In recent times, you may have noticed a lot more focus throughout society on the role of alternative medicine. Practitioners are able to look at different options instead of a traditional course of treatment, as more is understood about the alternatives and testing confirms its viability. These different solutions are becoming apparent in the world of optometry as well, and if you or someone you love has come up against some particular difficulties, then you may benefit from talking with a behavioural optometrist. What does this involve?
Alternative Approach
Put simply, behavioural optometry approaches a vision-related problem from a non-traditional perspective, especially if regular optometry is not able to correct the issue.
For example, the patient may be able to read perfectly well and without issue but simply cannot absorb what they have read. Another individual may appear to have perfect eyesight but will frequently walk into things without any explanation. A third person may be able to concentrate perfectly when interacting with a smartphone or tablet but then have great difficulty concentrating in a classroom environment.
Beyond the Traditional
In all these cases, the behavioural optometrist will look beyond the technical and try to find out what difficulties are being encountered when the patient seeks to do seemingly simple things. In other words, they will help them understand the challenges of the immediate world and help the patient to perform within it. This can often involve an analysis of thinking and imagination and other 'inner' elements, quite apart from the physical outer world.
Skill and Understanding
This approach will evaluate how the brain, body and eyes work together to determine the visual image and will try to focus on the quality of the visual skills as a consequence. It may be necessary to rearrange working conditions or compensate for other factors and may also involve vision therapy or training as part of the treatment protocol. Remember, vision is a complex process and involves an understanding of what is seen. Consequently, it is not simply based on technical functionality, and this is where the behavioural optometrist can help.
Initial Talk
If you have been experiencing some unusual issues associated with your eyesight, then ask your regular optician if they can recommend a behavioural optometrist for you. Remember, this individual is fully trained in optical matters as well, so they will be able to help you with standard eye care tests as and when needed.
I was not that surprised to find out that all three of my children are short-sighted considering that I have worn glasses since I was five. Eye health in children is an important topic to know about because it can impact on their learning at school. I began this blog to share eye health tips I have received from our optometrist. My blog posts will cover all things eye health like explaining optometry appointments to children so they know what to expect, and how to tell your child needs a visit to the optometrist sooner than their annual checkup. Don't let eye issues stop your children from excelling at school.