Developmental Vision For The Neurodiverse

Between 20% up to as high as 60% of children with down syndrome have an eye that wanders inwards or outwards

Take our Vision Quiz to learn whether you should explore Vision Therapy

A neurodiverse child may also have an undetected visual challenge which can contribute to behavioral and developmental issues. It could go unnoticed, especially when it is masked under the greater diagnosis of the syndrome or any type of diagnosis of special needs. It is important to be aware that just like many other communication skills, vision is also an ability that is developed over time and can be trained and strengthened with the aid of professionals in the field, such as a developmental optometrist.

Developmental optometrists have experience working with children with special needs, doing everything possible to adapt to your child’s unique comfort zones by providing a safe space to evaluate his or her visual abilities.

Taking your child for a developmental vision assessment is a harmless non-invasive process and can open up a world of visual strengthening which can assist in any child’s:

Development
Communication skills
Hand-eye coordination
Learning abilities
Reading and writing
Behavior

Every child is unique, however generally speaking, a neurodiverse child has a higher tendency to also have vision challenges, which could include:

Nearsightedness
Farsightedness
Lazy eye
Eye turns or misaligned eyes
Depth perception
Coordination between both eyes
Focusing the eyes
Visual information processing

What is developmental vision?

Developmental vision extends beyond focusing solely on 20/20 vision, which of course is important, however there is so much more that contributes to our visual system. A developmental optometrist assesses the way both eyes work with each other and how they communicate with the brain in order to obtain the highest quality of vision and to prevent any strain, discomfort or unnecessary obstacles.

After the developmental visual assessment, a personalized treatment plan will be created often using glasses, prisms, filters and/ or special exercises to train and strengthen the visual system with vision therapy. Vision therapy has been used to treat many eye conditions including those that relate to:

Teamwork between both eyes
Lazy eye
Cross eyes
Hand-eye coordination
Visual processing
Focusing
Tracking

Summary

Improving your child’s quality of vision is a leap forward in improving their quality of life. You can schedule a developmental vision exam at Amplify EyeCare of Greater Long Beach with our eye doctor by calling (562) 925-6591.

Learn More

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Understanding Accommodative Insufficiency: What It Is, Symptoms and Impact on Learning and Work

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Testimonials

I haven't actually used the optometrist side, so my review is limited to the vision therapy offered. This office was recommended by my occupational therapist for the treatment of my double vision following a stroke.

Claire A.

Love this location. I had a brain injury accident from day one one. All the team make you feel you still important and hope in the horizon after when the medical system fell you miserably. Dr. Ikeda very professional and very understanding about your issue. Two tombs up.

Jim K.

My husband and I were immediately impressed with Dr Ikeda. I was hit by a car while cycling which caused broken bones and three brain injuries. The brain injuries caused double vision. Dr. Ikeda examined my eyes and got me started on vision therapy with his occupational therapist who specializes in vision therapy. She (Chris) is absolutely great. I am impressed with the array of tools used to help recover my binocular vision. I am doing things I never thought were possible (balance boards etc). Chris pushes me and keeps me motivated. I really enjoy my sessions with her. The office staff is always friendly and they have a wonderful appointment reminder tool that makes it easy to keep my calendar up to date. I am happy the rehab center at Little Co. of Mary recommended them!!

Teresa S.

The Vision Therapy is handled in a separate office through a different door from the shared waiting room. Chris, the vision therapist, has a wide and varied assortment of tools, equipment and resources to best evaluate and treat most vision issues. After just a few visits, my double vision became easier to control, using exercises developed during the therapy process. It was time well-spent.

Joe M.

I have been coming here since I can remember. I love it here. The staff is so amazing and nice. They explain everything they gonna do and never make you feel rushed. Dr. Ikeda has always been my doctor and I would never want another one. He is the doctor for my whole family and is always asking how everyone is doing. I am also so crazy about picking out my frames and have to try so many and each person who helps me take the time and lets me try them all on. I would never want to go anywhere else! I definitely would recommend this office to anyone looking for a great eye doctor.

Kayla W.

This is not for the eye exam but for the frames selection portion. I brought my prescription from Kaiser here with my VSP insurance. The reception staff was very polite and professional. Manny helped me to pick out frames and explain my coverage. Very helpful and patient not like the individual at the other place I rated here on Yelp. I was running late and he still helped me and was not bothered at all. I am so glad I came here ..........very pleased.

Very professional staff and pleasant.