Insights from the Field: Highlights from a Mastering VT Open Workshop

Vision is complex—and so is treating it. Behind every eye movement, focus shift, or moment of visual confusion lies a deeply interconnected system involving the brain, body, and environment. Navigating this complexity takes more than clinical knowledge—it takes empathy, adaptability, and a commitment to personalized care. In our latest Mastering VT presentation, which was an open Q&A format, vision therapists shared real-world cases and insights that highlighted how deeply human this work really is. When therapy is guided by both evidence and compassion, the result is more than symptom relief—it’s meaningful, life-changing progress.

Whether it’s a child with ADHD, an athlete in training, or a patient with complex neurological damage, one guiding principle remains: treatment must be tailored. Behind every success is a team of caring professionals who do more than deliver therapy—they build trust, celebrate small wins, and help patients rediscover what’s possible. These are people who meet patients where they are—neurologically, emotionally, and functionally—and help them move forward with confidence. When vision therapy is delivered with both skill and heart, vision becomes more than a sense. It becomes a tool for growth, independence, and renewed hope. 

On a personal note, it’s truly an honor to be part of this passionate and dedicated community of vision therapy professionals. The depth of knowledge, the willingness to share, and the genuine care for patients that I see every day is nothing short of inspiring. This field attracts people who don’t settle for surface solutions—they dig deeper, think creatively, and fight for real progress. Being surrounded by such purpose-driven individuals reminds me why this work matters and why I’m proud to be a part of it!

Once our session was over today, I went back and read the notes, and decided to offer the highlights as best as I can summarize. 

Understanding the Individual Behind the Symptoms

One key theme echoed throughout the session: no two patients are the same. Vision therapy is most effective when it accounts for the full person—not just their diagnosis. Vision Therapists must always consider personal history, emotional resilience, and how each patient uniquely adapts to challenges. The human context shapes both the therapy plan and its success. 

Tackling Visual Snow: Process Over Perfection

Visual Snow Syndrome continues to present a challenge, with treatment outcomes that vary widely. Rather than trying to erase the visual static, we all hope to emphasize strategies that focus on figure-ground perception and information processing. The goal is to help patients function better in spite of persistent symptoms—especially when those symptoms began or worsened after brain injury. 

Real Game, Real Gains: Sports Vision Therapy

For athletes, visual skills must translate under pressure. The session explored how sports vision therapy uses neuromuscular confusion, Marsden ball training, and distraction-rich drills to build game-ready performance. It was all a wonderful reminder that therapy should simulate competition—because that’s where the visual system is truly tested. 

TBI Recovery: Success Is Multifaceted

Vision Therapy for traumatic brain injury patients doesn’t always mean full recovery; rather, sometimes it’s more about self-regulation and awareness, with stamina and flexibility not far behind. We all hope to operate within a patient’s safe limits while adjusting expectations with clarity and compassion. 

Exotropia Revisited: Beyond Alignment

For patients with a history of childhood strabismus surgery and resulting consecutive exotropia, treatment must look deeper than eye alignment. Strategies discussed included working from the original esophoric posture, rebuilding peripheral awareness, and using fusion training tools like tube fusion and augmented reality. It was clear we all have a similar aim: to restore function, not just appearance. 

The Platypus Case: Third Nerve Palsy Meets Duane Syndrome

One unusual case combined third nerve palsy in one eye and Duane syndrome in the other—an extremely rare scenario. While this was a fun conversation (and one that had us all thinking!) realistic expectations, quality of life, and collaborative care were all emphasized. Techniques like sectoral occlusion, eye stretching, and prism adaptation were considered, with an emphasis on what’s achievable, not perfect. 

Peripheral Vision Rehab: Success Beyond the Charts

Even when formal visual field testing shows no improvement, functional progress is still possible. When discussing bilateral field loss, stories were shared where patients regained daily confidence and orientation using techniques such as oculomotor scanning, visualization, and peripheral awareness training. Outcomes may not always show up on paper—but they show up in life. 

Managing ADHD in the Therapy Room

ADHD became a topic of conversation. Discussions included building on strengths rather than fixing “problems.” Gradual control during activities, structured freedom, and occasional removal of over-involved parents can lead to better engagement. Success often comes through reframing ADHD as an asset, not a deficit. After all, anyone who can finish a Marsden ball drill and plan their weekend in under 10 seconds has a superpower!

Dyslexia: Vision vs. Language

The session wrapped with a discussion on dyslexia, clarifying that true dyslexia is a linguistic disorder, not a visual one. However, many patients benefit from vision therapy when visual processing dysfunction is present. Treatment focuses on recognition, sequencing, and timed processing—providing structure and space for visual systems to operate more efficiently.

Final Thoughts: A Little Light, a Lot of Heart

Vision therapy isn’t always glamorous. There are no award shows for convergence, and no reality shows for Brock string drama (although we’d probably watch that);  but this work matters. It’s full of connection, creativity, and those magical moments when a patient says, “Hey… I can see it now.” Those moments make it all worth it!

Thanks to everyone who took part, asked questions, and reminded us that we’re all in this together—figuring it out one saccade at a time. For anyone interested in learning more about Mastering VT Workshop, please check out our website.

For anyone interested in learning more about Mastering VT Workshop, please check out our website.

The next scheduled date is Monday, June 23 at 9:30am PST.

Hope to see you all there!