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
Teacher's Red Flags
"My eyes are reading but my brain is not." Is this your student?
Today, we explore the subtle—and sometimes surprising—signs teachers might overlook in the classroom that point to underlying visual issues. We share powerful real-life stories from our patients, and explain how behaviors like excessive fidgeting, difficulty finishing assignments, or needing extra time might not be academic problems—but visual ones.
You'll hear how something as simple as asking "What do the words do when you're reading?" can open a window into a child's visual experience.
We'll answer:
- What visual red flags should teachers and parents watch for in students beyond standard eyesight checks?
- How do visual processing issues impact learning and academic success, even in bright or gifted students?
- What's the difference between standard eye exams and care for visual processing issues, and how can these challenges be addressed?
Join us as we highlight the essential role educators play in early detection and offer practical ways to approach these red flags with curiosity and care. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or practitioner, this episode is a heartfelt reminder that high performance doesn’t always mean smooth sailing—and noticing the struggle is often the first step toward support.
Recommended read: Red Flags for Elementary Teachers
(00:00) Intro
(01:13) "What do the words do when you're reading?"
(04:01) Subtle Red Flags in High-Performing Students - Movement, Posture, and Falling
(05:40) Understanding Motor Overflow
(07:11) Energy Use & Processing Auditory Input While Seeing
(10:42) "My Eyes Are Reading But My Brain Is Not"
(12:50) The Lost Steps: Why Skipping Early Movement Matters for Vision
(17:15) Classroom Strategies: Using Gross Motor Brain Breaks
(19:26) From Obvious to Subtle
(20:00) It Could Be Both: Vision Issues Beyond Eyeglasses
(22:50) COVID: Parents Becoming Teachers
Check out our Digital Programs
- 4D Built for Life
- 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.”