Consider Vision

Welcome to Considervision.org - Our goal is to raise awareness of potential visual dysfunctions primarily in young children.  These visual dysfunctions may present themselves as behavioral, emotional or educational issues.  In addition to raising awareness, we would like to utilize this site as a network  and resource for parents, educators & physicians.  

Visual acuity does not end with 20/20.  The visual dysfunctions that we are referring to have to do with the alignment of the eyes.  If they are not "balanced" or "working together" it not only causes stress, which effects a persons ability to concentrate, it will also effect how they perceive their space in this world.   These such visual dysfunctions often go undetected because a child most likely will be able to pass a routine eye exam.  

A child whose vision problem gets detected and corrected will in essence be a healthier, happier child, who will inevitably do better in school and ultimately be a more positive contributor to society.  Let's make sure our children are living up to their optimal potential.  Stripping away obstacles is our responsibility as the influential parents, educators and physicians in their lives.

Please read our personal story below...

The Root of the Cause

The year 2008 was life changing for our family.  We want to share our story and reach out to as many families as possible with the hope that we may change their lives for the better.  It turns out that three of our five children have vision problems that have lead to social, emotional and educational difficulties.  Each situation is unique, but have the same root cause: VISION. 

The most severe case was our 12 yr old son who had a handful of diagnoses which included Asperger's, ADD/ADHD, PDD NOS, Bi Polar and the general classification of Autism.  He suffered not only socially and emotionally, but academically as well.  After being referred to a psychopharmacologist, Dr. Gregory Lombardo, M.D., Ph. D., who specializes in working with Bi Polar children and adults, he strongly urged us to have his vision checked by a developmental optometrist , Dr. Melvin Kaplan O.D., F.C.O.V.D., who works with people on the autism spectrum.  The day that our son was diagnosed with double vision, was the day our lives were forever changed for the better.  As soon as he started wearing his ambient prism glasses we saw an instant change in his demeanor and behavior.  At that point he was able to make eye contact, became aware of other people's feelings, wasn't as loud or active.  Within no time he was no longer aggressive or having emotional meltdowns.  As a family we could finally take a deep breath... a sigh of relief.  There was a light at the end of the tunnel.

We then thought that a visual dysfunction may also be the cause of our 14 yr old daughter's recent diagnosis of ADD and near failure in
school.  She was also suffering from Depression and Anxiety and had been put on medication.  We requested that she be evaluated and considered for special education.  After an extensive evaluation, which included a referral to a psychiatrist outside of the school district, she was placed in special ed.  At that time we also made an appointment to have her vision checked.  Our suspicions were correct and she too was diagnosed with a similar visual dysfunction that was less severe.  She was also prescribed ambient prism glasses and started vision therapy.  Positive progress has been made.

While juggling all of the events mentioned above,  our then 9 yr old son's teacher recommended that he be evaluated and considered for special ed because he was well below grade level in reading and math.  He had already repeated kindergarten and was still struggling in the 2nd grade.  Based on his test results he was placed in special ed and was labeled as having a general learning disability.  He is now receiving extensive services, which include but are not limited to, reading and speech.  He also gets very upset and frustrated at times and can best be described as tenacious. 

(You may notice that his eyes are not equally lined up.)

We didn't even think twice about having his vision checked and it turns out that he too has a similar visual dysfunction.  He has now been wearing his ambient prism glasses for two months and is doing much better in school already.  He is reading more fluently and even for recreation.  He is also able to concentrate for longer periods of time.

We'd love to hear from you!

Please share your thoughts, experiences, comments or questions.  Help us spread the word!