Kingston & Napanee Vision Development Centre

11/02/2025

Does your child lose their place while reading?
Do they move their head or use their finger to track words on the page? These could be signs of visual-motor skill difficulties, which can impact reading and learning.

👀 If you’re in the Kingston or Napanee area, contact us today for a complimentary phone consultation to find out if vision therapy could help your child.

10/17/2025

This Children’s Health Month, protect your child’s vision. 👁️‍🗨️
Myopia (nearsightedness) can begin early and worsen quickly. Risk factors include longer screen time and less time spent outdoors. Early detection helps slow myopia progression and protect their long-term sight. This is why an annual eye exam is crucial. Book with an optometrist today.

03/03/2025

Is reading a struggle but you’re not sure if it’s dyslexia? Before jumping to conclusions, it’s important to first check for binocular vision disorders. Many of the symptoms can overlap with dyslexia, including difficulty focusing, losing your place while reading, skipping words, or even experiencing blurry vision, headaches, and fatigue.

The truth is, these visual challenges are often mistaken for learning difficulties and can go undiagnosed for a long time. But here’s the good news: binocular vision disorders can be identified and treated by Pediatric and Neuro Optometrists. 👓

With vision therapy, we use neuroplasticity to retrain the eyes and brain to work together more efficiently. This leads to improved visual processing, enhanced focus, and a more comfortable reading experience. Whether it’s fixing the root cause of blurry vision or helping with eye coordination, vision therapy can make a world of difference! 🌍✨

If you or your child are experiencing any of these symptoms—fatigue, eye strain, trouble concentrating, or skipping words—don’t wait! Take the first step in getting the right diagnosis. Better vision leads to better learning. 🌟

             

03/01/2025

Did you know that the Ontario Brain Injury Association offers free online support groups for patients with concussion or brain injuries? See details below if interested.

🧠 Registration is now open for OBIA's Online Concussion Support Groups starting in April 2025!

The groups run for 8-weeks offering a safe space, support and education to individuals with concussion/brain injury. The program is designed and facilitated by a Registered Social Worker, who covers key topics like anxiety, depression, coping strategies, and more.

Support Group Schedule:
📅 Tuesdays (Apr 29 - Jun 17, 2025)
11 AM - 12 PM EST
2 PM - 3 PM EST
7 PM - 8 PM EST

📅 Wednesdays (Apr 30 - Jun 18, 2025)
11 AM - 12 PM EST
2 PM - 3 PM EST
7 PM - 8 PM EST

🔗 Register now! Space is limited—please sign up for only one session ➡️ https://obia.ca/support/online-support-groups/

02/23/2025

👀 Strabismus is more than just crossed eyes 👀

Did you know that strabismus affects the alignment of the eyes and can impact vision development, especially in children? As a pediatric and neuro optometrist, I want to help you understand more about this condition and how to manage it effectively.

Signs & Symptoms of Strabismus:
➡️Eyes that don't line up or appear crossed
➡️Double vision
➡️Difficulty focusing
➡️Poor depth perception
➡️Squinting or shutting an eye
➡️Poor visual-motor coordination

Treatment Options:
✅ Prescription glasses – To improve alignment and vision problems
✅ Vision therapy – Personalized exercises designed to improve eye coordination, strengthen eye muscles, and enhance visual skills. It’s similar to "physical therapy" for your eyes! Through consistent therapy, we can help retrain your brain and eyes to work together better.
✅ Eye muscle surgery – In some cases, when other treatments aren’t enough, surgery can be an option to align the eyes. But first, let's take a look at how the brain is coordinating the eyes. Since strabismus involves the brain's control over eye movement, addressing the neural pathways and how the brain processes visual information is crucial.

Vision therapy is a non-invasive, individualized treatment that helps many patients improve eye function and alignment. It can take time, but the results can be life-changing! 🌟

If you or your child are dealing with strabismus, don’t wait! Early intervention is key for better outcomes. Reach out to schedule a personalized consultation and let’s work together for better vision! 👓✨

🔍 Follow for more eye health tips and updates. Don’t forget to share this with anyone who might find it helpful!

02/22/2025

👀 Are you or your child struggling with difficulties reading or writing? Oculomotor dysfunction might be the cause. This condition affects the coordination and movement of eye muscles, making tasks like reading and writing challenging. Here are some common symptoms to look out for:

📚 Reading Issues:

Trouble keeping track of lines, often losing your place

Skipping small words or reversing letters

Headaches or fatigue after reading for short periods

✍️ Writing Challenges:

Poor and uneven handwriting due to difficulty focusing on the paper

Skipping lines or words while writing, making tasks slower and more frustrating

Reversing letters due to difficulties tracking

Luckily, treatments can help you or your child regain comfort with everyday tasks.

🔹 Vision therapy: Visual procedures designed to improve eye coordination and focus.
🔹 Eye tracking techniques: Helps improve smooth eye movements and reduces strain.
🔹 Therapeutic lenses: Specialized glasses to improve focus and reduce discomfort.
🔹 Rest breaks: Regular intervals to rest the eyes and prevent fatigue.

If you notice these symptoms in yourself or your child, don't forget to consider the oculomotor system and ask about the best treatment options for you. 👓

02/11/2025

At the Vision Development Centre, we’re dedicated to helping individuals of all ages achieve optimal visual function through personalized vision therapy programs. Get to know the passionate professionals who make it all happen:

✨ Dr. Zoé Briggs, OD, FAAO, FOVDR
With a Doctor of Optometry degree from the University of Montreal and fellowships in Vision Therapy, Neuro-Optometry, and Pediatric Optometry, Dr. Briggs is committed to treating learning-related vision problems, brain injuries, and enhancing sports performance. She’s an award-winning optometrist, clinical supervisor, and international speaker, passionate about improving lives through vision therapy.

✨ Amanda Perry, CCOA, PVT
Amanda has been in optometry since 2013 and focuses on Vision Therapy, particularly for patients with brain injuries. With certifications in Practical Vision Therapy, she thrives on working with both children and adults to improve their visual function. Outside of work, Amanda loves camping, boating, and spending quality time with her family.

✨ Emily Metzler, Vision Therapist
Emily’s background in neurodevelopmental research and psychology supports her work as a Vision Therapist for both children and adults. With experience at Queen’s University and a focus on ADHD, Autism, and mental health, Emily designs customized therapy plans to improve visual function and help individuals reach their potential. Outside of work, Emily enjoys gardening, staying active, and spending time with her family and pets.

✨ Lhamu Sherpa, Vision Therapist
Lhamu brings her expertise in binocular vision and vision therapy from working in Nepal, where she helped children with special needs and neurological disorders. Holding a Fellowship in Binocular Single Vision and Vision Therapy, she’s worked in multidisciplinary settings and is passionate about patient care. Lhamu loves traveling and community involvement, always eager to learn and grow in her field.

We’re here to help you see your best, and our team is ready to support you every step of the way! Contact us today to book an appointment. 😊

02/06/2025

Amblyopia is a condition where one eye doesn't develop proper vision, often due to misalignment or differences in focus between the eyes. Early detection and treatment are key!

Reach out to your optometrist if you'd like to discuss treatment options!

👀✨

02/04/2025

Congratulations to our amazing VT graduate! 🎉 After dedicated work and perseverance, she is now able to maintain optimal eye alignment at both distance and near. We couldn’t be more proud of her progress! 👏

If you or someone you know is experiencing eye alignment or vision challenges, reach out to us at the Vision Development Centre to find out how Vision Therapy can make a difference.

📞 (343) 333-2211 or ✉️ NapaneeVisionTherapy@gmail.com!

02/03/2025

👀 Struggling with reading, homework, or screen time? You might be dealing with Convergence Insufficiency, a common eye condition where your eyes have trouble focusing on near tasks.

Symptoms can include:
➡️ Difficulty focusing on reading or close work ➡️ Frequent headaches or eye strain during tasks ➡️ Skipping words or lines when reading ➡️ Double vision or blurred vision

This condition affects 5-15% of people and is treatable with Vision Therapy! 🌟

If any of these symptoms sound familiar, we’re here to help. Reach out to us at 📞 (343) 333-2211 or ✉️ NapaneeVisionTherapy@gmail.com!