It Could Be Your Eyes
Are you a parent who has been searching for answers to why your child is struggling academically? Have you been told that your child needs strabismus surgery or patching, and it just doesn’t feel right to you? Are you trying to set your kiddo with sensory needs up for success and feeling lost in the process? Have you suffered a brain injury or concussion and refuse to accept that these current limitations are your permanent “new normal”? My name is Dr. Juanita Collier and I am a Behavioral Optometrist with a private practice specializing in Vision Therapy, Rehabilitation, and Development. Through diving deep with my team, parents, patients, and professionals, we will uncover that vision may be the underlying cause of real life challenges in academics, work, sports, and daily life. While we often think 20/20 eyesight is perfect vision, vision actually takes place in the brain. And if there is any disconnect, any slight lack of coordination between the brain and the eyes, how you see what’s in front of you can be remarkably different than what’s actually there. Through this podcast, you will discover, that the challenges that you are facing may actually be stemming from a difficulty with how you’re seeing…It Could Be Your Eyes.
It Could Be Your Eyes
As a Teacher, How Do I Know if Vision is Impeding My Student's Learning?
"Vision issues aren’t just about 20/20 eyesight. It’s about how students see and process their world, and teachers can be the first to notice when something’s off."
In this episode, we dive into the critical role teachers can play in identifying vision issues in their students. We discuss some of the common signs that might be overlooked in the classroom, from children rubbing their eyes to using their whole head to read instead of just their eyes. We also explain how these visual challenges can affect a student’s academic performance and overall behavior.
Teachers are often the first line of defense when it comes to spotting these issues, and we explore 3 practical ways they can support students with potential vision problems:
- Observe classroom behavior for signs like head movement or eye rubbing
- Ask students questions about what they’re seeing or experiencing to better understand their struggles.
- Advocate for comprehensive vision exams beyond the typical 20/20 vision checks to assess functional vision and eye coordination.
Plus, we share a special resource we’ve created for teachers—a checklist that can help you spot signs of vision issues in your classroom. Tune in to learn more about how you can make a difference for your students and help them reach their full potential.
In this episode you’ll hear about:
(00:00) Intro
(00:48) Back to School: Educating Teachers in Vision Issues
(03:06) The Tracking Issue
(07:05) Focus and Flexibility Problems
(10:25) Accommodative Spasms and Screen Time
(11:31) Binocular Vision Difficulties
(16:38) 4D Built to Read Digital Program
(17:27) Recommendations for Teachers When Eyes Seem to Be the Issue
(22:22) Communicating with Parents
(25:25) Support for Teachers and Schools. How We Can Help
- Here's the YouTube video we mention 20/20 Isn't Everything - A Child's vision is critical to learning
- TEACHERS: Get your FREE checklist here
Check out our Digital Programs
- Start your FREE TRIAL today 4D Built to Read Digital Program
- Concussion Recovery
- Built to Drive
Follow us at 4D Vision Gym on Facebook and Instagram @4dvisiongymvt for the latest news and updates. DM us if you have any Vision Therapy related questions - you may hear the answer in a future episode!
If you enjoyed this show, please rate, review, and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. We really appreciate your support!
Send us a screenshot of your review and receive 10% off any one of our 4D Vision Gym products or services. And if your friends or family are experiencing inexplicable challenges, refer them to this podcast and tell them, “It Could Be Your Eyes.”