Occupational Therapy and Occupational Therapy and Children’s Functional visual Children’s Functional visual

performance performance

Does OT treatment of visual skills Does OT treatment of visual skills improve functional outcomes for improve functional outcomes for children with visual-perceptual/ children with visual-perceptual/

visual-motor impairments?visual-motor impairments?

Sensory IntegrationSensory Integration

Fine motor Fine motor

Vision TherapyVision Therapy

Vision therapy (VT)Vision therapy (VT)

Well supported by researchRole of behavioral optometristRole of occupational therapyCollaborationOutcomes

EvidenceEvidence

VT for oculomotor, accommodative, and binocular system disorders

EvidenceEvidence

VT for oculomotor, accommodative, and binocular system disorders

VT for visual-motor integration

EvidenceEvidence

VT for oculomotor, accommodative, and binocular system disorders

VT for visual-motor integration

OT/ OD collaboration in treating patients

Implications for ConsumersImplications for Consumers

Occupational Occupational TherapyTherapy

Screen vision Refer vision issues Vision therapy under

supervision of OD

Implications for ConsumersImplications for Consumers

OptometryOptometry Refer handwriting, play skills,

gross/fine motor coordination, psychosocial development, or sensory motor/sensory integration issues

Implications for OT PractitionersImplications for OT Practitioners

Educate ophthalmologists and optometrists about how OT can enhance outcomes

Implications for OT PractitionersImplications for OT Practitioners

Educate ophthalmologists and optometrists about how OT can enhance outcomes Work: reading, handwriting,

drawing, cutting, etc

Implications for OT PractitionersImplications for OT Practitioners

Educate ophthalmologists and optometrists about how OT can enhance outcomes Work: reading, handwriting,

drawing, cutting, etc Play: puzzles, drawing, sports,

Implications for OT PractitionersImplications for OT Practitioners

Educate ophthalmologists and optometrists about how OT can enhance outcomes Work: reading, handwriting,

drawing, cutting, etc Play: puzzles, drawing, sports, Self-care: reduced frustration

leading to more appropriate behavior

Implications for OT PractitionersImplications for OT Practitioners

Share observations about the child’s vision during functional tasks

Implications for OT PractitionersImplications for OT Practitioners

Share observations about the child’s vision during functional tasks

Encourage compliance with VT and glasses

Implications for ResearchersImplications for Researchers

Outcome studies investigating collaboration efforts are needed

Implications for ResearchersImplications for Researchers

Outcome studies investigating collaboration efforts are needed

More rigorous studies of VT for visual motor integration

Best PracticeBest Practice

Build on the strengths of each profession

Best PracticeBest Practice

Build on the strengths of each profession

Determine efficacy on a case-by case basis

Build collaboration!