Fretz Neuro Vision

👀 FAQ: Who Can Benefit from Vision Therapy?

Vision therapy isn't just about seeing clearly; it's about unlocking potential and improving quality of life! Here's a deeper dive into who can benefit:

👶 Children: Vision plays a crucial role in learning, and children with learning-related vision problems can see remarkable improvements through therapy. Whether it's struggles with reading, writing, or focusing in the classroom, vision therapy can make a world of difference in their academic journey.

👨‍💼 Adults: From office workers experiencing eye strain due to prolonged screen time to individuals struggling with depth perception in their daily tasks, vision therapy offers solutions. It's not just about enhancing visual clarity but also about reducing discomfort and enhancing overall visual efficiency for adults in various professional and personal settings.

🔍 Specific Conditions: Vision therapy is a tailored approach to address specific eye conditions. For those with amblyopia (commonly known as lazy eye) or strabismus (an eye turn), vision therapy can help train the eyes to work together effectively, improving binocular vision and depth perception. Additionally, individuals with convergence insufficiency, where the eyes struggle to work together at close distances, can benefit greatly from targeted therapy.

🧠 Concussions & Traumatic Brain Injuries: Vision therapy also plays a crucial role in rehabilitation following concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBI). These injuries often affect visual processing and can lead to issues like double vision, sensitivity to light, and difficulty focusing. Vision therapy offers specialized techniques to address these challenges, helping individuals regain visual function and improve overall quality of life post-injury.

No matter your age or the specific challenges you face with your vision, know that vision therapy offers personalized solutions to help you see the world more clearly and confidently. 🌟

🌟✨ June is here, and it's time to shine a spotlight on Child Vision Awareness Month! 👀💡 Did you know that detecting vision issues in kids can be tricky? They might not even realize they're seeing the world differently. That's why regular eye exams for infants and children are so important! 🧒👁️👶 Make sure they can see both near and far, and that their eyes are working together smoothly.

Why does it matter? Because undetected vision problems can lead to developmental hurdles, sometimes mistaken for ADHD or learning disabilities. 😔💡 And for little ones, not being able to pick up on cues like body language or facial expressions can hinder language development. 🗣️🚫 But fear not! With the right diagnosis, many issues can be corrected with glasses or vision therapy exercises. 🤓🔍 Let's give our kids the best chance to see the world clearly and thrive! 💪💫

It is time for another highlight from our Vision: The Missing Puzzle Piece event!

We're thrilled to spotlight another amazing speaker from our recent event: Travis Stewart! 🌟 Travis is a Master's student at Laurier University and a NeuroVisual Trainer at See The Game. 🧠👓

During his insightful presentation, Travis highlighted NeuroTracker. This cutting-edge tool is a game-changer in sports vision AND in vision therapy, enhancing cognitive performance and visual processing skills. 🏆🧩

We are proud to offer NeuroTracker at Fretz Neuro Vision, where it's making a real difference for our vision therapy patients. Seeing the transformative impact on our patients' lives reaffirms our commitment to providing innovative solutions in vision care. 💪👀

Thank you, Travis, for sharing your expertise and passion with us! 🙌💙

🧩 Check out some highlights from Dr. Ewa Niechwiej-Szwedo's special research presentation at "Vision: The Missing Puzzle Piece" a couple weeks ago!

👁️Dr. Niechwiej-Szwedo's presentation delved into how amblyopia affects the temporal coordination of eye and hand movements, revealing slower reaching
tasks and longer fixation periods in children with amblyopia compared to peers. These findings highlight the importance of targeted interventions to address visuomotor control challenges in amblyopia, indicating avenues for further research.

💡 Let's continue supporting research like Dr. Ewa's, as it shapes our understanding and drives positive change!

Announcing the Grand Prize Winners of the "Vision: The Missing Puzzle Piece" Draw! ✨

Congratulations to Marg Burnett and Amy Carere! You've both won stylish sunglasses in our "Vision: The Missing Puzzle Piece" draw! 🎉🕶️

We want to extend our sincere appreciation to everyone who joined us for "Vision: The Missing Puzzle Piece" event last week. Stay tuned for more! 🚀🔍

👓 Vision Therapy FAQ: How long does vision therapy take?

🔍 A: The duration of vision therapy varies. It depends on factors like the severity of the vision problem, individual response to therapy, and session frequency.

⏳ Some key points to consider:

1. Severity: The more severe the vision issue, the longer therapy may take.
2. Individual Response: Response to therapy varies. Some see improvements within weeks, while others may need months.
3. Consistency: Optimal results often require consistent therapy sessions, and consistent practice done at home.

📅 Overall, it's a personalized journey. While some may experience improvements relatively quickly, others might need several months of consistent therapy for the best results. Trust the process and stay committed! 💪

Got more questions? Drop them below! 👇 🌟

🌟We are proud to announce that we have a satellite clinic at Russett Rehabilitation in Exeter, ON!🌟

Russett Rehabilitation specializes in rehabilitation and wellness. Their amazing team offers physiotherapy, massage therapy, chiropractic care, orthotics, bracing, concussion management, vestibular rehab, and other specialty programs.

We are incredibly excited to work with such an impressive team, that will aid us in meeting our goals to improve vision and lives. Up to 90% of concussions result in visual symptoms, necessitating specialized care to address these issues. Our partnership with Russett Rehabilitation, renowned for their expertise in concussion care, ensures comprehensive management that includes optometric rehabilitation. By combining our strengths, we offer tailored solutions to address visual challenges post-concussion, promoting effective recovery and improved quality of life.
👁️‍🗨️💪

You can access our services at Russett Rehabilitation by calling our main clinic 519-291-1220 or emailing [email protected]

To learn more about Russett Rehabilitation visit https://russettrehabilitation.ca/

🎉👓 Exciting News Alert! 👓🎉

Dr. Acharya just earned her FOVDRA designation, and Debra just earned her COVT designation at the annual College of Optometrists in Vision Development (COVD) meeting last week ! 🌟📚

This achievement is a testament to their dedication to advancing their knowledge and skills in vision therapy and vision development. Join us in congratulating them on this incredible milestone! 🎓👏

🌞 Don't let the solar eclipse leave you in the dark about eye safety! On April 8th, we get to witness the solar eclipse. However, it's essential to make sure your eyes are protected during this event.😎 Here are some tips:

1. Use certified solar viewing glasses to shield your eyes from harmful rays. Regular sunglasses won't cut it! 🕶️
2. Capture the moment safely by using solar filters on cameras or smartphones. 📷
3. If you're unable to procure proper eye protection, watch the eclipse through an online livestream. 🌗

Let's enjoy this solar eclipse responsibly and keep our vision safe! Share these tips with your friends and family. 🔭✨

📆 Mark your calendars for April 25, 2024! Join us for an unforgettable educational event packed with:

🎤 Insightful Presentations
👐 Hands-On Demonstrations
❓ Engaging Q&A Sessions
🤝 Networking Opportunities

Featuring special guest presentations and exciting giveaways! 🎁 Don't miss out on this chance to learn, connect, and grow!

Stay tuned for invites coming soon! In the meantime, feel free to contact us for more information. See you there!

Today, we pay tribute to the remarkable life and legacy of Dr. Betty Fretz, whose inspiring journey continues to resonate with us deeply.

👩‍🎓 Graduating from the School of Optometry in Waterloo in 1976, Dr. Fretz's passion for optometry was matched only by her unwavering dedication to improving lives. She began offering vision development and rehabilitation services, driven by her dream of helping as many people as possible.

🌟 Dr. Fretz's path took a challenging turn when she contracted encephalitis during a mission trip, interrupting her dreams momentarily. However, her courageous recovery exposed her to neuro-optometric rehabilitation firsthand, reigniting her passion with newfound vigour.

🔬 Dr. Fretz pursued this passion relentlessly, earning fellowships in prestigious organizations and becoming a leader in her field. Her commitment to advancing vision therapy and rehabilitation was unparalleled, reflected in her various roles and contributions to the optometric community.

👁️‍🗨️ Dr. Fretz's dedication culminated in the establishment of her vision therapy practice at Listowel Vision Care, where she built her dream clinic tailored for neuro-optometric rehabilitation. Despite facing personal health challenges, her spirit remained indomitable.

🏆 In 2018, Dr. Fretz was posthumously awarded the Yves Bastien award for her significant contributions to promoting vision therapy in Canada, a testament to her enduring impact. Her legacy lives on through the Fretz Fund and Fretz Neuro Vision, offering hope and healing to countless individuals across Canada.

💖 Dr. Betty Fretz's legacy of compassion, innovation, and resilience continues to inspire us every day. Join us as we honor her remarkable legacy and strive to carry forward her vision of making a difference in the lives of others.

👓Q: How frequently are vision therapy sessions typically scheduled?

🔍 A: Vision therapy sessions are typically scheduled based on individual needs and the recommendations of the vision therapist. Frequency can vary depending on factors such as the severity of the vision issue, the progress made during sessions, and the specific goals of therapy.

⏳ Some key points to consider:

1. Severity: The severity of the vision issue influences session frequency.
2. Progress: Progress made during therapy sessions is assessed to determine the need for adjustments in scheduling.
3. Goals: The specific goals of therapy impact the frequency of sessions.

📅 While sessions typically occur every week, some individuals may choose to attend every other week or even once a month. This flexibility allows for tailoring the therapy schedule to better suit individual needs and commitments.

Ultimately, the frequency of sessions is determined collaboratively between the individual and their vision therapist, ensuring the most effective treatment plan for optimal results. 🌟

🌍✨ Happy World Optometry Week! ✨🌍

From March 17th to March 23rd, we're joining the global celebration of World Optometry Week, dedicated to recognizing the vital role optometrists play in preserving vision and promoting eye health worldwide. 🎉

During World Optometry Week, we encourage everyone to prioritize their eye health by scheduling regular eye exams and staying informed about the latest advancements in vision care. Whether it's addressing subtle vision changes or managing more complex visual issues, our goal is to empower patients to achieve optimal vision and quality of life.

Let's unite in raising awareness about the significance of optometry and the critical role it plays in preserving sight and enhancing lives. Together, we can make a difference in promoting eye health for individuals and communities worldwide. 👀💙

Happy World Optometry Week from all of us at Fretz Neuro Vision! 🎉👓

🔍 Debunking the myth: All vision therapy programs are the same.

🔮 Fact: It's time to clear up this misconception! While vision therapy is a valuable tool for addressing various vision-related issues, not all programs are created equal. Here's why:

1️⃣ Individualized Approach: Just as no two individuals are exactly alike, vision therapy programs should be tailored to meet the unique needs of each person. Factors such as age, specific visual challenges, and overall health play crucial roles in designing an effective program.

2️⃣ Specialized Techniques: Vision therapy encompasses a wide range of techniques and exercises aimed at improving visual function. Depending on the individual's needs, a variety of specialized tools and methods may be employed, including prism lenses, computer-based programs, and hands-on activities.

3️⃣ Qualified Providers: Vision therapy should always be overseen by qualified professionals, such as optometrists with additional training in vision therapy. These experts are equipped to assess visual issues accurately and design comprehensive treatment plans.

4️⃣ Progressive Nature: Effective vision therapy programs are progressive in nature, meaning they evolve over time to challenge and strengthen the visual system. Regular assessments and adjustments ensure that the program remains effective and aligned with the individual's progress.

5️⃣ Patient Commitment: Successful vision therapy requires consistent effort and dedication from the patient. Compliance with recommended exercises both in-office and at home is vital for achieving desired outcomes.

💡 Bottom Line: While the concept of vision therapy is consistent, the ex*****on and effectiveness of programs can vary significantly. It's essential to seek out qualified professionals who offer personalized, evidence-based vision therapy tailored to your specific needs. Your eyes deserve nothing less than the best! 👀✨

👀💡 March is not only National Brain Injury Awareness Month but also a time to shed light on the importance of Vision Therapy!👀💡

Did you know that vision problems are common after a brain injury? Vision therapy is a specialized form of rehabilitation that can help individuals recover and improve their visual abilities after a brain injury.

This month, let's raise awareness about:

🧠 The impact of brain injuries on vision and overall well-being.
👓 The benefits of vision therapy in treating vision problems post-injury.
🌟 Supporting those undergoing vision therapy with encouragement and resources.
💬 Sharing stories of recovery and resilience to inspire others.

Let's work together to ensure that individuals with brain injuries have access to the vision care they need for a brighter future! 💪💫

This week is concussion awareness week. A concussion is a traumatic brain injury that can cause a variety of symptoms and can changes in the way you think and feel. You could have a concussion even if you don’t pass out. Having your doctor or health care provider check you is always a good idea. A concussion can’t be seen on routine image scans, such as an MRI, X-ray or CT scan. It is diagnosed by observing symptoms of a patient.

If you have a concussion, your doctor will monitor your symptoms and tell you when you can return to activities. Your doctor may also ask for support from other health professionals like a:
- neurologist
- physiotherapist
- occupational therapist
- Vision Therapist/Neuro Optometrist
Concussions can cause a wide variety of visual symptoms, listed on the second slide. Vision therapy can greatly improve those symptoms and help patients recover from a concussion. Visit https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/concussion-sign-symptoms.html to learn more about concussions, or www.fretzneurovision.com to learn more about vision therapy and concussion related symptoms

September is Cortical Visual Impairment Awareness Month. CVI is a type of vision impairment that originates from the brain, and presents when the visual centre has suffered damage, injury or has structural damages. Due to this damage the brain fails to interpret what the child/adult sees as there is an interference in the communication between the eyes and the brain.

Signs of CVI:

1. Visual Latency - the child has a delayed response to objects within sight

2. Patients lack or have an impaired blink reflex: if you place an object near the child’s eyes, they may fail to blink or have a delayed blink reflex.

3. Inclination toward familiar objects: Since the child has trouble processing information that they see, they will prefer familiar objects as they have processed that information before.

4. Weak Distance Vision

5. Need for light: Children with CVI tend to have frequent non-purpose gaze and may also stare at sources of light often

Binocular vision requires the simultaneous use of two eyes pointed at the same point in space. The brain receives the signals from each eye and combines them to form a single image. The brain uses the differences between the two images to perceive distance and depth, forming a 3D image.

The ability to accurately and efficiently use our binocular vision is fundamental for skills like tracking, eye-hand coordination, spatial awareness, peripheral vision and more.

Binocular Vision Dysfunction can cause a variety of symptoms some of which are listed here. Undetected BVD problems can lead to difficulties in the classroom or at work. A binocular vision exam or neuro-optometric assessment provides in-depth testing to look at developmental or functional vision problems.

Today we will be discussing the important of visiting your health care provider - or your Optometrist for regular contact lens health exams.

Make sure to have a conversation with your eye care provider during your next appointment to discuss your contact lens wear and care habits and to help prevent eye infections

If you experience any eye pain, discomfort, redness or blurred vision - remove your contact lenses immediately and call your optometrist.

For Day 3 of Contact Lens Health week we will discuss the risk associated with improper contact lens use.

It’s important to practice healthy contact lens wear and care as per our last post to avoid eye irritation and infections caused by contact lenses.

For day 2 of contact lens health week we will be discussing Healthy contact lens wear and care hygiene practices

Remember these 8 practices to keep your eyes healthy whilst using contact lenses!

1. Do not sleep with your contact lenses in
Sleeping with contact lenses has been found to increase the risk of infection by 8 times

2. Wash your Hands
Always wash your hands with soap and water before handling your lenses.

3. Keep Contact Lenses Away From All Water
Water can introduce germs to the eyes through contact lenses. Remove contact lenses before swimming and avoid showering in them.

4. Properly Clean Your Lenses
Rub and rinse your contact lenses with contact lens disinfecting solution. Don’t “top off” solution. Use only fresh contact lens disinfecting solution in your case—never mix fresh solution with old or used solution.

5. Take Care of Your Contact Lens Case
Clean your contact lens case by rubbing and rinsing it with contact lens solution
Replace your contact lens case at least once every three months

6. Be Prepared
Carry a backup pair of glasses with a current prescription—just in case you have to take out your contact lenses

Today marks the start of Contact Lens Health Week! This week has been organized by the CDC to increase public awareness and promote healthy contact lens wear and care.

The observance covers three key areas:

1. Healthy Contact lens wear and care hygiene practice
2. Risk associated with improper contact lens use
3. Regular visits to an eye care provider

We will be exploring these key messages throughout the week!

August is National Eye Exam Month, during this month we want to make we all learn ways to keep our eyes healthy and our vision clear. It’s important to get regular eye exams to meet these goals and make sure you have the best vision possible!

Here’s five reasons why you should get regular eye exams!

August is Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month! Since most childhood learning occurs visually, vision is critical for a child’s well-being and development. It’s important to ensure your children get their eyes checked annually, and with back to school season coming around - this is a great time to book an eye exam!

Binocular vision requires the simultaneous use of two eyes pointed at the same point in space. The brain receives the signals from each eye and combines them to form a single image. The brain uses the differences between the two images to perceive distance and depth, forming a 3D image.

The ability to accurately and efficiently use our binocular vision is fundamental for skills like tracking, eye-hand coordination, spatial awareness, peripheral vision and more.

Binocular vision issues can present themselves as headaches, eye strain with reading and computer work, poor focus, and more.

For a comprehensive binocular vision assessment, visit www.visiontherapy canada.com to find a doctor near you.

August is vision and learning month . The overall goal of this observance is to help increase awareness among parents and educators on the prevalence of undiagnosed or misdiagnosed vision problems.

Up to 80% of a child’s learning in school is through vision. If a child is having trouble learning, it could be due to an undiagnosed vision problem.

For a comprehensive binocular vision assessment, visit www.visiontherapycanada.com to find a doctor near you.

After suffering from injuries and a concussion after a car accident, Tanya met with our vision therapists and set goals for her therapy:
- get back to normal
- stop getting headaches with reading
- improve memory
- be able to do more visual work

She has now completed her therapy, and is now free of symptoms! She writes: “I don't know what I would have done without Vision Therapy. It helped me to cope with work and my everyday living. Without VT, I would have been plaqued with symptoms that would have been crippling to my quality of life.The support and encouragement from all the staff was amazing. The VT therapist always found a way to make it personalized, fun, exciting, and rewarding. I can't thank you enough. reading and do a lot of visual work”

Congratulation to Tanya on graduating from our neuro-optometric rehabilitation program!