The 17 Key Visual Skills

So often we often take our ability to see for granted. Most of us live rushed, harried lives that make it difficult for us to focus on much. And realistically, once we’re able to see, we generally don’t take the time to understand why that is.

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

Our eyes may be one of the smallest organs we possess, but they are powered by intricate neurological pathways that allow us to process the world in bold, beautiful ways. Even when a child's vision appears to be fine, a visual skill that falls below their grade level will force them to work harder than others do to accomplish what comes naturally to their peers.

Visual Memory describes our ability to remember the images and words we have seen in the past. Visual memory allows us to copy material on a board into our notebooks, or verbally describe an image we’ve seen in an email or document. Poor visual memory can interfere with academic success and workplace performance.
Binocular Coordination occurs when our eyes are able to work together, in concert, in order to focus on the same thing at the same time. This skill is particularly helpful when reading. Binocular deficiencies can lead to the development of convergence insufficiency and a lazy eye.
Eye Movement Control describes the ability to move your eyes together in order to focus on a person, picture, or object. This skill relies on the careful coordination of the six ocular muscles that control how the eyes work in unison. This particular skill helps us maintain clear, non blurry images when we read and write.
Pursuits are required in order for our eyes to maintain a smooth transition between two different points. This is a necessary skill when following or tracking a ball’s movement during sports. Deficits in this skill may indicate the presence of a brain injury or be the result of a trauma.
Convergence describes our eyes’ ability to work as a team, whether they are looking inward or focusing ahead. This skill is vital for professional, academic, and athletic performance. Convergence insufficiencies can be detected in patients who cover one eye to read or tilt their head to see clearly.

Accommodation Flexibility is necessary in order to accurately see things close up and far away. It is particularly helpful when driving and taking notice of directional signs. Individuals lacking this skill may have a difficult time in classrooms, where they need to read their notes while looking up, and have difficulty driving safely.
Saccades are quick movements that occur at the same time when looking at one or more points. This skill is necessary when reading and writing, such as smoothly moving our eyes across a sentence. The absence of proper saccadic rhythm can lead to dizziness, difficulties maintaining attention and focus, and frequent mistakes.
Accommodation Endurance describes the eyes’ ability to focus close up or far away for extended periods of time. This is helpful when using a computer, or attending to tasks for long periods of time. Problems with accommodation endurance can lead to blurred vision and make it more difficult to read as the day progresses.
Spatial/ Visual Learning speaks to the ability to think about and evaluate what you have seen. The ability to understand computations relies heavily on this skill. This skill plays an important role in the learning process, particularly for students who understand material more in picture than word form.

Depth Perception is the ability to discriminate between objects that are nearby or far away, particularly as they relate to one another. This skill is particularly important for both athletic and academic success. Individuals lacking this skill make rather unsafe drivers or may bump into things more frequently.
Gross Visual-Motor abilities allow us to move through our environment by using cues that prevent us from bumping into things. This is critical for being able to navigate unfamiliar environments and help us prevent injuries. Those with poor gross visual motor skills are more inclined to bump into furniture, walls, and slippery surfaces.
Central Visual Acuity describes the ability to see clearly. This skill is evaluated based on how well you can see when standing a certain amount of feet from a standard eye chart. This is most commonly used to determine if your vision is 20/20 or a variation. Those without this skill generally need corrective lenses.
Peripheral Vision (Side Vision) is the ability to see objects on the side without needing to move our heads or look in their direction. This is helpful during sports activities and helps us determine the safety of our surroundings. In boxing, this skill allows opponents to see surprise punches and defend themselves in response.

Color Perception allows us to discern colors from one another. This is helpful in determining color coded systems such as traffic lights and safety warnings and discerning the movement of an object that is similar to its background color. For example, a white baseball flying across a white, hazy sky.
Fine Visual-Motor movements allow us to focus on activities that require small movements and attention to detail. Sewing, texting, and pixelated artwork rely on this skill. People who lack fine visual-motor skills often have messy handwriting and may be unable to dress themselves (e.g., difficulty fastening zippers and buttons)
Visual Integration allows us to combine the stimuli we take in through all of our senses simultaneously. Examples of this skill are demonstrated when we cross the street while drinking coffee, looking at what we’re eating at a restaurant, and playing the piano while reading sheet music, taking notes about what the teacher wrote on the board while listening to the teacher speak. If someone has difficulty with visual integration they may day dream as a way of “turning off” overwhelming stimuli.
Visual Perception describes our awareness of our environment and what is happening around us. This describes the sum total of what can be seen within the full breadth of our visual abilities. Challenges to visual perception can compromise fine motor movement and one's overall independence.

When it's Time to Discuss Vision Therapy

If you or your child have difficulties with any of these skills, schedule an appointment for a functional vision exam with our developmental optometrist to determine whether vision therapy or other interventions might be helpful. To schedule a functional vision exam, please call (562) 925-6591. Patients with functional vision issues visit our clinic from all over California, and we are proud to be a leading provider of functional vision services for patients from Bellflower, Long Beach, Lakewood, and Los Angeles.

Learn More

Strabismus Treatment in : Understanding Symptoms, Treatment, Causes, Diagnosis, and Prevention

Early detection and treatment of strabismus is important to prevent further visual problems and maintain good eye health.

Exotropia: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options

Exotropia is a type of strabismus where one eye turns outward. If you suspect that you may have exotropia, please see our optometrist for a treatment plan.

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

Accommodative insufficiency causes eyestrain and headaches when focusing on nearby objects. Visit our eye doctor for proper treatment.

1 2 3 … 13 Next »

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.