What is Vision Therapy?

Vision therapy is a type of physical therapy for the visual system. Through guided eye exercises and specialized equipment, it helps train the eyes and brain to function together more efficiently.

Unlike glasses or contact lenses that correct how the eyes focus light, vision therapy retrains how the eyes move, focus, and process information. This approach can be life-changing for patients struggling with reading difficulties, poor eye coordination, or visual discomfort during close work.

Child color vision eye test

Common Conditions
Treated with vision therapy

Our vision therapy programs in North York help address a range of visual disorders, including

Amblyopia (Lazy Eye)

Amblyopia vision therapy Improves eye coordination and strengthens weaker eye function.

Child wearing eye patch for amblyopia vision therapy

Strabismus is a condition where the eyes are misaligned and do not work together properly, which can affect depth perception, comfort, and visual development. Vision therapy is a customized program designed to improve eye coordination and alignment. With consistent treatment, many children experience improved eye control, clearer binocular vision, and reduced eye strain during daily activities.

Toddler with eye alignment condition during vision assessment

Binocular vision problems occur when the eyes do not function as a coordinated team, affecting depth perception, reading ability, and visual comfort. Vision therapy is designed to improve eye teaming and focusing skills. With personalized programs, patients can experience stronger visual coordination and more comfortable vision for everyday activities.

Infant wearing glasses during early vision development therapy

Visual processing disorders affect how the brain interprets visual information, even when eyesight is clear. These challenges can interfere with reading, learning, and attention. Vision therapy provides structured activities that strengthen visual perception and processing skills, helping improve academic performance and overall visual efficiency.

Child wearing glasses focusing while completing visual task
Child having eye exam using trial frame lenses

The Vision Therapy Process

Comprehensive Assessment

Your journey begins with a detailed eye examination assessing how your eyes focus, track, and work together. This helps us determine if vision therapy is appropriate and identify specific areas for improvement.

Personalized Treatment Plan

Based on your evaluation, our optometrists design a customized therapy program that includes weekly in-office sessions and at-home exercises. Programs typically run for several weeks to months, with progress monitored closely at each visit.

Types of Vision Therapy Exercises

Therapy May Include

  • Eye tracking and coordination activities to improve accuracy when following moving objects or reading across a page.
  • Focusing and eye teaming exercises to help both eyes maintain clear, single vision at different distances.
Child completing a vision test worksheet

Vision Therapy in Children & Adults

For Children

Pediatric vision therapy can correct visual issues that affect reading, attention, and classroom performance. By improving eye coordination and visual processing, children often experience enhanced confidence and academic success.

For Adults

Adults dealing with digital eye strain, post-concussion visual issues, or focusing difficulties can benefit from tailored visual training programs. Vision therapy helps improve comfort and efficiency for those who spend long hours on screens or reading.

Vision test using occluder tool

Why Choose Fairlawn Eye Care?

For over 40 years, Fairlawn Eye Care has been trusted by families across North York for comprehensive, personalized eye care.

Our dedicated optometrists provide evidence-based vision therapy using advanced technology and compassionate guidance. We work closely with each patient to achieve long-term improvements in vision and quality of life.

Book a Vision Therapy Consultation in North York

If you or your child experiences difficulty reading, frequent eye strain, or poor eye coordination, vision therapy may be the solution. Schedule a vision therapy consultation at Fairlawn Eye Care in North York today and take the first step toward clearer, more comfortable vision.

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