What Is A Behavioural Optometrist?

Do I need to see a behavioural optometrist?

Most people think that all optometrists are the same when in fact there are several types that look at a variety of different things. Here we will talk about behavioural optometrists.

What is a behavioural optometrist?

Behavioural optometry is a specialised area of the field of optometry which embraces the link between vision, learning and development. At Outlook Eye Centre we believe that there is more to vision than just being able to read the bottom line of the letter chart.

They may also work with adults who have demanding lifestyles and may benefit from the help of a behavioural optometrist.

What does a behavioural optometrist appointment involve?

When we assess your child we also look at how they are able to use their eyes and in particular we look at eye teaming, focusing and visual processing skills and also the effect that fatigue may have on their vision and therefore their school performance. All of these skills are the building blocks for reaching your full potential, particularly in the classroom.

We specialise in children’s vision and Shannon has completed post graduate training in behavioural optometry and believes that all children must have their eyes examined before they start school.

Do I need to see a behavioural optometrist?

The best way to know whether a behavioural optometrist can help you or your child is to arrange for an eye exam with your Toowoomba optometrist.

A behavioural optometry assessment covers all the aspects of a general eye examination however looks much more closely at a number of different visual skills that are essential for learning including visual perception skills such as visual spatial skills, visual motor skills, visual memory, visual figure ground, eye movement skills and visual analysis skills.

If you have any concerns about your child’s eyes please drop in to your Toowoomba optometrist for an eye examination.