The Canadian Association of Optometrists Vision Therapy Position Statement from February 2017 is below:
Background of Vision Therapy
Background
Vision therapy and rehabilitation is a prescribed, individualized treatment plan designed to develop, correct, improve, or rehabilitate specific dysfunctions of the vision system.
It includes the treatment of ocular motility dysfunctions; non-strabismic binocular disorders (eye teaming disorders); strabismus (misalignment of the eyes); amblyopia (a form of suppression that can lead to poorly developed visual acuity in one or both eyes); accommodative disorders (focusing problems); and visual information processing disorders, including visual-motor integration. Vision therapy and rehabilitation may also be effective in the treatment of eye and vision problems related to traumatic brain injury.
Vision therapy and rehabilitation programs typically involve guided, structured eye activities and the use of therapeutic or performance lenses, prisms, filters, occluders, specialized instruments, low vision devices, and/or computer programs. The course of therapy may last weeks to several years, depending on the nature and severity of the deficit(s), and will include regular intermittent monitoring by the supervising optometrist.
Policy issue
Vision therapy and rehabilitation is sometimes misunderstood by patients and by some eye health professionals. Enhanced public awareness and education for eye health providers can help to improve understanding and knowledge of these programs.
Policy position
The Canadian Association of Optometrists considers vision therapy and rehabilitation to be effective individualized prescribed programs that are used to develop, correct, improve, or rehabilitate specific dysfunctions of the vision system. Vision therapy gives individuals of all ages the opportunity to develop visual abilities and visual efficiency most suited to their needs. Successful vision therapy can enable individuals to achieve or to return to their desired level of performance, enhancing their quality of life.
References
American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus. Vision Therapy. Accessed online December 15, 2016 at: https://www.aapos.org/terms/conditions/108
Canadian Optometrists in Vision Therapy & Rehabilitation. Website. Accessed December 15, 2016 at: http://visiontherapycanada.com/professionals/
College of Optometrists in Vision Development. About Vision Therapy. Accessed December 15, 2016 at: http://www.covd.org/page/vision_therapy
College of Optometrists in Vision Development. Summary of Research and Clinical Studies on Vision and Learning. Accessed online December 15, 2016 at: https://c.ymcdn.com/sites/www.covd.org/resource/resmgr/Research/10a_SummaryofResearchonVisio.pdf