ODs and OTs…how i joined the team
It was my luck to find a job at a forward thinking optometry practice that wanted an occupational therapist on-site to provide low vision services (training on devices, home modification, etc). But the occupational therapy scope quickly moved to reading problems, visual motor integration, handwriting and “visual processing” problems. I had to quickly learn about eye movements, convergence and focusing problems that our ODs were finding. I learned about the Convergence Insufficiency Treatment trial and the prevalence of eye movement problems affecting the functional outcomes of pediatric OT patients. I attended NORA training levels one and two. I even got learn about performance vision training as part of the High Performance Vision Associates.
The results were amazing. When the practice changed ownership, I continued my practice as part of an outpatient pediatric therapy clinic working with other PTs OTs and and SLPs.
Helping more Children
The OD that I worked with continues sending me patients, only now, every child is seen regardless of insurance ( a problem in the OD clinic). I frequently spend 6-8 hours a day of direct patient contact on vision patients. Now with a complete therapy clinic, the scope had expanded to managing the strength and postural problems, as well as the sensory problems often associated with children that have eye movement problems. We are adding vision rehab to traditional pediatric occupational therapy
And the optometrist that refers to me? He is also very busy, as his reputation for performing complete eye exams on special needs children and finding problems other ODs did not, made him the “go to guy” in our community.
Why partner with an OT?
Every optometrist should have an OT that they can refer patients. As OTs, our education includes standardized testing for fine and gross motor defects, learning the developmental sequence from birth to old age and kinesiology and movement. We treat sensory problems and use reliable and valid tools to identify these problems. We are already treating the children with eye movement problems and doing the best we can. We know a part of the puzzle is missing.
Training needed
The OD may have to spend some time with the occupational therapist teaching about convergence and the near vision system and the most efficient way to treat these things. The course I present teaches the basic skills for this and I have taught about 700 therapists so far. You, as an OD, will quickly find a receptive therapist as we recognize that vision is standing in the way of our kiddos progress, but we do not know how to fix. In return, a rewarding symbiotic relationship can begin that benefits all involved. Mostly, it benefits the children that need these important interventions to be more accessible .
Learn More
Learn more about this subject in a live course presented by Robert. Its now available as a webinar too!! Hosted by PESI Education. 
