Clear, crisp letters on the Snellen eye chart may indicate perfect eyesight, but that doesn’t always translate to perfect vision. Many who pass a regular comprehensive eye exam emerge with undiagnosed vision disorders that continue to affect reading, learning, memory and cognition.

Gainesville, VA -- (SBWIRE) -- 11/23/2012 -- Seeing clearly, in itself, is no small feat. As light is reflected by objects near and far, it enters the eye through the cornea. It is then focused through the pupil as tiny muscles in the iris contract and relax, opening and closing in response. The lens, just behind the pupil, changes shape with the help of small muscles in the ciliary body to focus the light onto the retina at the back of the eye. Millions of photoreceptive nerve cells within the retina send light energy in the form of electric impulses through the optic nerve to the brain. Light sensitive cone cells, in the center portion of the retina called the macula, specialize in color and detail seen in bright light. Low light, peripheral vision cells, called rods, surround the macula, acting as motion sensors in dim conditions. This is the miracle of eyesight.

The retina sends about ten million messages to the brain each second according to University of Pennsylvania Medical School research. Translating that light energy into awe-inspiring images of the world around us involves integrated responses by many parts of the eye and brain. Binocular vision, tracking, and focusing processes all work together with nerve impulses and motor skills to provide not only a clear image, but a clear interpretation of that image, giving it meaning through visual motor integration with the brain. Eyes, neurons, and brain are all working together to provide image, color, movement, depth of field and meaning for cognitive interpretation of all that we see. Now we are talking vision.

Not everything, however, is as cut and dry as reading a letter on a black and white chart. Strabismus, or deviating eye; amblyopia, or lazy eye; letter reversal; and convergence insufficiency can all make visual and learning skills less than perfect. Reading can become a difficult task, and translating letters, numbers and symbols into meaningful information can prove confusing to students with vision disorders. Most disorders like these can be dramatically improved through vision therapy. Similarly, vision skills like tracking, binocular vision, color vision, visual memory, and visual form discrimination can also see measurable improvement through vision therapy programs.

When patients continue to experience vision issues, even after eyesight is tested and corrected, Dr. Tod Davis of Developmental Optometry & Vision Therapy Services can make a significant difference. Under his direction, patients experiencing problems that have prevented them from enjoying and excelling at specific tasks undergo vision therapy, learning how to strengthen and restore communication between the eye and the brain. Reading, learning, and hand-to-eye-to-brain activities required in sports, careers and countless tasks used in everyday living become easier. Dreams, goals and achievements that once seemed impossible become realistic and within reach.

Developmental vision testing, combined with vision therapy targeting a variety of vision skills, can help struggling students and lifelong learners enjoy tasks that once proved frustrating. Dr. Davis puts over 30 years of experience into helping patients throughout eastern Virginia embrace the world of good vision, in tandem with good eyesight, bringing their world, as they see it, into focus.

Author published earlier about "Developmental Optometrist Dr. Tod Davis reveals Vision Therapy success story" and now came with Treat convergence insufficiency in Virginia for all.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

There is no way to escape computer screens these days, and no matter what line of work you are in, you are bound to experience some degree of asthenopia, or eyestrain.

Gainesville, VA -- (SBWIRE) -- 11/23/2012 -- Many who spend the day behind a computer screen find their eyesight compromised in a number of ways, in addition to just feeling exhausted after eight hours of sitting and staring. Our eyes were designed to move and adjust, focusing near to far and side to side, during all kinds of natural light conditions, not to be steadily focused all day, every day, on a backlit electronic screen.

Subjecting the eyes to such conditions can have consequences, not the least of which being eyestrain. If you spend more than five hours a day working on a computer screen, consider the following tips to keep your eyes focused and functioning at their best:

- Schedule a regular comprehensive eye exam. If you work exclusively on computer screens or just spend large blocks of time on them, you may be surprised by how helpful an exam from a developmental optometrist can be, addressing any current issues through a program of vision therapy. Eyes weren't designed to spend the day focused on a backlit digital screen at intermediate range. Learn how to exercise and care for your eyes when long screen sessions are a part of your life.

- Adjust lighting to a comfortable level that eliminates glare. If you work in an office with lighting that cannot or will not be changed, consider getting fitted for a pair of computer glasses designed to reduce eyestrain by focusing specifically on the intermediate range. Look for a pair with a special coating to reduce glare. That's important for regular prescription eyeglasses as well.

- Reduce glare by arranging your computer screen location to a spot where it receives the least glare from artificial as well as natural light.

- Adjust the angle of your screen to between 15 and 20 degrees; the distance to between 20 and 26 inches from your eyes; and the height to between eye level and four inches below. The combination will go a long way toward minimizing neck and shoulder aches as well as eyestrain. Adjusting screen brightness and text size to comfortable reading levels will also help.

- Blink. And remember to do it often. Long computer sessions often result in intense gazes without blinking. Blinking moistens the eyes, and keeps them protected with a film of tears. Not blinking dries them out, making them red and irritated. This is especially important in offices with dry air and offices that lack humidifiers.

- Practice 20-20-20. That would be moving your gaze from your computer to a point 20 feet away for 20 seconds, every 20 minutes during computer use. There are apps and small programs that can downloaded to remind you to do so. Also, take breaks. For every two hours spent at the screen, walk away for 15 minutes, or at least close your eyes and allow them a brief rest.

If you have vision concerns stemming from intermediate range computer work, you could just Google your query. If you prefer, seek the advice of an experienced professional by scheduling an appointment with Dr. Tod Davis at Developmental Optometry & Vision Therapy is your source for solutions. Addressing vision disorders and prescribing vision therapy programs for Eastern Virginia residents for over 30 years, Dr. Davis can provide you with exercises to maintain, and in some cases improve, good visual performance that endures computer screen marathons with ease. Visit DavisVisionTherapy.com for more information.

Dr. Tod Davis published earlier about "Vision Therapy Expert announces speaking engagement at JCC of Northern Virginia" and now came with lazy eye vision therapy for all.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

The eyes, it is said, are the window to the soul, but in everyday terms they are a window to the world. These valuable orbs transmit over ten million bits of information to the brain each second, according to scientists at the University of Pennsylvania Medical School.

Gainesville, VA -- (SBWIRE) -- 11/23/2012 -- For most, the process is automatic, sending rapid-fire synapses to the brain in electronic messages, delivering and processing images, then prompting a response.

When vision blurs, or something doesn't seem quite right, it's off to the optometrist for an exam, usually resulting in a prescription for corrective lenses or treatment for an eye-related concern. Issues are usually resolved, but not always. A patient can have 20/20 vision yet still experience undiagnosed vision disorders.

Comprehensive exams usually involve an acuity test with the familiar Snellen letter chart, assessing clarity at distance. Additional tests normally include evaluating depth perception, color vision, peripheral vision and adjustment to light and darkness. Testing also usually includes an examination of the curvature and surface of the cornea, and a tonometry test to determine eye pressure, often measured with a puff of air blown onto the surface of the eye. Refractive error is assessed by viewing light through a series of lenses, observing how the eye focuses images.

Eye tissues, the conjunctiva, and exterior surfaces of the eye are examined under high magnification and bright light for irregularities. A small object moved from side to side, near to far, and in varying light conditions, assesses eye movement, tracking, and focusing. Lastly, the interior of the eye is examined through the pupil, either through digital imaging, or employing manual dilation with pharmaceutical drops and examination by the optometrist.

At Dr. Tod Davis Developmental Optometry & Vision Therapy Services, Dr. Tod Davis performs comprehensive exams that embrace not only the visual acuity of a patient's eyes, but also the physical performance and cognitive interpretation that work with visual images to make sense of what is seen. Patients experiencing challenges in the classroom or the workplace, with reading, remembering, or properly interpreting and responding to the visual world, often find solutions directed by developmental optometry exams administered by Dr. Davis.

Tests that detect vision disorders associated with tracking, focusing, depth perception, letter reversal, color vision, visual memory and convergence insufficiency provide a baseline useful in determining therapy for weaknesses. Dr. Davis also tests for strabismus, or deviating eyes; and amblyopia, or lazy eye; as well as successful completion of tasks involving eye-hand-mind coordination.

Additionally, Dr. Davis tests to see that vision is clear at short distances used in close-up work. He checks binocular vision to ensure the eyes work together for accurate depth perception and coordinated inward focus for reading. He measures the ability of the eye to focus automatically from near to far and back, important for reading, writing and sports. He examines eye movement and muscle control, important in following from line to line in reading and tracking objects in sports. He tests for hyperopia affecting close focus; visual motor integration dovetailing visual input with movement, balance and hearing; and for visual form discrimination used in identifying shape, size, color, distance and position differences.

Young children struggling to learn to read, students taking twice as long to complete assignments, wrestling with attention spans, or putting off work they know will be difficult to focus on, often experience frustration. Many such issues have related vision disorders that can be diagnosed with a comprehensive exam by Dr. Davis, and can be treated through a prescribed vision therapy program.

With over 30 years of developmental optometry and vision therapy experience, Dr. Tod Davis provides state-of-the-art treatment through three clinic locations in the Virginia area. Scheduling an appointment with Dr. Davis at Developmental Optometry & Vision Therapy Services can help patients make measurable improvements in a skeptical, judgmental world, improving skills, building confidence, and providing real solutions to identified problems.

Dr. Tod Davis published earlier about "Developmental optometrist Dr. Tod Davis reveals vision therapy success story" and now came with lazy eye exercises for all.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Most people see a “p”, but some see “q”. Most see a “b”, but others see a “d”. Reversed letter perception is common as young children are learning their letters, but sometimes it serves as an indication of a vision disorder known as dyslexia.

Gainesville, NY -- (SBWIRE) -- 11/23/2012 -- There is more to the disorder than just flipped letter images, however. In addition, dyslexic individuals may find it is difficult to:

- comprehend meaning or content in written material
- recognize words, either handwritten or printed
- write simple sentences
- rhyme words
- solve mathematical problems

Dyslexia can affect reading, writing and math skills required for meaningful translation of letters, numbers or symbols. People of average and above average intelligence can fail at simple tasks of translating symbols into words, or performing basic mathematical operations due to dyslexia & go for dyslexia vision therapy. While the disorder does not affect the ability to form or comprehend complex thoughts, confusion surrounding the translation of symbols into meaningful content may cause others to wrongly classify dyslexic individuals as intellectual inferiors. Accordingly, those individuals suffer a loss of self-esteem and often experience frustration, sometimes leading to behavior problems and limited career opportunities.

It is important to remember that true dyslexia is not caused by problems with eyesight such as visual acuity, eye movement or focusing, although such disorders may contribute significantly to challenges experienced by dyslexic individuals. Dyslexia is the result of errors in the brain, processing or integrating with other senses, to interpret information and form a response. Since overall performance, however, includes any or all of the visual pathways, from the eye to the brain and connecting nerves and circulation, assessment should include examination and evaluation of all structures involved.

Dyslexia is an inherited disorder, and if recognized early, can be met with appropriate strategies to help individuals attain a high level of education that leads to success. While these are by no means concrete indicators of this visual disorder, some signs that your child could be experiencing dyslexia may include:

- trouble multi-tasking or following multiple commands
- difficulty remembering items in sequence
- confusion when given rapid instructions
- learning to read late or reading below grade level
- difficulty learning new words or a foreign language
- difficulty spelling
- trouble interpreting and differentiating sounds

The problems that accompany dyslexia build a difficult road when learning to read or perform mathematical calculations, sometimes resulting in academic failure, social isolation and a low sense of self-worth. While vision therapy cannot cure true dyslexia, there are other treatable vision-based disorders which sometimes present similar symptoms. Dr. Tod Davis has been working with patients across Virginia for over 30 years, developing tests and visual therapies that help individuals achieve maximum performance in intellectual and educational tasks. The programs he creates for his patients at Dr. Tod Davis Developmental Optometry & Vision Therapy Services are designed to provide measurable success and improvement in basic skills, resulting in improved academic achievement and increased self-esteem.

Dr, Tod Davis published earlier about "3D Technology may be used to screen for Vision Problems says vision therapy expert" and now came with vision therapy center for all.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Human eyes are amazing things, providing a 200-degree view of the horizon, 120 degrees of which are a binocular field using both eyes. On either side of that 120-degree binocular field are two uniocular fields of 40 degrees each, often referred to as peripheral vision. Close one eye and the field narrows to 140 degrees.

Gainesville, VA -- (SBWIRE) -- 11/23/2012 -- That broad horizon, along with the parallax view allowed by the placement of our eyes on the sides of our heads facing forward, provides accurate focus and depth perception when everything is working in sync.

When we focus at long distances, the visual axis of each eye runs nearly parallel to each other. When focused on very close objects, the visual axis shifts inward, directed at the object of interest. As both eyes aim toward center simultaneously, they are said to converge, hence, being in the act of convergence, relaying information about the size and distance of the object in the visual field.

When convergence doesn't happen correctly, the eyes are not cooperating with each other. Failure to converge inward to the same focal spot when viewing close objects is a vision disorder known as convergence insufficiency. Trying to "see through" the disorder often results in tired, sore eyes, headaches, blurred or double vision, or difficulty reading and concentrating. Children experiencing convergence insufficiency are not usually diagnosed in regular eye exams, but an experienced developmental optometry and vision therapy exercises specialist like Dr. Tod Davis can easily spot such disorders.

The good news is that vision therapy in the form of exercises, performed either in the doctor's office or at home, finds successful resolution after about three months of 15 minute sessions each day, five days each week. Sometimes this can be as short as a single month, and as long as one year. Recurrence is rare, but sometimes it may happen after an illness, a period of stress or lack of sleep. The vision exercises can again retrain the eyes to converge properly.

Convergence micropsia is a vision disorder that makes objects seem smaller than they really are as they move closer into the visual field. Most often caused by a retinal disorder, such cases treated with vision therapy develop stronger muscles and improved perception.

Whether reading, writing, painting, knitting, or performing any close up work as your passion, vision disorders related to convergence can be treated through vision therapy with success. Dr. Tod Davis has over 30 years of letters from grateful patients thanking him for restoring good vision throughout Virginia.

Dr. Tod Davis published earlier about "What Does Lazy Eye Look Like in a Child" and now came with eye therapy exercises in fredericksburg for all.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

It is estimated that modern humans in developed countries spend an average of five hours each day viewing a computer screen. From work and communication to entertainment, and from mobile devices to desktops, laptops and notebooks, we stay connected. And sit. And slouch. And squint. You get the picture.

Gainesville, VA -- (SBWIRE) -- 11/23/2012 -- If the computer environment your child is working in is not built for the task, all that time spent focused on screens can affect vision. It is also a good bet that children are investing in even more screen time than adults, performing academic tasks during the school day, then continuing to stay connected to friends electronically, playing computer games, and chatting it up on social media. All that time viewing close images on an illuminated screen unsurprisingly has an effect on vision. Signs your child might be experiencing Computer Vision Syndrome and the related Digital Eye Fatigue from extended screen viewing time include:

- Headaches
- Shoulder and neck aches
- Blurred or double vision
- Dry eyes
- Fatigue

Headaches are often the result of stressors to the eyes, including uncorrected vision problems such as farsightedness or nearsightedness. Corrective steps for those vision disorders should be taken to reduce eyestrain and headaches. Any additional oculomotor vision disorders, such as those involving tracking, binocular vision, strabismus, amblyopia treatment or convergence issues, should be addressed with a developmental vision exam and vision therapy to strengthen visual abilities and reduce their impact on eyestrain.

It may also prove helpful to wear magnification reading glasses, or to increase the font size on screen, so the eyes are not continually straining to read small print. Most reading glasses provide magnification for near distance work. Computer work should be occurring at between 20 to 26 inches from the eyes for a desktop screen, which would put the work in the intermediate distance range as opposed to the near distance range. Most reading glasses are designed to perform at near distance and are thus perhaps not ideally suited to this task.

A number of optical groups have developed lines of computer and gaming glasses addressing intermediate range viewing. Some lines are designed with coatings that reduce screen glare, further reducing eyestrain and the occurrence of headaches. Other opticians offer prescription glasses geared primarily to intermediate range viewing, as well as graduated lenses with near, intermediate and distance ranges.

Shoulder and neck aches can result from improper posture while viewing. As your children lounge around on sofas, floors and beds, it is likely they are not paying attention to optimum posture for long computer sessions. An adjustable office chair, with adequate padding that allows the screen to be viewed at a 15- to 20-degree angle, with feet on the floor, is optimum.

Blurred or double vision, either of short or prolonged duration after screen sessions, can be troublesome, but can be minimized by using the 20-20-20 rule of moving your gaze from the screen to something 20 feet away for 20 seconds, for every 20 minutes of screen time.

Dry, red eyes are also a common complaint with Computer Vision Syndrome. Since the operator's gaze is often intense, going long periods without blinking, eyes become dry and red. Just remembering to blink can provide relief.

As with any intense work requiring concentration, screen time takes its toll by tiring us out. Rest breaks of 15 minutes for every two hours of screen time, with a brisk walk or at least some isometric exercise, will help to alleviate fatigue from long screen sessions.

The most important point to address is to have any vision disorders or complaints brought to the attention of a developmental physician like Dr. Tod Davis. Dr. Davis applies the experience of over 30 years, designing visual therapy programs for patients throughout the Eastern Virginia area, helping them to improve their visual abilities. In this electronic world, vision is valuable, so take these simple steps to protect and maintain good eyesight.

Company released earlier about "Vision Disorders make it hard on kids for fall sports vision therapy helps with two Disorders" and now came with amblyopia vision therapy for all.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

While the term “lazy eye” is often used to describe this phenomenon by the general public, however, it is inaccurate. Dr. Davis clarifies.

Gainesville, VA -- (SBWIRE) -- 10/11/2012 -- Lazy eye is the state of diminished eyesight in one of a child's eyes. Medically, the term used is amblyopia in order to distinguish it from strabismus, which is the state of one eye having a physical turn. In strabismus, a visual inspection can determine that the two eyes are not focusing on the same location in many cases. While the term "lazy eye" is often used to describe this phenomenon by the general public, however, it is actually inaccurate.

The phrase "lazy eye," from a medical perspective, is reserved as a layman's term for amblyopia. While strabismus (eye turn) can cause amblyopia (lazy eye), the two are not the same disorder, and therefore a child can suffer from one disorder independent of the other. This means that a child without any eye turn can still have a lazy eye.

The question, then, is how do we know when a child is suffering from lazy eye? Clearly, this is an issue which can be difficult to diagnose, precisely because it does not manifest itself in an easily recognized way like strabismus does. Instead, it is important for the parent to look for the following symptoms:

- Child complains of headaches, especially during tasks requiring sustained visual focus.
- Child reads with one eye closed.
- Child struggles with studies, or is considered a "reluctant" reader.
- Child seems clumsy, or displays signs of poor depth perception.
- There is a major difference in visual acuity between one eye and the other when tested.

If the child displays any of the first four items on the list, the problem could be amblyopia. However, other visual disorders are also known to cause the same problem. The good news is that an acuity screening will detect amblyopia while it will not detect other visual disorders. A full visual screening by a developmental optometrist can pinpoint the exact nature of the disorder and lead to a proper diagnosis.

If the child is diagnosed with amblyopia, or lazy eye, the good news is that there are numerous treatments available for lazy eye. The most popular method consists of a combination of patching and vision therapy to retrain the eye and the eye-brain connection to receive and process images fully. Although patching the "good" eye will force the "bad eye" to see more clearly while the patch is on, without vision training to supplement the patching, the brain will often suppress the "bad" eye soon after the patch on the "good" eye is removed. By using vision therapy to reinforce the vision in the "bad" eye, the child learns how to process information from both eyes correctly. Eventually, the brain ceases to suppress the bad eye, leading to a permanent improvement in the child's overall vision.

If the child is suffering from the symptoms of amblyopia, a vision screening by a developmental optometry and vision therapy services provider can help. For more information, visit the website of Dr. Tod Davis at DavisVisionTherapy.com.

About Dr. Tod Davis
Dr. Tod Davis Developmental Optometry and Vision Therapy Services offices are located in Gainesville, Fredericksburg and Winchester, Va. Dr. Davis is a developmental optometrist with over 30 years of experience treating people of all ages for a spectrum of different vision disorders, including convergence insufficiency, strabismus, amblyopia and vision-related reading difficulties. Visit DavisVisionTherapy.com for more information, patient forms and contact information.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

When needed most the insurance companies fail to cover what could be a critical and defining health issue for many people - Vision Therapy

Gainesville, VA -- (SBWIRE) -- 10/11/2012 -- Seeking a thorough vision exam for a child or an adult, to address vision-related issues? There are many questions that need to be asked: Will treatment work? Will the vision therapy expert be able to determine a proper course of action? However, for many unfortunately, there is one question that needs to be asked: Will insurance cover this?

The unfortunate truth surrounding vision therapy is that many insurance providers do not, in fact, cover for vision therapy services, or only cover under a very narrow set of circumstances. Usually, the patient or the developmental optometrist has to demonstrate the medical necessity of the procedure, which can be very difficult, particularly in cases where there has already been Ritalin or a similar drug prescribed for ADHD.

Even among those insurance providers who graciously include vision therapy services in their policy, they may not cover the full amount for a vision therapy session, leaving patients responsible for either paying the difference, or going to one of the insurance company's approved providers for vision therapy sessions. It is this insurance problem which leads many people to avoid seeking vision therapy services, even when they or their child most needs it.

Many people, however, have made the investment in themselves or their child by paying for the services out-of-pocket. Most vision therapy experts, including Dr. Tod Davis, have financing options available for those who need help paying for the services rendered. The truth is, without the help of insurance, vision therapy can be rather expensive. However, for many of those who suffer from a vision disorder, the price seems small to pay in exchange for the improvement to their quality of life that properly functioning vision provides.

Many vision therapists like to compare the cost of vision therapy to the cost of braces. In many cases, an insurance company will not cover the full costs of the braces, leaving the family to pay the rest out-of-pocket. The family gladly pays, because they want their child to have perfect teeth. The difference is that in many cases, there was never even a medical reason behind the braces, but rather the braces were decided on for purely cosmetic reasons! While we are not against braces, we would strongly encourage those who are faced with a decision between vision therapy and braces to consider their priorities carefully.

Vision therapy, unfortunately, can be difficult to find funds for, especially with many insurance providers not covering the treatment, but the benefits far outweigh the costs for those suffering with vision disorders. If someone suffers from a vision disorder, vision therapy experts like those at Dr. Tod Davis Developmental Optometry & Vision Therapy Services want to help, and will work with patients to help them receive the treatment they need in an affordable manner. Visit us at DavisVisionTherapy.com for more information.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Strabismus & Convergence insufficiency make it difficult for young athletes to compete and enjoy sports.

Gainesville, VA -- (SBWIRE) -- 10/11/2012 -- As schools across the country are reopening their doors after a summer of vacation, many students are already thinking about the fall interscholastic sports season. Whether their interest is in football, soccer, cross country, or volleyball, chances are good that tryouts have already occurred, and many of them may have even spent their summer practicing for the season. Particularly in varsity sports where the competition is fierce for spots on the team, many students pour themselves into the sport of their choice to make the team. However, there are also many students who will avoid sports entirely, feeling as though they are not athletic enough or are too clumsy to make a positive impact on the school's team. While there are many causes for a student to be a less-than-stellar athlete, did you know that vision disorders can be among those causes?

Visual tracking skills are a vital part of most sports, but are especially crucial in team ball sports, as it is of vital importance that the player be able to quickly process a wide variety of information. Depending on their position and their sport, this may include being able to track a ball moving quickly through the air. Having a vision disorder can make this difficult, especially those which affect stereoscopy and, as a consequence, depth perception.

Amblyopia and strabismus are two vision disorders which can severely affect this ability to track. In amblyopia (also called lazy eye), the neurological pathway of one eye is suppressed by the brain, resulting in diminished vision or blindness in one eye. This makes it almost impossible for the sufferer to see in three dimensions. Strabismus, often incorrectly also referred to as lazy eye, is a physical difficulty for the two eyes to focus on the same object. Both can occur at the same time or separately, but both have the potential to make visual tracking difficult in their own ways.

Convergence insufficiency can also make this same tracking skill difficult, particularly in situations where the ball is headed towards the student athlete. If your child is a football quarterback and frequently fumbles off the line, or if he or she just seems to have trouble trapping a soccer ball, this vision disorder could be part of the problem, particularly if the problem does not improve with practice.

Obviously, there are issues with a student's physical condition to keep in mind, as well as core visual acuity. However, issues in visual acuity are frequently the first to be noticed by parents, and physical condition is correctable with practice. When there still seems to be a problem, even after practice and getting the student's "20/20" visual acuity checked and adjusting their lens prescription accordingly, a vision disorder is the likely next suspect. If you suspect a vision disorder for yourself or your child, don't wait. A vision disorder can affect a student's academics as well as their sports performance. Call Dr. Tod R. Davis at Developmental Optometry &Vision Therapy Services today to schedule a comprehensive eye exam.

About Dr. Tod Davis
Dr. Tod Davis Developmental Optometry and Vision Therapy Services offices are located in Gainesville, Fredericksburg and Winchester, Va. Dr. Davis is a developmental optometrist with over 30 years of experience treating people of all ages for a spectrum of different vision disorders, including convergence insufficiency, strabismus, amblyopia and vision-related reading difficulties. Visit DavisVisionTherapy.com for more information, patient forms and contact information.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Gainesville, VA -- (SBWIRE) -- 09/06/2012 -- Lazy eye is the state of diminished eyesight in one of a child's eyes. Medically, the term used is amblyopia in order to distinguish it from strabismus, which is the state of one eye having a physical turn. In strabismus, a visual inspection can determine that the two eyes are not focusing on the same location in many cases. While the term "lazy eye" is often used to describe this phenomenon by the general public, however, it is actually inaccurate.

The phrase "lazy eye," from a medical perspective, is reserved as a layman's term for amblyopia. While strabismus (eye turn) can cause amblyopia (lazy eye), the two are not the same disorder, and therefore a child can suffer from one disorder independent of the other. This means that a child without any eye turn can still have a lazy eye.

The question, then, is how do we know when a child is suffering from lazy eye? Clearly, this is an issue which can be difficult to diagnose, precisely because it does not manifest itself in an easily recognized way like strabismus does. Instead, it is important for the parent to look for the following symptoms:

- Child complains of headaches, especially during tasks requiring sustained visual focus.
- Child reads with one eye closed.
- Child struggles with studies, or is considered a "reluctant" reader.
- Child seems clumsy, or displays signs of poor depth perception.
- There is a major difference in visual acuity between one eye and the other when tested.

If your child displays any of the first four items on the list, the problem could be amblyopia. However, other visual disorders are also known to cause the same problem. The good news is that an acuity screening will detect amblyopia while it will not detect other visual disorders. A full visual screening by a developmental optometrist can pinpoint the exact nature of the disorder and lead to a proper diagnosis.

If your child is diagnosed with amblyopia, or lazy eye, the good news is that there are numerous treatments available for lazy eye. The most popular method consists of a combination of patching and vision therapy to retrain the eye and the eye-brain connection to receive and process images fully. Although patching the "good" eye will force the "bad eye" to see more clearly while the patch is on, without vision training to supplement the patching, the brain will often suppress the "bad" eye soon after the patch on the "good" eye is removed. By using vision therapy to reinforce the vision in the "bad" eye, the child learns how to process information from both eyes correctly. Eventually, the brain ceases to suppress the bad eye, leading to a permanent improvement in the child's overall vision.

If your child is suffering from the symptoms of amblyopia, a vision screening by a developmental optometry and vision therapy services provider can help. For more information, visit the website of Dr. Tod Davis at DavisVisionTherapy.com.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Gainesville, VA -- (SBWIRE) -- 09/06/2012 -- You finally decided to get a thorough vision exam for yourself or your child, in order to address the vision-related issues you have noticed. There are many questions that you might be asking yourself: Will treatment work? Will the vision therapy expert be able to determine a proper course of action for you or your child? Maybe you're confident in your vision therapy provider. However, there is one question which still nags in the back of your mind: Will my insurance cover this?

The unfortunate truth surrounding vision therapy is that many insurance providers do not, in fact, cover for vision therapy services, or only cover under a very narrow set of circumstances. Usually, the patient or the developmental optometrist has to demonstrate the medical necessity of the procedure, which can be very difficult, particularly in cases where you or your child has already been prescribed Ritalin or a similar drug for ADHD.

Even among those insurance providers who graciously include vision therapy services in their policy, they may not cover the full amount for a vision therapy session, leaving you responsible for either paying the difference, or going to one of the insurance company's approved providers for your vision therapy sessions. It is this insurance problem which leads many people to avoid seeking vision therapy services, even when they or their child most needs it.

Many people, however, have made the investment in themselves or their child by paying for the services out-of-pocket. Most vision therapy experts, including Dr. Tod Davis, have financing options available for those who need help paying for the services rendered. The truth is, without the help of insurance, vision therapy can be rather expensive. However, for many of those who suffer from a vision disorder, the price seems small to pay in exchange for the improvement to their quality of life that properly functioning vision provides.

Many vision therapists like to compare the cost of vision therapy to the cost of braces. In many cases, an insurance company will not cover the full costs of the braces, leaving the family to pay the rest out-of-pocket. The family gladly pays, because they want their child to have perfect teeth. The difference is that in many cases, there was never even a medical reason behind the braces, but rather the braces were decided on for purely cosmetic reasons! While we are not against braces, we would strongly encourage those who are faced with a decision between vision therapy and braces to consider their priorities carefully.

Vision therapy, unfortunately, can be difficult to find funds for, especially with many insurance providers not covering the treatment, but the benefits far outweigh the costs for those suffering with vision disorders. If you or your child suffers from a vision disorder, vision therapy experts like those at Dr. Tod Davis Developmental Optometry & Vision Therapy Services want to help, and will work with you to help you receive the treatment you need in an affordable manner. Visit us at DavisVisionTherapy.com for more information.

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Optometrists Discover Potential Link between 3D Vision Syndrome and Eye Teaming Disorders. Three-dimensional viewing technologies, such as those in theaters across the country, are often criticized for causing dizziness and discomfort in some individuals. However, some optometrists believe

Gainesville, NY -- (SBWIRE) -- 06/21/2012 -- Three-dimensional viewing technologies, such as those in theaters across the country, are often criticized for causing dizziness and discomfort in some individuals. However, some optometrists believe that this fact may have a redeeming purpose in the diagnosis of vision disorders.

The 3D technology currently being used in theaters relies on the ability of the eye to change focus. By altering how the screen is viewed at different depths through specialized lenses, the illusion of depth is created in the theater. Special televisions can now bring this same illusion into people's living rooms.

A recent criticism of 3D viewing technologies is that people complain of dizziness, discomfort, and lack of depth when viewing three-dimensional images, a condition which has been dubbed "3D Vision Syndrome.

With studies into potential lasting harmful effects of 3D technology having so far been inconclusive, optometrists are beginning to see 3D Vision Syndrome as an indication of a bigger, underlying vision problem in those who suffer from it. "In most cases, this is a strong sign of a binocular vision disorder, such as convergence insufficiency," vision therapy expert Dr. Tod Davis explains.

Vision therapists often employ a wide variety of techniques in order to permanently correct problems with eye teaming and visual intelligence. Convergence insufficiency is a treatable vision disorder in which the eyes have difficulty focusing on near objects for extended periods of time. According to Dr. Davis, "The eyes drift out despite trying to do near work."

Other than 3D Vision Syndrome, no adverse effects have been discovered for the use of 3D technology. However, Dr. Davis still recommends limiting exposure to such devices. "Limiting the viewing of television, especially for young children, is extremely important, whether that viewing is in 2D or 3D. Long-term focus on screens can lead to difficulty focusing on close or far objects."

About Developmental Optometry & Vision Therapy Services
Developmental Optometry & Vision Therapy Services, operated under Dr. Tod Davis, specializes in developmental vision care and vision therapy. Dr. Davis has over 30 years of clinical experience, and is committed to excellent, professional, educated care. Developmental Optometry has three offices, located in Fredericksburg, Gainesville, and Winchester, VA. Visit http://www.DavisVisionTherapy.com for more information.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Gainesville, NY, -- (SBWIRE) -- 06/20/2012 -- As part of making himself more fully available as an expert voice, Dr. Tod Davis of Developmental Optometry & Vision Therapy Services has released a press kit to the general public. The press kit contains a wealth of information about the vision therapist and vision therapy in general.

Vision therapy focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of a wide variety of vision disorders including convergence insufficiency, strabismus, and "lazy eye." With recent research showing effectiveness for vision therapy in people of all ages, Dr. Davis aims to show the public the benefits of vision therapy as well as current issues in the field, such as the effects of Lyme disease on vision and the effects of 3D technology on vision.

"I was an adult before I ever even realized I had a vision disorder," Dr. Davis says. "It was a major struggle for me growing up because my reading comprehension was so low. I didn't realize at the time that it could even be my vision. I just thought I was slow. It's why I want to bring vision therapy to people's attention. Many children today get misdiagnosed with ADD or autism when the underlying cause is something much simpler: Their eyes are having trouble working together."

About Developmental Optometry & Vision Therapy Services
Developmental Optometry & Vision Therapy Services, operated under Dr. Tod Davis, is a talented and compassionate staff that specializes in developmental vision care and vision therapy. Dr. Davis has over 30 years of clinical experience, and is committed to excellent, professional, educated care. Developmental Optometry has three offices, located in Fredericksburg, Gainesville, and Winchester, VA. Visit our brand new Facebook page and like us.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Successful vision therapy treatments help young girl overcome ADHD.

Gainesville, NY, -- (SBWIRE) -- 06/20/2012 -- Annie, a young girl who had previously been diagnosed with ADHD and was being prescribed medication for this fact, recently found renewed focus and learning ability through successful vision therapy treatments by Dr. Tod Davis.

"We used to struggle to get our daughter to do homework. It was like a tug of war whenever she came home from school," says Annie's mother. "The best that we could do was to get her to rush through her homework right before she went to bed."

After six vision therapy sessions with Dr. Davis, however, things are already improving for Annie. "She was coming home less frustrated, and when I would ask her about homework, she would say she had done it while still at school. It was a complete 180," Annie's mother explains.

"Sometimes, children are misdiagnosed with ADHD, or ADHD doesn't actually cover the whole issue," Dr. Davis claims. "A child could have ADHD, but still have a vision disorder which needs correcting. Likewise, a child could be diagnosed with ADHD when they only need vision therapy. Because they have similar effects on learning, the two disorders get confused frequently."

As of February 10, Annie has finished her vision therapy sessions, and the family is amazed by the results. "Her homework used to look extremely sloppy and rushed; now it's very neat, and it's obvious she's paying more attention to what she's doing. People at our church comment that she seems more mature and they don't even know about her therapy sessions. It's like she's a whole new kid."

Dr. Tod Davis Developmental Optometry and Vision Therapy Services offices are located in Gainesville, Fredericksburg and Winchester, Virginia. Visit DavisVisionTherapy.com for more information, patient forms and contact information.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Successful vision therapy treatments by Dr. Tod Davis put twenty-year-old patient back on track to realize career goals.

Gainesville, NY, -- (SBWIRE) -- 06/20/2012 -- When twenty-year-old Steven came to Dr. Tod Davis for vision therapy services, he was beginning to think that his dream of becoming a police officer would never happen. After undergoing vision therapy, however, his career is back on track.

Steven had been struggling to concentrate on his schoolwork and, even though he studied constantly, he couldn't seem to remember what he had learned from his studies. As his grades became damaged by this difficulty, so did his dreams of a law enforcement career. After Steven's audiologist recommended trying vision therapy to correct his study difficulties, he contacted Dr. Davis. In the initial session, Dr. Davis diagnosed Steven with convergence insufficiency.

Convergence insufficiency is a condition in which the eyes fail to work together to focus and transmit messages to the brain. The disorder makes it particularly difficult to do close work, as the eyes have difficulty "converging" on near objects.

As of January 25, 2012, after six months of vision therapy, Steven is seeing great results. "My school work has really improved," he says. "I passed all my fall semester classes and raised my GPA to a 3.2."

Patients with convergence insufficiency commonly complain of headaches and blurred or double vision while doing close work, such as on the computer or at their desk. They frequently have short attention spans and problems remembering what they've read. They often squint or rub their eyes.

"Many times, these problems are diagnosed as learning disorders," Dr. Davis said, "when in fact; a vision problem is the culprit. That's why we're here. Those are the people we want to help most."

Dr. Davis administers a comprehensive vision exam which includes visual skills testing to determine how the eyes work at close distances and as a coordinated team. The tests also measure muscle control and other age-appropriate visual perception skills.

But better grades aren't the only benefit Steven has seen from vision therapy. "I've grown more confident socially and my sense of humor has improved," he said with a smile. "I feel like I accomplish things quicker. My lifetime goal of becoming a police officer is now obtainable, and I'm sure I'll be a good one. I'd recommend Dr. Davis' vision therapy to anyone. It changed my life and it can change yours."

Dr. Tod Davis Developmental Optometry and Vision Therapy Services offices are located in Gainesville, Fredericksburg and Winchester, Va. Visit DavisVisionTherapy.com for more information, patient forms and contact information.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Dr. Davis educates community on vision disorders, their symptoms, and their treatment.

Gainesville, NY, -- (SBWIRE) -- 06/20/2012 -- Dr. Tod Davis, developmental optometrist and vision therapy expert, will be speaking at the Jewish Community Center of Northern Virginia on vision disorders and vision therapy.

Dr. Davis will be speaking on March 28 at the community center from 8:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. The one hour workshop will include both a PowerPoint presentation component and an extended question and answer period to better facilitate discussion on vision disorders and their solutions. Dr. Davis will be speaking on a wide variety of vision disorders, their symptoms, and what role vision therapy plays in correcting or limiting the effects of such disorders.

"It goes so much further than visual acuity," Dr. Davis says. "Many people think that the 20/20 vision chart is a complete test of a person's visual health. However, this only really tests one aspect of vision. Visual disorders other than nearsightedness are difficult to diagnose through eye chart tests alone. My hope is to educate people on some of these other disorders and encourage people to have their children and themselves more thoroughly tested for vision health."

Vision disorders range from visible misalignment of the eyes to eye focus difficulties and neurological suppression of one eye. While some extreme examples of eye turn can be diagnosed by a visual inspection of the eye, most vision disorders require a thorough vision screening by a qualified developmental optometrist before they will be uncovered.

It is believed that approximately one in four children suffer from an undiagnosed vision disorder. When vision disorders are left undiagnosed, the result is often reduced academic performance. Left undiagnosed through adulthood, this can severely limit one's self-esteem.

"We're excited to have the opportunity to reach out to the community," says Dr. Davis. "Many children struggle with vision disorders long into adulthood, and this can be very damaging to their self-confidence. We want to help these children have a better quality of life through proper visual function, and educating the parents on what vision therapy is and what constitutes true visual health is a first step towards accomplishing that goal."

About Dr. Tod Davis
Dr. Tod Davis Developmental Optometry and Vision Therapy Services offices are located in Gainesville, Fredericksburg and Winchester, Va. Dr. Davis is a developmental optometrist with over 30 years of experience treating people of all ages for a spectrum of different vision disorders, including convergence insufficiency, strabismus, amblyopia and vision-related reading difficulties. Visit DavisVisionTherapy.com for more information, patient forms and contact information.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Gainesville, NY, -- (SBWIRE) -- 06/20/2012 -- When the parents of young Stacy came to vision therapy expert Dr. Tod Davis to treat their daughter's strabismus, she was shy and withdrawn from her soccer team and Girl Scout troop. After undergoing therapy, the results are substantial.

Before vision therapy, Stacy struggled to concentrate on her schoolwork, and was clumsy when she played sports. Socially, she was not as outgoing as many children her age. Stacy would often misplace items, and was frequently frustrated by her studies. When her parents took her to Dr. Tod Davis for a vision assessment, he diagnosed Stacy with strabismic amblyopia.

Strabismus refers to the physical disorder where one's eyes do not properly align. Colloquially referred to as "lazy eye," this phrase, in fact, refers to a separate condition, where the brain suppresses one eye's visual signals. "Lazy eye," or amblyopia, often occurs in people who suffer from strabismus, and strabismic amblyopia refers to a simultaneous presence of both of the disorders.

As of February 8, 2012, after approximately ten months of treatment, Stacy's parents report striking improvement in their daughter. "Stacy still very much enjoys coming to vision therapy," Vince, her father, claims. "The exercises are fun for her, and the difference between her now compared to when we first started is remarkable. Regardless of the eye issue, we know one thing for certain: Vision therapy is the answer. As her vision has improved, she's been happier, her reading, handwriting, and spelling have improved, and she's become more outgoing."

"These are the sorts of problems which often go undiagnosed for many years in young children," Dr. Davis states. "A visible eye turn is often thought to be merely a cosmetic problem, correctable only through surgery. However, it affects vision as well. In the eye which suffered from strabismic amblyopia, we have already seen an improvement in acuity from 20/60 to 20/25 through the prescribed vision therapy. The best part is that we're only about halfway through her treatment. I, for one, am excited to see where her continued improvement leads."

About Developmental Optometry & Vision Therapy Services
Developmental Optometry & Vision Therapy Services, operated under Dr. Tod Davis, is a talented and compassionate staff that specializes in developmental vision care and vision therapy. Dr. Davis has over 30 years of clinical experience, and is committed to excellent, professional, educated care. Developmental Optometry has three offices, located in Fredericksburg, Gainesville, and Winchester, VA. Visit DavisVisionTherapy.com for more information.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Gainesville, NY -- (SBWIRE) -- 06/20/2012 -- Dr. Davis, developmental optometrist and vision therapy expert, will be involved in an autism resource group at Fauquier Health.

The event, which is focused on providing important resources and information to parents of autistic children, will be held from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on March 6. The one hour workshop will include both a PowerPoint presentation component and time for questions and answers. Dr. Davis will be speaking on how certain symptoms of autism can be improved via vision therapy.

Approximately one in four children, both with and without autism, is believed to suffer from an undiagnosed vision disorder. These disorders range from visible misalignment of the eyes to eye focus difficulties and neurological suppression of one eye. Autistic spectrum disorders often come accompanied with one or more of these vision disorders.

"We're excited to have the opportunity to reach out to these parents," says Dr. Davis. "Many autistic spectrum disorders include vision disorders. Our goal is to show how vision therapy can address the vision disorder. This provides relief to the autistic child, and gives the parents hope for their children: It's that one step closer to a normal life."

Dr. Tod Davis Developmental Optometry and Vision Therapy Services offices are located in Gainesville, Fredericksburg and Winchester, Virginia. Visit http://www.davisvisiontherapy.com for more information, patient forms and contact information. For more information about the sponsor of the event, visit FauquierHealth.org.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Developmental optometrist Dr. Tod Davis discusses the cause of undiagnosed vision disorders in children, and what parents can do to seek diagnosis for their children.

Gainesville, NY, -- (SBWIRE) -- 06/20/2012 -- If your child passed the standard eye examination given by your family optometrist and is still struggling to read or do his homework, you may want to have his vision evaluated by a developmental optometrist. According to Dr. Tod Davis, a developmental optometrist with more than 30 years of clinical experience, healthy vision is more than just being able to read 20/20 on a standard eye chart.

"There are many symptoms that appear to be related to Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), poor behavior or learning problems that are actually vision related," Dr. Davis said. "Sometimes it takes a special set of tests to determine whether the eyes are working well together and how the brain is receiving the images it receives."

Examples of vision disorders that cannot be detected in a standard eye exam are amblyopia, convergence insufficiency and binocular vision disorder. Amblyopia, also known as lazy eye, occurs when vision in one eye has been obstructed during development and produces blurred vision that the brain subsequently ignores. Convergence insufficiency interferes with a person's ability to see at close distances. Binocular vision disorder occurs when the two eyes fail to work together as a team.

"These conditions cannot be treated adequately with eyeglasses," Dr. Davis said. "Early detection and treatment with vision therapy are the most successful methods for rehabilitating vision in these circumstances. Unfortunately, the standard eye examination given by most optometrists does not test for many of these conditions. A more in-depth examination by a developmental optometrist is needed to find many vision disorders which go beyond nearsightedness and farsightedness."

Once the disorder is diagnosed, Dr. Davis creates a specialized treatment plan which includes procedures designed to enhance the brain's ability to control eye alignment, tracking and teaming, focusing, movements and visual processing. Therapy can last from six months to one year, with most patients experiencing significant improvement within the first three months.

About Dr. Tod Davis
Dr. Tod Davis Developmental Optometry and Vision Therapy Services offices are located in Gainesville, Fredericksburg and Winchester, Va. Dr. Davis is a developmental optometrist with over 30 years of experience treating people of all ages for a spectrum of different vision disorders, including convergence insufficiency, strabismus, amblyopia and vision-related reading difficulties. Visit DavisVisionTherapy.com for more information, patient forms and contact information.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Vision therapy expert states ADHD over-diagnosed; medication over-distributed.

Gainesville, NY, -- (SBWIRE) -- 06/20/2012 -- A recently published New York Times opinion article on ADHD has caused many psychiatrists and psychologists to state their opinions regarding the use of Ritalin as a treatment. Opinions can be seen, on blogs, in newspapers, and throughout the pages of the World Wide Web, castigating and defending the piece's author, Dr. L. Alan Sroufe. In the piece "Ritalin Gone Wrong," Dr. Sroufe proposes the possibility that Ritalin is not, by itself, a long-term solution to ADHD.

According to Dr. Tod Davis, a developmental optometrist and vision therapy expert, this assessment is largely accurate.

"ADHD is a complex issue," Dr. Davis asserts. "The spirit of Dr. Sroufe's article is that we should not treat a complex problem as though it were simple by treating it with a pill. There should be other measures wrapped up in that. Even more important, Ritalin treatment is only going to be helpful if the child actually suffers from ADHD in the first place. Dr. Sroufe mentions that Ritalin prescription has increased by a factor of twenty since the drug's FDA approval 30 years ago—has incidence of the disorder increased this much, though? For that reason alone, it makes sense to believe that over-diagnosis is occurring for ADHD today."

When asked how over-diagnosis might be occurring, Dr. Davis points to vision disorders, such as convergence insufficiency. "Many vision disorders can cause ADHD-like symptoms, and convergence insufficiency is one of those."

Experts estimate that 1 in every 20 children suffer from convergence insufficiency. However, one research study, performed in 2000 by San Diego researchers, found that, "children with ADHD had three times the incidence of convergence insufficiency than what was expected in children walking in off the street," according to Dr. David B. Granet of the Shiley Eye Center.

"This correlation could imply that some misdiagnoses of ADHD are occurring," notes Dr. Davis. "A thorough vision screening with a qualified optometrist may be a good 'second opinion' to consult if your child has been diagnosed with ADHD. What may be the case is that the child has an easily correctable vision problem, and this is either causing or exacerbating the child's ADHD-like symptoms."

ADHD is one of the most common childhood behavioral disorders. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 5.4 million children between the ages of 5-17 have been diagnosed with ADHD since 2007.

"If your child has been diagnosed with ADHD, speak with a developmental optometrist or vision therapy expert," Dr. Davis suggests. "They will be able to conduct a thorough eye screening in order to determine whether there is a vision-related problem."

About Dr. Tod Davis
Dr. Tod Davis Developmental Optometry and Vision Therapy Services offices are located in Gainesville, Fredericksburg and Winchester, Va. Dr. Davis is a developmental optometrist with over 30 years of experience treating people of all ages for a spectrum of different vision disorders, including convergence insufficiency, strabismus, amblyopia and vision-related reading difficulties. Visit DavisVisionTherapy.com for more information, patient forms and contact information.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm