Assessing Eye Movements

Assessing eye movements should be a regular part of every therapist’s evaluation process. We get 75% of the information about our environment from vision and vision affects things like reading, handwriting, and balance.

Before starting this evaluation, ask about the patients most recent eye exam. A patient not in the best corrected visual acuity may have difficult time fixating and therefore show poor ocular motor skills. Every child needs a complete

Nystagmus

An involuntary movement of the eyes called nystagmus.  These are described as a congenital or acquired nystagmus and further described as jerky (faster in one direction than the other) or pendular (same speed in each direction).

Congenital Nystagmus

Assessing Eye Movements

Assessing eye movements is quick and easy and gives the therapist vital information on about the patient may be seeing the world. It’s easy to do…just watch!!!

Want to learn more?

The Pediatric Ocular Motor Toolkit contains more information on how you can assess treat ocular motor problems