Bernstein Center for Visual Performance

Visual Performance, at the simplest level, is the ability of the Visual Information Gathering System (VIGS) and the Visual Information Processing System (VIPS) to operate quickly, effectively, and with no discomfort on either a conscious or subconscious level.  For people with normal eyesight, or normal corrected eyesight (glasses, contact lenses), a normally functioning VIGS/VIPS is simply taken for granted.

VISUAL INFORMATION GATHERING SYSTEM (VIGS)

The Human Eye (left) and all of its parts (close-up of the retina, right) are important elements of the VIGS.

The VIGS is a combination of many different vision skills: 

• Eye Acuity:  The ability of each eye, independently, and together, to see clearly, with or without glasses. (more)
• Eye Teaming /Binocular Vision:  The ability of both eyes to function together to process the images they see... (more)
• Eye Tracking /Oculomotor Skills:  The ability of both eyes independently and together to track moving objects and to shift gaze from one object of regard to another.  This includes the ability to fixate, keep ones eyes "locked onto" a target or a task until its completion. (more)
• Eye Focusing /Accommodation:  The ability of the eyes to focus on objects at various distances. (more)

When deficits exist with any of these visual skills,  symptoms may include, but are not limited to, eyestrain, headaches, and blurred or double vision.

THE VISUAL INFORMATION PROCESSING SYSTEM

The Brain and Central Nervous System also play an important role in vision - The Visual Information Processing System.

For effective visual performance, the VIGS has to work correctly to capture the image.  But, just as importantly the brain has to interact with the VIGS to properly interpret the image.  This includes sharp focus, depth of field, distance, and spatial dimensions.   This is called the Vision Information Processing System.

VISUAL PERFORMANCE DEFICITS - SHORTFALLS

When the VIGS or VIPS do not operate efficiently, the entire visual system will not receive an image that is easy to understand.   A child or adult with a shortfall will  attempt to compensate for the visual performance problem in a number of different ways.  They will attempt to avoid situations which depend on good visual performance (reading, for example), while focusing on areas which, for them, are stress-free (memorizing by rote, learning by listening, etc.).

Children with VIGS and VIPS deficits often pass school vision tests with 20/20 results. 

VIGS and VIPS shortfalls are vision problems that are often misdiagnosed as dyslexia, ADD, or ADHD.

Other conditions of the eye such as amblyopia or strabismus (read more) may also cause the symptoms noted above.

Most, if not all, of these conditions may be treated successfully with vision therapy.

Visual Performance and The Bernstein Center

The mission of the Bernstein Center for Visual Performance is to identify, diagnose and treat individuals of all ages who have Visual Performance deficits which result in underachievement of their goals. These goals may be academic, athletic, job related, or simply the desire to achieve clear, comfortable and efficient visual performance. Better Vision for a Better Life.