Bernstein Center for Visual Performance

The Bernstein Center for Visual Performance would be delighted to answer any questions you may have about our Comprehensive Vision Exam and Vision Therapy Services.

Please click here for our office hours and contact information.  
Below are some of the Frequently Asked Questions we receive at the Center.  Links are provided to appropriate areas on our site for more in-depth information.

What Is Visual Performance?

There are three key systems involved in effective visual performance.  The Visual Information Gathering System (eyes), The Visual Information Processing System (brain), and Visual Motor Processing System (how we translate vision into writing and drawing).  These are referred to as VIGS, VIPS, and VMPS.  A deficit in any of these systems can lead to significant vision and learning problems.   (learn more about Visual Performance)

What is Vision Therapy?

Optometric vision therapy, sometimes called vision therapy, vision training or VT, is that part of optometric care devoted to developing, improving, and enhancing visual performance. In vision therapy, a sequence of activities individually prescribed, supervised, and monitored is established for each patient to develop age-appropriate visual skills and visual information processing ability which are necessary for reading and learning.  There are more than 250 different exercises - the treatment program for each person is different and they typically will use only some of the exercises.  (learn more about Vision Therapy)

What is a Behavioral Optometrist?

A behavioral optometrist is a doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating visual dysfunctions that affect everyday living. This not only involves healthy eyes with clear eyesight but also the many other visual skills related to learning and reading which are usually not tested in a routine eye exam or vision screening. These include eye aiming, eye coordination, teaming, focusing, and eye movement control as well as eye-hand coordination, visual-motor integration, and visual-perceptual development.

What is a Developmental Optometrist?

Same as above.  The terms are used interchangeably.

What is a Board Certified Optometrist?

Like MD's, optometrists must undergo rigorous testing and meet certain extensive experience criteria to achieve full board certification.  Optometrists constantly update their medical knowledge and take continuing education courses to sustain their Board Certification. 

What is Binocular Vision?

Binocular vision is the ability of both of your eyes, independently and together, to process visual information smoothly and effortlessly with no discomfort - subconsciously or consciously.

Is Binocular Vision Important? What are the Symptoms?

Yes, extremely so.  Binocular vision allows us to see in 3-D, judge distance and spatial relationship, and refocus our eyes from near to far - and vice versa.  Binocular vision also allows us to see clearly at close distance - a major reason why people (and particularly children) with binocular vision problems have difficulties reading, writing, and learning (more about Vision and Learning)

Doesn't the 20/20 Standard Eye Exam test my (or my child's) vision?

The Standard Eye Exam as administered in schools tests only a tiny fraction of vision skills - specifically the ability of each eye, independently, to see clearly (acuity) at a distance of 20 Feet.  The test does not measure binocular vision or test vision at reading distance. (learn more about how the 20/20 Eye Exam may be wrong)

How do I tell if my child has a binocular vision problem?

They may report headaches or, with 7-9 year old children, blurred vision.  But many children with binocular vision problems have had the problems since very early in their development - so they have ALWAYS seen that way - and may not be able to report back the way an adult would.  But - they will avoid reading and other activities which trigger visual stress.  (learn more about Vision Devlopment in children).

What kind of symptoms should I be looking for?

Symptoms vary from child to child, and depend a lot on the condition.  For a thorough checklist of vision symptoms (click here), and to see a chart of symptoms/conditions linked together (click here).

Are there special tests to determine if my child has a binocular vision or reading problem? 

YES.  The Comprehensive VIsion Exam offered by the Bernstein Center tests all facets of binocular vision, with particular attention to the close vision used in reading.  The test takes an hour, typically we do not use eyedrops, and there is no discomfort involved. (learn more about the Comprehensive Vision Exam)

My child's school is telling us that my child may have ADD/ADHD/Dyslexia.  But the vision exams are all 20/20, so it's not a problem with their eyes, right?

Regrettably, NO.  Children mis-diagnosed with ADD/ADHD, or Dyslexia (often on Ritalin or other meds which are not working) are seen very frequently at the Bernstein Center.  Underlying, undiagnosed binocular vision problems are causing the symptoms.  When you treat the vision problem - often the meds go away - but more importantly the child shows strong improvement in learning - AND now has the vision skills to reach their full potential.

Won't glasses fix all vision problems?

NO.  Just like the 20/20 eye test only measures vision at 20 feet, glasses and contact lenses (for the most part) are designed to correct your vision at 20 feet.  People read at 12-18 inches, and must use both eyes together to accomplish it smoothly.  Glasses may be a part of treatment - but alone they typically will not solve binocular vision problems.

Will My Health Insurance cover a Comprehensive Eye Exam and/or Vision Therapy?

YES/NO.  It varies from plan to plan (although most have some coverage) and also depends on symptoms and conditions.  (read more)

Are there any stories or articles on other children who have benefitted from Vision Therapy?

YES.  Many of our patients have agreed to let us publish their success stories (we don't publish their actual names) and you may view them here.   Articles on vision therapy may be found here.

What are the most common types of binocular vision problems?

The four most common types of binocular vision problems fall into the following categories: 

• Eye Movement - Oculomotor Dysfunction
• Eye Focusing - Accommodative Dysfunction
• Eye Teaming - Binocularity, Convergence
• Perceptual Delays - Developmental Delays

What is Amblyopia?

Amblyopia is a combination vision/neuro processing problem in which one eye sees a blurry, fuzzy image - BUT the brain ignores that image - and only processes the strong image.  Typically both reading and depth perception problems are asspocated with Amblyopia - and it can be diagnosed as early as 1 Year.   Early detection is key to optimal improvement, but a person with Amblyopia may be treated at any age.

What is Strabismus?

Strabismus (Cross Eye, Wall Eye, Wandering Eye) is a medical condition in which one (or both) of the eyes turn in, out, up, or down.  Also may be detected very early in a child's life (1 Year or less).  Whle parents justifiably worry about the child's eye appearance - strabismus can also cause significant vision problems (even when surgically corrected).  (read more)

My father/mother had a stroke/TBI.  Does Vision Therapy help?

YES - but it depends on the conditions and severity of the stroke or TBI.  Many times an accident of this nature will cause vision problems and visual stress - making physical therapy a longer (and more frustrating) process.  A comprehensive vision exam is the way to find out if vision is part of the problem. (read more about Post ABI, Post TBI, and stroke vision therapy)

Can computers cause vision problems?

Emphatically, YES!  Computer monitors flicker - so it's harder to work on them for long periods of time than reading a printed page for the same amount of time!  People often spend most of their day at a computer - but rarely with a book!  Learn more about Computer Vision Syndrome

What is the Bernstein Center's SPORTS ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM?

Our Sports Enhancement Program is designed for athletes of all ages to have their vision analyzed from a sports perspective (it starts with our one hour Comprehensive Vision Exam).  By identifying weaknesses (even subtle ones) in the vision system, vision therapy may help athletes reach the next level of performance.