training

- Types of learning differences addressed

- Executive functioning challenges

2. Spotting Learning Differences in Your Child

- Warning signs at home and school

- The iceberg analogy for learning

- Individual differences between children

3. Educational Therapy vs. Tutoring and Vision Therapy

- Academic tutoring and coaching

- Vision therapy myths and limitations

- Skill-building versus content focus

4. Getting Help: When, Where, and What to Expect

- Timing for seeking help

- Finding certified educational therapists

- Supporting your child through the process

Find certified educational therapists by zip code at https://www.aetonline.org/

Learn more about - Dr. Dominique Marinello's practice in Orange County, CA - Reimagine Educational Therapy https://www.edtherapyoc.com/

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If you haven’t already, please rate, review, and follow the podcast to be notified of new episodes every Wednesday. Plus, be sure to follow along on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠@drrupawong,⁠⁠⁠⁠ check out Rupa’s YouTube channel Dr. Rupa Wong⁠⁠⁠⁠, and if you're interested in becoming a patient, check out ⁠⁠⁠⁠Honolulu Eye Clinic.

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This episode is brought to you by ⁠The Pinnacle Podcast Network⁠! Learn more about Pinnacle at ⁠learnatpinnacle.com

Dr. Rupa Wong, a pediatric ophthalmologist, reveals how vision problems can be mistaken for behavioral issues, learning disabilities, or attention problems. Through her personal story and professional expertise, she helps parents and teachers understand the subtle signs of vision disorders that impact children's learning.

Key Topics:

1. Classroom Clues

- behaviors that teachers might misinterpret

- performance shifts that signal deeper issues

- silent struggles children face when vision challenges go unnoticed

2. Hidden Eye Challenges

- surprising symptoms that slip under the radar

- invisible obstacles blocking a child's learning potential

- unexpected adaptations children develop to cope

3. The Misdiagnosis Maze

- confusing signals that lead to incorrect assumptions

- professional blind spots in traditional screening methods

- diagnostic detours that can derail a child's educational journey

4. Empowering Solutions

- parental detective work to uncover vision issues

- teacher insights for early detection and support

- approaches that can change a child's learning experience

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If you haven’t already, please rate, review, and follow the podcast to be notified of new episodes every Wednesday. Plus, be sure to follow along on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠@drrupawong,⁠⁠⁠⁠ check out Rupa’s YouTube channel Dr. Rupa Wong⁠⁠⁠⁠, and if you're interested in becoming a patient, check out ⁠⁠⁠⁠Honolulu Eye Clinic.

Join the Learn at Pinnacle app ⁠to earn FREE CE Credit for listening to this episode!

This episode is brought to you by ⁠The Pinnacle Podcast Network⁠! Learn more about Pinnacle at ⁠learnatpinnacle.com

Dr. Rupa Wong, pediatric ophthalmologist, dives into the often-overlooked link between vision and learning—revealing how undiagnosed vision problems can significantly impact a child’s academic performance, behavior, and confidence. She explains why a simple vision screening isn’t enough and emphasizes the importance of comprehensive eye exams for children who are struggling in school. If your child has trouble with reading, focus, or classroom performance, their eyes might be the missing piece of the puzzle.

Key Topics:

1. Understanding Childhood Vision

- When Seeing Isn't Clear

- Classroom Challenges

- What Kids Can't Tell You

2. Vision and Behavior

- Could It Be More Than ADHD?

- Reading Between the Lines

- Unexpected Learning Barriers

3. The Right Kind of Eye Exam

- What Doctors Really Look For

- Beyond Basic Vision Screening

- Catching Hidden Issues

4. Parents as Problem Solvers

- Asking the Right Questions

- Taking the First Step

- Helping Your Child Succeed

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If you haven’t already, please rate, review, and follow the podcast to be notified of new episodes every Wednesday. Plus, be sure to follow along on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠@drrupawong,⁠⁠⁠⁠ check out Rupa’s YouTube channel Dr. Rupa Wong⁠⁠⁠⁠, and if you're interested in becoming a patient, check out ⁠⁠⁠⁠Honolulu Eye Clinic.

Join the Learn at Pinnacle app ⁠to earn FREE CE Credit for listening to this episode!

This episode is brought to you by ⁠The Pinnacle Podcast Network⁠! Learn more about Pinnacle at ⁠learnatpinnacle.com

Dr. Rupa Wong dives into an often-overlooked topic: why NICU babies need more than just a clear retinal exam before being discharged. In this episode, she shares what parents should really be paying attention to when it comes to their baby’s vision after the NICU. From follow-up timing to the subtle signs that matter most, Dr. Wong helps parents feel informed, empowered, and ready to ask the right questions.

Key topics:

1. Baby Vision Development in Preemies

- Neurological connections and brain-eye pathways

- Sensory input and visual processing

- Developmental milestones and adjusted age

2. Follow-Up Eye Exam Process

- Pupil exam and light response

- Eye Alignment and Muscle Coordination

- Refractive Error Screening and Potential Glasses

3. Common Vision Challenges for Premature Babies

- Farsightedness and refractive errors

- Strabismus (eye misalignment)

- Amblyopia (unequal vision between eyes)

4. Parental Guidance and Support

- Tracking visual progress at home

- Understanding follow-up appointment needs

- Asking informed questions to ophthalmologists

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If you haven’t already, please rate, review, and follow the podcast to be notified of new episodes every Wednesday. Plus, be sure to follow along on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠@drrupawong,⁠⁠⁠⁠ check out Rupa’s YouTube channel Dr. Rupa Wong⁠⁠⁠⁠, and if you're interested in becoming a patient, check out ⁠⁠⁠⁠Honolulu Eye Clinic.

Join the Learn at Pinnacle app ⁠to earn FREE CE Credit for listening to this episode!

This episode is brought to you by ⁠The Pinnacle Podcast Network⁠! Learn more about Pinnacle at ⁠learnatpinnacle.com

Dr. Amanda Horton, board-certified OBGYN and maternal fetal medicine specialist,  joins Dr. Rupa Wong to discuss the surprising ways pregnancy can affect your vision. From shifting hormones to warning signs of more serious conditions, they break down what’s normal, what’s not, and how to protect your eye health during this transformative time. It’s an eye-opening conversation every expectant mother—and those who care for them—should hear.

Key Topics:

1. Hormonal Shifts and Eye Health

- Pregnancy Hormone Dynamics

- Vision Prescription Changes

- Contact Lens and LASIK Considerations

2. Preeclampsia: Silent but Serious

- Warning Signs and Symptoms

- Postpartum Risks

- Long-Term Health Implications

3. Gestational Diabetes and Ocular Impact

- Blood Sugar and Vision Connections

- Screening and Detection

- Metabolic Health Monitoring

4. Managing Chronic Conditions During Pregnancy

- Autoimmune Disease Interactions

- Specialist Collaboration

- Proactive Health Planning

Follow Dr. Amanda Horton on Instagram @amandahortonmd

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If you haven’t already, please rate, review, and follow the podcast to be notified of new episodes every Wednesday. Plus, be sure to follow along on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠@drrupawong,⁠⁠⁠⁠ check out Rupa’s YouTube channel Dr. Rupa Wong⁠⁠⁠⁠, and if you're interested in becoming a patient, check out ⁠⁠⁠⁠Honolulu Eye Clinic.

Join the Learn at Pinnacle app ⁠to earn FREE CE Credit for listening to this episode!

This episode is brought to you by ⁠The Pinnacle Podcast Network⁠! Learn more about Pinnacle at ⁠learnatpinnacle.com

Dr. Rupa Wong, a pediatric ophthalmologist, breaks down Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP). She explains how ROP develops, how it’s detected with specialized eye exams, and the latest treatment options. Dr. Wong also shares what parents need to know: the importance of follow-up care, what questions to ask their medical team, and how early detection can help preserve a child’s vision for life. 

Key Topics

1. Understanding Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP)

-Definition of ROP

-Why premature babies are at risk

-Impact of oxygen levels on ROP progression

2. NICU Eye Exam Basics

-Who gets screened

-Examination process

-What doctors look for during the exam

3. Treatment Options

-Laser treatment

-Anti-VEGF injections

-Pros and cons of each approach

4. Parental Guidance

-Important questions to ask doctors

-Long-term vision implications

-Emotional support for parents

Want to receive my newsletter? Join our community of health-conscious parents and all-around eye enthusiasts! https://www.drrupawong.com/sign-up

If you haven’t already, please rate, review, and follow the podcast to be notified of new episodes every Wednesday. Plus, be sure to follow along on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠@drrupawong,⁠⁠⁠⁠ check out Rupa’s YouTube channel Dr. Rupa Wong⁠⁠⁠⁠, and if you're interested in becoming a patient, check out ⁠⁠⁠⁠Honolulu Eye Clinic.

Join the Learn at Pinnacle app ⁠to earn FREE CE Credit for listening to this episode!

This episode is brought to you by ⁠The Pinnacle Podcast Network⁠! Learn more about Pinnacle at ⁠learnatpinnacle.com

Dr. Rupa Wong sits down with Kathryn Whitaker, SiriusXM Radio Host, Podcaster & NICU Mom, to unpack the emotional, medical, and personal journey of navigating a premature birth. Katherine shares her raw, inspiring story of her son’s 14-week NICU stay, offering insights, hope, and practical advice for families facing similar challenges.

Key Topics:

1. NICU Survival

-Emotional challenges of having a premature baby

-Importance of asking for help and accepting support

-Navigating medical complexities and multiple specialists

2.Parental Advocacy

-Learning to communicate with medical teams

-Asking the right questions

-Understanding your role in your child's care

3. Personal Growth

-Transforming trauma into purpose

-Finding strength through vulnerability

-The long-term impact of the NICU experience

4. Medical Insights

-Retinopathy of prematurity

-Navigating multiple medical interventions

-The importance of family-centered care

Follow Kathryn on Instagram @kathrynwhitakertx

Go to Kathryn’s website where you can learn more about her journey and check out her book, Live Big, Love Bigger. https://kathrynwhitaker.net/

Learn more about Hand To Hold https://handtohold.org/

Want to receive my newsletter? Join our community of health-conscious parents, and all-around eye enthusiasts! https://www.drrupawong.com/sign-up

If you haven’t already, please rate, review, and follow the podcast to be notified of new episodes every Wednesday. Plus, be sure to follow along on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠@drrupawong,⁠⁠⁠⁠ check out Rupa’s YouTube channel Dr. Rupa Wong⁠⁠⁠⁠, and if you're interested in becoming a patient, check out ⁠⁠⁠⁠Honolulu Eye Clinic.

Join the Learn at Pinnacle app ⁠to earn FREE CE Credit for listening to this episode!

This episode is brought to you by ⁠The Pinnacle Podcast Network⁠! Learn more about Pinnacle at ⁠learnatpinnacle.com

Dr. Rupa Wong explores the fascinating world of infant vision development. She breaks down how babies see the world, explaining visual milestones from birth to one year and providing parents with crucial insights into when and how to assess their child's eye health.

Key Topics:

1. Vision Development Stages

-Progression from 20/800 to 20/30 vision

-Color and depth perception milestones

-Tracking and eye movement development

2. Pediatric Vision Screening

-Pediatrician's role in initial eye checks

-Photo screener technology

-Red reflex and pupil response assessment

3.Glasses and Prescription Needs

-Types of vision issues (hyperopia, astigmatism)

-When babies might need corrective lenses

-Importance of early vision correction

4.Red Flags for Vision Problems

-Eyes that deviate or cross

-Excessive squinting

-Not tracking faces or objects

-Unusual eye appearance in photos

5.Professional Eye Examination

-When to schedule first eye exam

-Genetic factors influencing vision

-Retinoscopy and prescription assessment techniques

Want to receive my newsletter? Join our community of health-conscious parents, and all-around eye enthusiasts! https://www.drrupawong.com/sign-up

If you haven’t already, please rate, review, and follow the podcast to be notified of new episodes every Wednesday. Plus, be sure to follow along on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠@drrupawong,⁠⁠⁠⁠ check out Rupa’s YouTube channel Dr. Rupa Wong⁠⁠⁠⁠, and if you're interested in becoming a patient, check out ⁠⁠⁠⁠Honolulu Eye Clinic.

Join the Learn at Pinnacle app ⁠to earn FREE CE Credit for listening to this episode!

This episode is brought to you by ⁠The Pinnacle Podcast Network⁠! Learn more about Pinnacle at ⁠learnatpinnacle.com

Dr. Rupa Wong, board certified pediatric ophthalmologist and adult strabismus surgeon, demystifies the critical world of children's vision health. She provides parents with essential insights into nearsightedness, screen time impacts, and practical strategies to protect their children's eyesight. Drawing from scientific research and personal experience, Dr. Wong offers an empowering guide to understanding and preventing vision problems in the digital age.

Key Topics Covered:

1. Nearsightedness Explained

-Definition of myopia

-Vision-threatening complications

-Increasing prevalence among children

2. Screen Time and Vision

-Research linking screen time to nearsightedness

-Risk increases with more screen hours

-Recommended screen time limits by age group

3. Prevention Strategies

-Importance of outdoor time

-Reducing near work activities

-Treatment options like low-dose atropine drops

- Special contact lenses and glasses

Want to receive my newsletter? Join our community of health-conscious parents, and all-around eye enthusiasts! https://www.drrupawong.com/sign-up

If you haven’t already, please rate, review, and follow the podcast to be notified of new episodes every Wednesday. Plus, be sure to follow along on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠@drrupawong,⁠⁠⁠⁠ check out Rupa’s YouTube channel Dr. Rupa Wong⁠⁠⁠⁠, and if you're interested in becoming a patient, check out ⁠⁠⁠⁠Honolulu Eye Clinic.

Join the Learn at Pinnacle app ⁠to earn FREE CE Credit for listening to this episode!

This episode is brought to you by ⁠The Pinnacle Podcast Network⁠! Learn more about Pinnacle at ⁠learnatpinnacle.com

Welcome to In Focus: Vision, Clarity, and Eye Health for the Family. We are excited to share Season 2 of the podcast launching June 25th!

If you haven't already, please rate, review, and follow the podcast to be notified of new episodes every Wednesday. Plus be sure to follow along on Instagram ⁠@drrupawong, check out Rupa's YouTube Channel, Dr. Rupa Wong and if you are interested in becoming a patient, check out Honolulu Eye Clinic

In Focus is part of the Pinnacle Podcast network. ⁠Learn more here!⁠

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