From Beginner to Confident Clinician

The journey into vision therapy can feel both exciting and overwhelming, especially for those who begin without prior experience. VT101 was designed to bridge that gap, providing a clear foundation in visual skills, procedures, and the conditions that vision therapists encounter every day. For many, it’s their first real exposure to the principles of binocular vision, oculomotor control, and visual processing. This course doesn’t just introduce theory, it offers practical tools and demonstrations that help new therapists build confidence in their role from the very start.

To capture what VT101 is like in practice, we sat down with a fellow vision therapist, Alex Danashita, who completed the course and reflected on its impact. Their story illustrates how a structured, well-paced program can transform a complete beginner into a clinician who understands not only what to do in a therapy room, but also why those skills matter. From learning basic procedures to recognizing key diagnoses, their experience highlights the way VT101 empowers vision therapists to support patients with greater knowledge and purpose.

What were the most valuable takeaways or skills you gained from the VT101 course, and how do you see them helping you in your professional work?

First of all, I started VT101 as a true beginner to vision therapy. I understood very little of the purpose of vision therapy, and I did not know anything about binocular vision skills, accommodation, visual perceptual skills, etc. Therefore, learning what skills were necessary, and what conditions were likely to be seen & treated in VT was essential. I was also training under a COVT at the same time, but VT101 broke down a model of vision that really helped me to understand what my role would be in helping our patients. I still utilize the procedures I was taught in VT101.

Looking back at the full VT101 experience, what aspects of the course stood out as the most helpful or meaningful for your learning?

1. Descriptions of visual dysfunctions and

2. Watching real therapists demonstrate how to do procedures with patients.

   
   

How did the online format work for you—what advantages did you find in being able to learn this material online rather than in person?

I loved the online format. I was able to watch and rewatch videos and procedures. The first time, I would take really extensive notes for my reference, and the second (or additional) time I would watch and absorb as much as I could without the distraction of trying to document every little detail. 

Can you offer one example within the material that you found to be some of the most valuable?

I would say the very basics at the beginning–oculomotor dysfunction and protocols to treat it. Specifically, I learned about trouble with fixation, pursuits, and saccades, and the beginning of treating those symptoms. I learned how to help patients with eye stretches, provide tactile feedback, training eyes monocularly for oculomotor dysfunction, etc. I also learned about specific diagnoses and the differences between them, like amblyopia vs. strabismus. That was all brand new to me and completely fascinating.

After completing VT101, how interested are you in continuing on to VT201, and what would motivate you to take the next step?

I am very interested in completing 201, especially since I would like to learn more of the science of optometry and to delve deeper into treating binocular dysfunction. The biggest motivation for me would be feeling like I had adequate time available to complete the course.

As you’ll see from Alex’s insights, the online courses are more than just a stepping stone, they are a launching pad. The knowledge and confidence gained carries forward into everyday clinical practice and set the stage for advanced training like VT201. For therapists eager to grow, this course represents both a foundation and an invitation: to keep building skills, deepening understanding, and ultimately improving the lives of the patients they serve.

Inspired by Alex's journey? This week only, invest in your growth with 20% OFF:

Use code VTGIFT25 at checkout. Whether you're training to be the next Alex or advancing to VT201, now is the perfect time!