Vision Therapy or Occupational Therapy?

Vision Therapy vs. Vision Rehabilitation by an OT

When a child or adult struggles with visual skills, there are two different (but often complementary) approaches to help: vision therapy and vision rehabilitation by an occupational therapist (OT). While they may address some of the same challenges, they come from different backgrounds and serve slightly different purposes.

Vision Therapy

Provided by: Optometrists with specialized training in developmental or behavioral vision
Focus: Eye function and coordination
Goal: Improve the physical skills of the eyes—like tracking, teaming, focusing, and visual processing.

Commonly helps with:

• Convergence insufficiency (eyes not working well together)

• Double vision or blurred vision

• Eye fatigue or headaches

• Trouble shifting focus between near and far

• Visual issues related to reading or screen use

Tools may include: Prism lenses, therapeutic filters, computer-based visual exercises, or in-office vision training tools.

Vision Rehabilitation by an Occupational Therapist (OT)

Provided by: Occupational therapists with training in functional vision and sensory integration
Focus: How vision impacts daily life, motor skills, and learning
Goal: Strengthen the use of vision in real-world tasks like writing, copying, balance, coordination, and spatial awareness.

Commonly helps with:

• Visual-motor integration (hand-eye coordination)

• Visual perceptual skills (understanding and interpreting what you see)

• Navigating space, balance, and posture

• Functional challenges after concussion or developmental delays

• Incorporating vision into multisensory processing

Tools may include: Movement-based therapy, reflex integration, sensory-motor activities, games, and real-life tasks.

While vision therapy strengthens the eyes and their coordination, OT helps clients apply those skills in meaningful, functional ways throughout the day.

At Greater Atlanta Speech and Language Clinics’ Vision Clinic, we collaborate with optometrists and other specialists to create a comprehensive, individualized plan that meets your child's unique needs.

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