The Assessment Process
A behavioural optometry assessment is far more comprehensive than a standard eye test. It not only checks eyesight but also evaluates how the eyes, brain, and body work together to process visual information. This holistic approach helps identify visual challenges that may impact learning, concentration, coordination, or daily activities.
What to Expect During the Initial Optometry Examination
During a behavioural optometry test, which typically lasts between 45 to 60 minutes, the optometrist conducts a detailed assessment of how well a child's eyes work together and how their visual system supports learning, development, and daily activities. This test goes beyond a standard eye exam and is designed to evaluate how vision impacts behaviour, coordination, and performance, particularly in areas like reading, attention, and sports.
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Before the test, parents are asked to complete a detailed questionnaire that provides important background information about the child's visual habits, challenges, and developmental history. It's essential that the questionnaire is completed ahead of time to ensure the optometrist has the necessary context to tailor the exam to the child's specific needs. Parents (or carers) are also asked to provide any relevant allied health reports, such as from speech therapists, occupational therapists, or psychologists, as these documents can help the optometrist better understand the child's overall development and health.
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Once the test begins, the optometrist will assess various aspects of the child's vision, including visual acuity (how well they can see at different distances), eye tracking (how well they follow moving objects), and Binocular Vision work-up (eye teaming - how well both eyes work together).
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A binocular vision work-up is an eye examination performed to assess how well the eyes work together to focus on objects and create a single, clear image. This type of work-up is important because problems with binocular vision can affect depth perception, eye coordination, and overall visual comfort.
The main goal of the binocular vision work-up is to evaluate the following aspects of vision:
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Eye Alignment: Ensuring that the eyes are properly aligned, as misalignment can lead to issues like double vision or eye strain.
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Convergence: The ability of the eyes to move inward toward each other when focusing on a near object. Problems with convergence can cause difficulty reading or performing close-up tasks.
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Accommodation: The ability of the eyes to focus on objects at varying distances. If the eyes cannot adjust their focus appropriately, it can lead to discomfort and blurred vision.
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Depth Perception: Binocular vision is crucial for perceiving depth, as it relies on the brain’s ability to combine input from both eyes to gauge the distance of objects.
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Tracking and Coordination: How well the eyes follow moving objects and work together to stay on target without issues like eye fatigue or difficulty tracking.
The child will be asked to focus on near and far objects, follow patterns, and perform visual-motor tasks that mimic activities in the classroom and on the playing field (i.e., sports) because what better way to observe and detect issues related to eye coordination, focus, and depth perception than by evaluating their ability to perform everyday tasks where these skills are crucial for learning. Remember, It is estimated that approximately 80% of learning in the classroom is visual. This includes activities like reading, writing, observing visual cues, watching demonstrations, and interacting with visual materials such as charts, diagrams, and multimedia content. Because so much learning relies on vision, visual issues can significantly impact a child's ability to perform well in a classroom setting. This highlights the importance of good binocular vision, clear visual acuity, and proper eye coordination to support academic success.​​
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What is VIPA (Visual Information Processing Assessment) and when is it indicated?
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​A Visual Information Processing Assessment (VIPA) is a comprehensive evaluation designed to assess how well an individual processes and interprets visual information. It looks at the various components of visual perception and how the brain uses visual input to make sense of the world around us. This type of assessment is particularly useful for identifying difficulties in how visual information is interpreted and integrated, which can impact learning, reading, sports, and other daily activities. A Visual Information Processing Assessment is indicated when there are concerns about difficulties in processing and interpreting visual information, particularly when it impacts learning, motor coordination, or daily functioning. It is useful for individuals with learning disabilities, visual-motor coordination challenges, eye strain, or following a brain injury or developmental delays. The assessment can help identify specific visual processing weaknesses and guide targeted interventions, such as vision therapy or other accommodations.
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What Happens After the Assessment?
Once all the tests are completed, we provide:
1) A clear explanation of findings – Helping you understand any visual challenges present.
2) A tailored treatment plan – May include prescription lenses, vision therapy, or specific strategies to improve visual function.
3) Recommendations for home and school – Guidance on how to support stronger visual skills in learning and daily activities.
At Kids Eye Care by Five Dock Optometry, we take a personalized approach to ensure every child or individual receives the best support for their vision development.
Book an assessment today and take the first step toward unlocking better vision, learning, and performance!