A behavioural or developmental optometrist looks at the sensory system of vision in adults and children, not just sight. They take a holistic approach to vision, appreciating that the eyes do not function independently of the rest of the body and are influenced by stress levels, nutrition, visual activities, personality, medication and health issues. The eyes are a moving, dynamic, adaptable organ that needs to perform a number of mechanical functions with ease before a person can use their eyes together efficiently.

A behavioural optometrist will assess the health of the eye and the ability of the eyes to see to the bottom line on the letter chart but they will also assess the ability of the focus or accommodation, convergence and directed eye movements. These mechanical movements must be able to work together easily and efficiently throughout the school or working day and are referred to as the Visual Skills. If too much effort is going into these visual skills then it will detract from a person’s performance and can lead to a lack of attention, poor schoolwork, fatigue, frustration, and avoidance behaviours.

A behavioural optometrist will also look at Vision Processing. This is the ability of the brain to understand the pictures that are being sent through from the eyes. Vision processing skills must link in with other systems of the body such as auditory processing and fine motor skills.

Behavioural optometrists also study how the visual system develops over the years of childhood to assess if a child is visually ready to begin learning to read and write at school. Understanding this sequence of development is vital in the programming of vision therapy or training activities which will improve visual skills and/or visual processing to an age appropriate level. This knowledge is also vital to ensure that those with learning disabilities, dyslexia, ADD, developmental delays, autism, or Asperger’s Syndrome are able to reach their full visual potential.

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