Vision Therapy

American Optometric Association Vision Therapy Task Force

Mission Statement

Promote awareness and knowledge of optometric vision therapy for the general public, AOA members, and other professionals, to improve quality of lives.

Definition of Optometric Vision Therapy
Optometric vision therapy is a sequence of neurosensory and neuromuscular activities individually prescribed and monitored by the doctor of optometry to develop, rehabilitate and enhance visual skills and processing. The optometric vision therapy program is based on the results of a comprehensive eye examination or consultation, and takes into consideration the results of standardized tests, the needs of the patient, and the patient’s signs and symptoms. The use of lenses, prisms, filters, occluders, specialized instruments, and computer programs is an integral part of optometric vision therapy. The length of the therapy program varies depending on the severity of the diagnosed conditions, typically ranging from several months to longer periods of time. Activities paralleling in-office techniques are typically taught to the patient to be practiced at home, thereby reinforcing the developing visual skills.

Research has demonstrated optometric vision therapy can be an effective treatment option for:

• Ocular motility dysfunctions (eye movement disorders)
• Nonstrabismic binocular disorders (inefficient eye teaming)
• Strabismus (misalignment of the eyes)
• Amblyopia (poorly developed vision)
• Accommodative disorders (focusing problems)
• Visual information processing disorders, including visual-motor integration and integration with other sensory modalities
• Visual sequela of acquired brain injury

Approved by the American Optometric Association Board of Trustees, April 2023