Exam room with desk and optometry equipment

Developmental Vision Evaluation

What is a Developmental Optometry?

Developmental Optometry is a sub-specialty of Optometry that focuses on a variety of visual disorders that interfere with reading, learning, overall development, movement, sports performance, activities which require good eye-hand coordination, and other activities involved in daily living. As the name implies, our doctors evaluate how well vision has developed and determine what steps are necessary to improve and/or restore visual function.

Our doctors also provide treatment for lazy eye (amblyopia) without patching as well as help for eye turns (strabismus) without surgery.

Our Developmental Optometrists, Dr. Megan Ford and Dr. Megan Schmoker, have been specifically trained to evaluate all the visual skills required to function in school, work and daily life.

How is a Developmental Vision Evaluation different from a regular eye exam?

The actual amount of time one spends getting their vision tested in a regular eye exam can be anywhere from 5 to 20 minutes. Many of the visual disorders that can severely impact reading, learning, work, etc. typically don’t show up during a regular eye exam. In fact, many of our patients can see the eye chart without a problem (with or without glasses). The type of vision problems they struggle with often begin to show up over time the more they try to work at reading distance. The symptoms also get worse throughout the day the harder they work at it. A Developmental Vision Evaluation takes between 1-2 hours, depending on the patient’s needs, so that our doctors can see how the eyes perform before and during the time while fatigued.

Our doctors also use the evaluation to assess and develop treatment plans for all ages of patients struggling with vision problems due to head injuries (including concussions), autism, whiplash, and even strain from computer/digital device usage or reading.

To determine if you or your child needs a Developmental Vision Evaluation review this symptom quiz (LINK TO THE QUIZ). If you have been referred to our office, your doctor has already done the work to determine this evaluation is needed. To schedule your evaluation please give our office a call.