Binocular Vision Clinic

 

At Castro Valley Optometry, we help children and adults overcome problems with how their eyes work together. These vision issues usually start in childhood, but can also develop later due to head injuries, health problems, or aging.

Good vision means more than just seeing clearly. Your child's eyes need to work together properly for them to see and feel their best. Our team provides you and your family with the care and solutions you need. Contact us today to help your child experience better vision and a brighter future.

What is Binocular Vision?

Binocular vision problems affect how both eyes work together and communicate with the brain. Usually, our eyes work as a team to create one clear picture. When there's a problem with this teamwork, it can cause vision problems in children. Getting help early can greatly improve your child's visual development and quality of life.


The Vision & Learning Connection

Most parents know that blurry vision can affect their child's school performance, but other vision problems can also cause trouble. Reading and schoolwork require the eyes to focus, work together, and track properly. Learning also depends on the brain's ability to process information quickly.

Research shows that treating these vision problems can improve your child's academic performance and help them reach their full potential.


Why Choose our Binocular vision clinic?

Our team of eye doctors is highly trained to find and treat binocular vision problems. All of our doctors have completed residency training in various areas—which is voluntary, additional training for an optometrist. Dr. Maggie Francisco has special training in vision therapy & rehabilitation for binocular vision conditions. She earned Fellowship in the American Academy of Optometry (FAAO) for her research and study in binocular vision and vision rehabilitation. This training shows her expert knowledge in these specialized areas.


Common binocular vision conditions

  • Amblyopia (lazy eye): One or both eyes cannot see clearly, even with glasses. This develops in early childhood and gets harder to treat as the child gets older.

    Strabismus (eye turn): One eye turns in, out, up, or down while the other eye points straight.

    Convergence insufficiency: The eyes have trouble focusing on things up close, causing eye strain and blurred vision.

    Eye movement disorders: Problems with eye movements and tracking, often leading to poor reading skills and trouble with sports.

    Visual processing disorders: Problems with how the brain uses information from the eyes, affecting visual memory and hand-eye coordination.

Signs & Symptoms

If you or your child experience these signs, binocular vision treatment could help:

  • Headaches or tired eyes after reading or screen time

  • Blurred or double vision

  • Lazy eye, or eyes that don't work together

  • Trouble concentrating when reading

  • Skipping words or lines while reading

  • Poor depth perception or clumsiness

  • Feeling tired after reading or close work

Watch for These Signs in Children

  • Reading below grade level

  • Poor handwriting or spacing problems

  • Avoiding reading or writing tasks

  • Trouble catching or throwing a ball

Treatment options

  • Glasses or Patching: Special glasses or an eye patch to help the eyes work together and see more clearly.

  • Regular Check-ups: Regular visits to track progress and adjust treatment.

  • Vision Therapy: Like physical therapy for the eyes, this is a custom program of exercises designed to improve how the eyes work together. These exercises strengthen eye muscles, improve coordination, and enhance visual processing skills.

Ready to Schedule?

Our office offers all treatment options, including vision therapy services.
Book your appointment today for a binocular vision consultation to get started.