Eyes for Learning: Preventing and Curing Vision-Related Learning Problems

Eyes for Learning: Preventing and Curing Vision-Related Learning Problems

Poor vision, if unnoticed and untreated, can dramatically reduce a childOs school achievement. While it is easy to blame underachievement on a variety of causes, the real cause may be directly related to vision development. Strong vision is much more than being able to see the blackboard from the back row. Solid visual skills that underlie brain learning are developed through a variety of activities that are less and less a part of childrenOs lives thanks to TV and video games. Eyes for Learning explains how parents and teachers can spot a vision-related learning problem and how to treat it. Dr. Antonia Orfield provides answers about referrals, required vision tests, and vision-improvement techniques. The bottom line is that good vision is a learned skill that is best developed by the practices explained in this book. Understanding these explanations can go a long way in saving a child from failure in school. “Dr. Orfield's book will be invaluable to parents and educators who have always wondered why no matter what services are provided, their children still struggle. It explains what is getting in the way and how you can help the underachieving child.” ―Jeffrey H. Getzell, OD, FCOVD, FCSO, midwest regional OEP chairman, and chairman, Great Lakes Optometric Congress “The vision training [VT] I did with Dr. Orfield changed my life. Reading and memory retention became much easier... Every guidance counselor, school nurse, tutor, teacher, and parent should use Dr. Orfield's book as their bible when working with students.” ―Ralph Katz, CEO and president of BK Management and 18-time North American Bridge Championship winner “As my vision and depth perception improved through vision therapy with Dr. Orfield, so did the coordination between my hands. As a professional violinist and teacher, I was amazed at this development (which helped me improve elements of my technique) and the increased freedom of expression that came with it. As a former teacher of mine said subsequently upon hearing me play, " I wish everyone who went to the optometrist would come back with their ears opened.” ―Ann Miklich, freelance orchestral violinist, violin, and viola teacher; chair of the String Department of the Community Music Center of Boston “Training with Dr. Orfield in 1989 and 1990, I cleared up all my nearsightedness. I have not needed distance glasses since... Vision training is terrific for all sports development programs (beginner to pro), public speaking, academic achievement, improving job performance, and martial arts... It should be an integral part of every child's development, available in each and every school. Dr. Orfield has put together the latest critical information on 1) how to raise visually competent children; 2) howto identify those children who have learning related vision problems; 3) how to fix functional vision problems with glasses and vision exercises with a behavioral optometrist; and 4) how to find appropriate referrals for health issues that impact vision.I am definitely recommending this book to all my clients, especially it is a 'must' for those who teach or who have children or grandchildren..” ―Bruce J. Moran, consultant, Sifu in Tai Chi Tao, NCCAOM diplomat in Asian Bodywork, and AOBTA-certified instructor/athletic trainer “Finally, a comprehensive and well-written text for both parents and educators about children's vision and learning and what can be done to help our children. This is a welcome addition!” ―Carl F. Gruning, OD, FAAO, FCOVD, clinical professor, SUNY College of Optometry (pediatrics/infants), and past president, College of Optometrists in Vision Develo “[Orfield] gives teachers, assessors and parents methods to determine whether a child has a visual learning disability and where to turn for confirmation and treatment. She also gives advice about having proper facilities and activities that will enhance vision for affected and normal children.” ― Scitech Book News “The information that parents need to help prevent and reverse vision problems and the undesirable conditions that accompany them is presented in both an easily readable and a practical form. Ever parent should have this book.” ―Amiel Francke, OD, FAAO, FCOVD, FCSO “Dr. Orfield is to be congratulated for presenting cutting edge material in a professional manner. This is a gem of a book that should be read cover-to-cover by parents, educators, and all professionals entrusted with guiding children's development.” ―Leonard J. Press, Optometry and Vision Development “This innovative book coaches parents and teachers on how to identify a vision related problem, and how to treat it.” ―Mark-Ellis Bennett, The Biltmore Beacon, April 2008 “Dr. Orfield's innovative text contains many new ideas and ways of understanding children's learning and social difficulties. The text provides insight into the role of impaired vision in cognitive and social functioning. By focusing on the impact of the role of impaired vision in th