Is It ADHD, Anxiety... or a Vision Issue?

ADHD and anxiety are often discussed as purely neurological or psychological conditions — but vision can play a powerful and frequently missed role.

In this episode, we break down how functional vision problems can create symptoms that look like inattention, restlessness, avoidance, and anxiety. From eye teaming and tracking issues to binocular vision dysfunction, you’ll learn why visual inefficiency places extra strain on the brain and how that strain can show up behaviorally and emotionally.

If you or your child struggle with focus, reading, or visual overwhelm — even with “perfect” eyesight — this episode offers a new lens to consider.

In This Episode, We Cover

1. Why passing a vision screening does not rule out vision problems
2. How visual inefficiency can look like ADHD
3. Common vision conditions that affect attention and learning
4. The connection between vision problems and anxiety
5. Why misdiagnosis happens so often
6. What kind of eye exam to ask for
7. Practical next steps for parents and adults

(00:04) Intro
(00:35) Vision, Behavior & Mental Health
(00:57) Are These Symptoms Really Neurological?
(01:14) When the Brain Works Too Hard to See
(01:34) What This Episode Will Cover
(01:54) The Vision Screening Misconception
(02:14) 20/20 Eyesight vs Functional Vision
(02:45) When Vision Problems Look Behavioral
(03:00) ADHD-Like Symptoms Explained
(03:21) Visual Fatigue vs Poor Attention
(04:12) Why Kids Can’t Explain Vision Struggles
(04:26) Convergence Insufficiency
(05:04) Binocular Vision Dysfunction (BVD)
(05:57) Eye Tracking & Oculomotor Dysfunction
(06:25) The Vision–Anxiety Connection
(07:16) What Anxiety Looks Like in Children
(07:43) Why Misdiagnosis Happens
(08:24) Vision as Part of the Diagnostic Process
(08:45) What Kind of Eye Exam to Ask For
(09:07) Finding a Functional Vision Specialist
(09:30) Vision Care as a Complement
(10:18) Vision Therapy at Home Options
(10:49) Advocating for Yourself or Your Child
(11:06) Final Takeaway
(11:35) Closing & Next Steps

Helpful Resources & References 

Diagnosis & Next Steps

1. 4D Vision Therapy at Home— Digital Vision Therapy programs for children and adults https://www.4dvisiontherapyathome.com/
2. OVDRA — The Optometrists in Visual Development and Rehabilitation Association https://www.ovdra.org/
3. Vision Specialists — Is It ADHD or a Vision Problem?
4. https://vision-specialists.com/adhd-symptoms-and-treatment-is-it-adhd-or-is-it-your-eyes/

ADHD & Vision

1. ADDitude Magazine — ADHD and Vision Problems
2. https://www.additudemag.com/adhd-and-vision-problems-understanding-symptoms/
3. Clarendon Vision — How Are ADHD and Vision Problems Related?
4. https://www.clarendonvision.com/our-blog/how-are-adhd-and-vision-problems-related.html
5. Cook Vision Therapy — ADHD and Vision: How Eye Problems Affect Attention
6. https://www.cookvisiontherapy.com/adhd-and-vision-how-eye-problems-affect-attention/

Binocular Vision & Attention

1. Dizziness & Headache — Why Binocular Vision Dysfunction Is Often Mistaken for ADHD

Chapters

• 0:04 Intro
• 0:35 Vision, Behavior & Mental Health
• 0:57 Are These Symptoms Really Neurological?
• 1:14 When the Brain Works Too Hard to See
• 1:34 What This Episode Will Cover
• 1:54 The Vision Screening Misconception
• 2:14 20/20 Eyesight vs Functional Vision
• 2:45 When Vision Problems Look Behavioral
• 3:00 ADHD-Like Symptoms Explained
• 3:21 Visual Fatigue vs Poor Attention
• 4:12 Why Kids Can’t Explain Vision Struggles
• 4:26 Convergence Insufficiency
• 5:04 Binocular Vision Dysfunction (BVD)
• 5:57 Eye Tracking & Oculomotor Dysfunction
• 6:25 The Vision–Anxiety Connection
• 7:16 What Anxiety Looks Like in Children
• 7:43 Why Misdiagnosis Happens
• 8:24 Vision as Part of the Diagnostic Process
• 8:45 What Kind of Eye Exam to Ask For
• 9:07 Finding a Functional Vision Specialist
• 9:30 Vision Care as a Complement
• 10:08 Vision Therapy at Home Options
• 10:49 Advocating for Yourself or Your Child
• 11:06 Final Takeaway
• 11:35 Closing & Share the Episode