Great Lakes Vision Rehabilitation at Excel Neuro-Optometric Clinic
Traumatic and Acquired Brain Injury ∙ Learning Disabilities ∙ Autism ∙ Infant and Visual Development ∙ Neuro-Degenerative Diseases ∙ Visually Evoked Potential ∙ Visual Information Processing Testing ∙ Kinetic Color Visual Field ∙ Optometric Phototherapy
48189 Van Dyke Ave, Shelby Township, MI 48317
Phone: (586) 731-9725
Fax: (586) 488-0006
Frequently Asked Questions
1.
What is the difference between vision and eyesight?
Vision is a process by which the brain gathers information observed via the eyes. This process is learned and provides the brain with a way of observing the individual’s movement and surroundings. Vision entails several skills including eye teaming, eye tracking, perceptual relationships, and focusing. Eyesight is a physical process involving the detection of patterns of contrast and light via the eyes. Eyesight gives the individual the ability to see objects clearly at a predetermined distance. Eyesight is measured by visual acuity. Perfect eyesight is considered to be 20/20.
2.
What if the eyes are healthy and eyesight is 20/20 – is there still a need to believe the problem may be vision related?
Don’t count out vision skills simply based on one’s eyesight ability and healthy eyes. Perfect eyesight does not translate into perfect vision skills. Most individuals who experience sensorimotor or vision deficiencies maintain healthy eyes and 20/20 vision. The handicap often lies within the eye’s ability to focus, align, and endure the challenges of performing simple assignments. For this reason, visual learning problems can be missed during a traditional eye exam or school screening.
3.
Can vision therapy help individuals that
suffer from learning problems?
Vision therapy is an excellent resource for individuals with learning problems. It can be a vital portion of the total treatment plan for the person involved. Sensorimotor and vision deficits have the ability to induce headaches, eye strain, double vision, blurred vision, problems with attention, and reading and learning deficiencies. These ailments can affect highly intelligent and motivated individuals who are unfortunately handicapped by these vision problems, causing challenges in both professional and educational environments. By correcting functional vision inabilities with therapy, an individual has the opportunity to function successfully at both work and school.
4.
How long does vision therapy take?
The length of treatment varies based on the severity of the diagnoses and the patients goals. However, the average length of a vision therapy program is four to nine months.
5.
How do I start a vision therapy program?
The first step is to set up a comprehensive sensorimotor examination with one of our doctors. During this appointment the doctor evaluates how the brain's ability to move the eyes together as a team. This motor movement gives us eye teaming, which then allows the brain to process this visual information. The doctor will also assess if there is a need for glasses and or prisms. The initial appointment takes between hour and half to two hours.
Depending on the doctors findings they may recommend additional testing, called a visual information processing evaluation. During this evaluation a occupational therapist will administer a series of standardized test to determine how the brain is processing visual information and how it might be hindering the patient's performance in school, work, and daily living. The visual information processing evaluation also includes gross motor, primitive reflex, and motor planning assessment.
If the patient completes a visual information processing evaluation, a third appointment will scheduled with the doctor to review the findings and present a treatment plan. Our treatment plans include in office vision therapy, optometric phototherapy, and prism glasses.
Please note that the doctor may not recommend vision therapy and would provide a referral for the appropriate care (ie. occupational therapy, speech therapy, chiropractor, ect).
6.
Does my commercial insurance company cover vision therapy?
Like many vision therapy clinics, our office does not participate with commercial insurance companies. The insurance companies dictate which services are covered based on the diagnosis code, limit the amount of sessions needed, and sometimes require the patient to fail home therapy for 4-6 months before they can enroll in a office based vision therapy program.
However, you can still utilize your insurance policy by submitting for out-of-network reimbursement. Many of our patients receive 30-60% reimbursement for testing and treatment. Our staff will provide you with itemized receipts and the appropriate forms to help you submit for reimbursement.
Please note that reimbursement is not guaranteed, and we suggest you contact your insurance company for more information about your out-of-network reimbursement.
7.
How much does vision therapy cost?
The cost of vision therapy will range depending on the amount of sessions required to reach the patients goals and fully integrate their visual skills.
Our contracts include therapy sessions, re-evaluations with the doctor, subsequent standardized testing to monitor progress, optometric phototherapy filters, and the equipment rental fee.
The price of therapy can range between $2,000 to $6,000.
8.
What payment methods do you accept?
Our office accepts Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express, Health Savings Accounts / Flexible Saving Account, Cash, and Checks.
Our office does offer payment plans and we accept Care Credit.