Success in School: Reading Help, Reading Improvement

Basically, my child avoided reading as much as she could. I was at the end of my rope. We had tried everything. [More]

Vision Therapy has been a wonderful tool to help both of my children in reading. [More]

Now she says, "I can do it myself," and she does. Without Vision Therapy I know this would not have happened. [More]

... there is no price you could put on this therapy, whether high or low. It was worth every penny spent. [More]

I wish Vision Therapy was more commonplace in the school system.[More]

If you can do anything to help a child learn to love to read and feel better about himself, it is worth it! [More]

Before Vision Therapy, Katie did no reading she wasn't required to do. Now I find her reading on her own. [More]

Cyndi is beginning to enjoy reading instead of dreading it. She is reading better and is also reading more difficult books. [More]

Vision Therapy was an answer to my prayers. Jourdan's reading has improved, and her processing and comprehension of the information she has read have been significantly enhanced. Jourdan can now stay focused until her assignment is completed. [More]

I have passed along literature on Vision Therapy to all of my friends and teachers, and told them about Allegre's results. [More]

After completing therapy, V.G. is doing a lot better in school. He now loves to read and his teacher is very happy with him. I'm very grateful for all the help my son got. Thank you so much.[More]

We would highly recommend Vision Therapy to anyone who is having visual issues with reading, writing or school work.[More]

Jessica is now breezing through books that used to be too difficult for her to read. We are firm believers in Vision Therapy. [More]

I've been in Vision Therapy for about two months now, 2-3 times a week. I have seen dramatic changes in my reading. I read a 350 page book in less than a week! It would have taken me months to read that before. [More]

Now, Emily is a Vision Therapy graduate and is reading independently! [More]

After six months of Vision Therapy, she has much more coordination and stamina, both physically and in her visual performance. Zoe has improved a lot in her reading and penmanship. She no longer gets headaches and Dr. X notes that she has excellent visual skills. [More]

Now, as a result of the Vision Therapy program, Ben loves to read again and I find him reading with a flashlight at night. [More]

Vision therapy helped my daughter Kayla to focus and see so much better. [More]

The therapy has also given him a lot of confidence. He is able to raise his hand in class and read out loud. [More]

Since Vision Therapy, we have seen improvement in Joey's reading and class work. He is more focused and less frustrated. He no longer rubs his eyes when reading. [More]

We have noticed many changes since Nicky began Vision Therapy. Nick tells me he can read better, as well as see the letters and words better. [More]

Since I did Vision Therapy, I have read 18 books, which is a lot more than what I had read before, which was zip. [More]

She no longer uses her finger to follow the words. Comprehension has improved, and she can read for long periods. [More]

... he reads things spontaneously - instead of guessing what is written. [More]

If Vision Therapy is recommended, I would say, "Start right away!" Before Vision Therapy, she struggled constantly; hated to read and write. Now, she enjoys reading for pleasure and her handwriting and school grades have improved. [More]

The combination of eye "Vision" Therapy and some other changes have really helped turn Kacey around. We realized it was not going to be like waving a "magic wand" to change things (as much as we would have liked that) but that dreaded "door" is opening and Kacey is emerging as a significantly changed student. [More]

I have to take books away from her now, so she will go to sleep, homework is smooth, & Leah is proud of herself. She's very positive about Vision Therapy & its results for her. [More]

His Vision Therapy began to show results almost immediately. At the start of third grade, his teacher passes out a "Reading Survey" for the children to fill out. The first question was "Who taught you how to read?" Jordan answered, "My mom and my eye doctor." [More]

My daughter constantly complained how hard it was for her to read starting in kindergarten. Words would run together, things would look blurry, the lines on the page moved, letters appeared funny, we had trouble with reversal and she had difficulty with spacing. She often stated she had headaches and burning eyes. Basically, my child avoided reading as much as she could. I was at the end of my rope. I had her eyes checked numerous times and was told her eyes were fine [See 20/20 is Not Enough].

Fortunately, her third grade teacher noted that my daughter's eyes weren't tracking while working at the chalkboard. The teacher suggested Vision Therapy. The results have been tremendous. Her self-confidence has dramatically gone up and she does not avoid reading or tell me how she hates to read. Her reading has improved by leaps and bounds. I would definitely suggest Vision Therapy.
Kim

Vision Therapy has been a wonderful tool to help both of my children in reading. My daughter was struggling with her classes before Vision Therapy, and now, four years later, she has almost straight As with a B every now and then in school. When my son showed some of the same problems with reading, I sought out Dr. X again to see if he was still providing Vision Therapy. I am a strong believer in what Vision Therapy can do to help children read and be more successful in school.
Becky Cooper

Alteasha started Vision Therapy on March 7, 2000 with very low self-esteem, and unable to concentrate when reading. She would rub her eyes, her head would begin to hurt, and she would become so distressed, she would cry because she knew she had a problem. This child was not dumb or stupid. She was crying out for help. I found that help with Vision Therapy. Alteasha now walks tall and strong, she reads with confidence, and her comprehension has improved greatly. She had a problem completing homework, most of the time I did most of it. Now she says, "I can do it myself," and she does. Alteasha passed her reading and math exam.

Without Vision Therapy I know this would not have happened. I recommend Vision Therapy to all parents who have been told their child cannot make it.
Glenda Campbell, Alteasha's grandmother, 6/14/00

When I first heard of Vision Therapy and the cost, I said I couldn't afford it. However, there is no price you could put on this therapy, whether high or low. It was worth every penny spent. Vision Therapy helped Jamila a whole lot. She was interested in school, but she didn't want to read; everything she did, she made mistakes. I didn't know what to do. I was talking to another parent one day about our kids' schoolwork and they both had the same problems. Vision Therapy came to Jamila's and my rescue.

I can never stop thanking you so much for your time and your patience. We love you, Dr. X. Thanks for such a wonderful program. Thanks for your thoughtfulness, your caring, and your sharing. We love and appreciate you. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! I am so proud of Jamila. I knew she could do it. I'm so very, very grateful!
Crystal Gilliam

I wish Vision Therapy was more commonplace in the school system. It would be of great benefit to many children. If your child is not enjoying reading this may be exactly what they need. This is something that will help a child for the rest of her life.

No more double vision, no more headaches, no skipping of words or lines when reading, no eyestrain or watering eyes when reading.
Brittany D., young patient

His school teacher noticed the improvement in his performance due to his participation in Vision Therapy. It is well worth the effort and time! Go for it. If you can do anything to help a child learn to love to read and feel better about himself, it is worth it!
William H., patient's parent

Before Vision Therapy, Katie did no reading she wasn't required to do. Now I find her reading on her own, and she enjoys choosing her own books at the library. For a "bookworm" mother, this is a great joy.
Nita L., Katie's parent

Cyndi is beginning to enjoy reading instead of dreading it. She is reading better and is also reading more difficult books. Her teacher has made the statement that her testing skills have improved as well. Cyndi loved coming to therapy and was very sad when it was over. She says she can tell that therapy has helped her.
Jackie C., Cyndi's parent

Vision Therapy was an answer to my prayers. Jourdan's reading has improved, and her processing and comprehension of the information she has read have been significantly enhanced. The Vision Therapy program has helped Jourdan considerably. Jourdan was a procrastinator about doing her homework. She would put things off until the last moment, and getting her to complete the assignment was a chore.

There was a time when reading was an unpleasant task, but now because of this wonderful program, she is eager to pick up a book to read and enjoy! Jourdan can now stay focused until her assignment is completed. She shows a new-found eagerness to learn, which will make a big difference in her high school years. A big thanks to Dr. X and staff.
Percy Palmer Jones, Jourdan's parent, 10/14/2000

We came to Dr. X because we were frustrated with our daughter's, Allegre, avoidance of reading. She was enthusiastic about learning, but reading was like a chore for her. She hated reading out loud, and when she read to us, she constantly lost her place. After five minutes, she wanted to stop and complained of blurriness. The strangest thing was that her grades were very good and no teacher ever indicated that she might need help.

In September, we had Allegre tested by Dr. X, and he confirmed that she would be an excellent candidate for Vision Therapy. We started therapy in October and ten weeks later we already noticed that she was enjoying reading and not avoiding it like before. We are very thankful.

I have passed along literature on Vision Therapy to all of my friends and teachers, and told them about Allegre's results.
Alcoff, Allegre's parent

The Vision Therapy program has helped my son V.G. so much that it is amazing. Before he began Vision Therapy, he hated to read, he was always in trouble in school because he did not copy down the homework completely, and so he was always missing work. His teacher would call the house at least three times a week to complain about V.G. not having his work and being on detention after school almost every day.

After trying different tutoring programs, I felt hopeless until I heard of Vision Therapy. After completing therapy, V.G. is doing a lot better in school. He now loves to read and his teacher is very happy with him. I'm very grateful for all the help my son got. Thank you so much.

I would recommend Vision Therapy to anyone who has a child with these same problems.
V.G's parent

We have seen a tremendous change in Kristopher and his reading. All his school work has improved and he now loves to read! We would highly recommend Vision Therapy to anyone who is having visual issues with reading, writing or school work.
Kris Bradley's parent

Vision Therapy has helped me with my reading. I am able to read faster and better.
Kristopher Bradley, young patient

Jessica is now breezing through books that used to be too difficult for her to read. We are firm believers in Vision Therapy.
by Jean Hart, Jessica's parent

The doctor wrote about Jessica Hart, age 9

Problems prior to Vision Therapy:

• Difficulty reading (loses place, skips words, reverses b's & d's)

• Difficulty with spelling

• Coordination (awkward)

• Frequent headaches in school

Benefits of Vision Therapy:

• Improvement in all visual areas

• Reading and writing improved

• No headaches

• Less reversals of letters

Comments on Mason Bliden, age 9 by Kelly Bliden, Mason's parent:

Problems prior to Vision Therapy:

• Difficulty with reading, spelling, writing

• Homework takes a long time

• Behavioral concerns (anxiety, overwhelmed)

Benefits of Vision Therapy:

• Improved academic performance

• Great improvement in all gross motor skills

• Eye-hand coordination much improved

• Improved behavior (attitude and attention span)

• Improvements in reading, fluency of reading, writing

• Improvements in horseback riding

• Still uses Vision Therapy techniques at home

In my senior year of high school, my English grades were very low. I hated reading because I didn't understand anything I read. I was concerned about college. I felt really insecure about English and my level of reading and comprehension.

I've been in Vision Therapy for about two months now, 2-3 times a week. I have seen dramatic changes in my reading. I read a 350 page book in less than a week! It would have taken me months to read that before.

Vision Therapy is great. I only wish I'd gotten it sooner.
Trisha Diiorio, young adult patient, 9/25/01

Before Vision Therapy, Emily was slow in reading, although she was an excellent student in other respects. We are avid readers and wanted our children to enjoy it too.

Now, Emily is a Vision Therapy graduate and is reading independently and much more confidently.
Jan Conroy, Emily parent, 10/30/01

Zoe's main problems were concentration and reading. After six months of Vision Therapy, she has much more coordination and stamina, both physically and in her visual performance. Zoe has improved a lot in her reading and penmanship. She no longer gets headaches and Dr. X notes that she has excellent visual skills.

Zoe and I are very thankful for Dr. X and her staff. Zoe doesn't have any more vision related issues. Her reading ability keeps improving dramatically, as well as her spelling, and her writing is beautiful. But most importantly, her self-esteem is great! Thank you.
Mina Sass, Zoe's parent

At two years old, Benjamin loved to read and be read to. "I can read, mummy." Suddenly things changed. At five years, "No reading." By six years, I had a child who would read only when bribed or in competition. When we read at home and I kept my finger on the words he was fine but was exhausted after one paragraph and constantly looking at the time to see how much longer he needed to read. "I hate reading" and "How much do I have to read?"

By the time he was writing in first grade, I noticed he could not keep his words and sentences on a line. He was skipping words when reading and losing his place. "Where am I?" All of his teachers said "He's a boy . . . They all hate to read and write at this age . . . He'll grow out of it." However, because I had difficulty with my sight at age 10 and it affected my reading comprehension, I recognized Benjamin's early difficulties.

As a child psychoanalyst, I see children all day with emotional problems that often stem from visual problems and learning difficulties.

Now, as a result of the Vision Therapy program, Ben loves to read again and I find him reading with a flashlight at night. He writes easily. His teachers agree with my observations of his improvements.
Deborah Herman, L.M.H.C., Child Psychoanalyst, Benjamin's parent, 5/31/01

Vision therapy helped my daughter Kayla to focus and see so much better that I received a letter from her teacher saying her reading had excelled after she got glasses and started therapy.
Sherry Ackermann, Kayla Welty's parent

Since Vision Therapy, we have seen improvement in Joey's reading and class work. He is more focused and less frustrated. He no longer rubs his eyes when reading. He also enjoys reading more. Joey's teacher says he now finishes all his class work. He is improving and responding much better to his home tutoring in his reading.

I would recommend Vision Therapy to others. My son found it fun. The knowledge I have acquired from the entire process has really helped me tailor his tutoring so that it is more effective, less time-consuming, and much less frustrating for both of us.
Linda Zaccaria, Joey's parent, 11/25/02

We have noticed many changes since Nicky began Vision Therapy. His frustration has gone way down. He is more confident in his school work. Nick tells me he can read better, as well as see the letters and words better. He now can understand most of what he reads and comprehends the story enough to explain it to anyone, and answer the questions to the story correctly: things he couldn't do five to six months ago. He is very proud and excited, as we are for him.

Vision Therapy is definitely a sure winner. Dr. X and the staff are all, without a doubt, angels from heaven! I'll thank them forever!
Karen Simpson, Nicky's parent, 7/10/03

Success does not even begin to explain how excellently Vision Therapy has worked for me.

For most of my life, I have had trouble with many things like, spelling, catching, handwriting, migraine headaches, reading, math, looking at things close up, and I sure hated to read. There are so many more things that I cannot even begin to list.

My mom and dad put me in Vision Therapy. I sure had my doubts about whether it could help me. You see, I have tried going to a reading therapy place already, and to say the least, it did not help me much. I went to the eye doctor, and he said I had such a slight problem with my eyes that getting glasses should help. Well, after about a month, the glasses just did not cut it. They were not helping me the way I needed them to anymore. They were just covering up the problem. So my mom and dad said we should give Vision Therapy a try.

Well, after about 3 weeks, I started to notice so many things changing. I can do everything that I was not able to do before. Since I did Vision Therapy, I have read 18 books, which is a lot more than what I had read before, which was zip. I don't even need my glasses to read anymore. I can't even begin to list all the great things that came out of Vision Therapy.

Well, I like to think that I have had the best success so far with Vision Therapy, but I know that there are many more people that have had great success like me, or can have the same great success. I want to encourage anybody with vision problems to give this a shot. It was so nice to work with so many people that cared about me, and not just my eyes. Thanks so much.
young patient, age 17

We felt upset and hurt for our daughter. We weren't sure there was an answer to her problem. We felt like we were hitting our heads against a brick wall when she would struggle with reading. I felt failure as a parent, not being able to help my child, and sadness for her struggle. The difference now is amazing. Her headaches decreased significantly. She no longer uses her finger to follow the words. Comprehension has improved, and she can read for long periods.
Cheron, mother of Hailey, 9, 6/20/02

David was in 5th grade and reading at a 2nd grade level. He loved being read to, but struggled when reading to himself. In testing him for placement in a computer school curriculum, he had difficulty reading the instructions on the screen.

After Vision Therapy, he now reads to himself. He reads aloud more fluently and he reads things spontaneously - instead of guessing what is written.
Tom, father of David, 10, 2/27/02

Before Vision Therapy, Sherri had great difficulties with reading. She couldn't stay on one line. She had difficulties copying from the chalkboard to paper, as well as back and forth from paper to paper, and side by side. Her eyes would tire easily. She got headaches and was very frustrated. She was falling behind in school subjects that required reading and comprehension.

Before I brought Sherri to Dr. X, I had asked other eye doctors about her focusing problems and I was told that her focusing would be improved by reading and getting older. This did not seem to be the case.

Now, I am amazed at how much Sherri has improved in reading, comprehension and writing as a result of Vision Therapy. Sherri no longer has the difficulties I described in the first paragraph. She is doing her homework without a lot of help. Her English teacher has commented that she is getting more involved with reading. All her teachers have said that she's not asking as many questions and is doing more on her own.

If Vision Therapy is recommended, I would say, "Start right away!" My daughter's confidence and ability to want to read NOW can not compare to what it used to be before she went through Vision Therapy.

Before Vision Therapy, she struggled constantly; hated to read and write. She was constantly frustrated and irritable. Now, she enjoys reading for pleasure and her handwriting and school grades have improved.
Elizabeth Ramirez (mother of Sherri)

Elyse enjoys reading more, has fewer headaches, less blinking, and her school performance is excellent.
Elyse Krakower's Parents

Yitzchak used to hesitate to read, never picked up a book, and generally stayed away from reading. Since Vision Therapy, he reads books and enthusiastically looks forward to reading new things to gain knowledge and enjoys the experience of reading.
Rabbi D. Katzenstein, Yitzchak's Father

I learned that I can read better. I sort of liked it here.
Timothy Agresta

Yisroel has calmed down a lot since he began Vision Therapy. He has developed a much greater attention span. Just recently he has begun to read on his own initiative. He can also read small letters. In general, he has developed a more positive attitude toward reading.
Yisroel Birnbaum's Parents

Brendan is reading more efficiently. He isn't losing his place and is reading more smoothly.
Susan Doyle, Brendan's Mother

I have an increased attention span while reading.
Jessica Graham

We have noticed a definite improvement in Matt's reading skills.
Matt Greenblatt's Parents

Alex reads more readily without prompting.
Alex Krutchkoff's Parents

I have seen a lot of changes in Michael since he began Vision Therapy. He is able to focus and read much better. The therapy has also given him a lot of confidence. He is able to raise his hand in class and read out loud. He wants to be a good reader and the therapy has helped a lot.

I have passed along information about Michael's Vision Therapy success to a teacher at Country Day School and she seemed pretty impressed.
Karen Shamoun (mother of Michael Shamoun)

I'm reading much easier, and can focus better on the school blackboard.
Kevin Laibson

Matthew's reading has become much more consistent. He doesn't tire as quickly as he did before starting Vision Therapy. Thank you for all your help.
Geraldine, Matthew's Mother

Since beginning Vision Therapy, Francesca has stated that she is able to see the blackboard with more clarity. Also, at home, we have noticed that she is able to read better; she is more self-assured when she is reading and is more independent with her homework.
Francesca Mazzella's Mother

We have spent many of Kacey's 10 years trying to find the key that would unlock the door to help her. Reading was difficult and very frustrating for her. She mainly had such little confidence in her reading abilities that it was difficult to get her to "practice" in order to try and improve. Finally, after seeing an advertisement in the Western New York Family magazine that asked, "Does your child have trouble reading? Does your child have poor handwriting?" It was like a shock to me. Since we could answer a resounding "yes" to most of the questions, I decided to call Dr. X for an evaluation. We had tried so many other things, we figured, "Why not?" We were surprised and almost relieved to find out there was something wrong and there was help for her.

There was almost an immediate improvement in Kacey's skills and not only did we see it, Kacey noticed it as well, which resulted in improvements in both her skills and her self-confidence. There was a lot of hard work on Kacey's part, which is really an essential factor in her success, as well as a dedication on our part to give her encouragement and reinforcement during rough times.

The combination of eye "Vision" Therapy and some other changes have really helped turn Kacey around. We realized it was not going to be like waving a "magic wand" to change things (as much as we would have liked that) but that dreaded "door" is opening and Kacey is emerging as a significantly changed student. Thank you again!
Roxanne S., December, 1999

Although Leah is a bright girl and very verbal and loved being read to, she simply would not read by herself. She struggles, she cried, she had headaches. Her teachers up to 3rd grade said to give her time, but they weren't dealing with twenty minutes of homework which took two-hours each night because of the breaks needed, agitation, and negativity.

Vision Therapy was a lot of work - no denying it - but when I saw Leah volunteer to read spontaneously at last months Temple service I was so proud of all our efforts. I have to take books away from her now, so she will go to sleep, homework is smooth, & Leah is proud of herself. She's very positive about Vision Therapy and its results for her.
Helene R.

My son, Jordan, was evaluated by Dr. X in October 1997 and began Vision Therapy in November 1997. He was in second grade and had been struggling immensely for two years with reading and spelling. We were so relieved to find that his problem was something we could correct! His Vision Therapy began to show results almost immediately. At the start of third grade, his teacher passes out a "Reading Survey" for the children to fill out. The first question was "Who taught you how to read?" Jordan answered, "My mom and my eye doctor."

Vision Therapy has changed Jordan's life. He loves to read and write stories. There are no more headaches and watering eyes. He used to be ashamed and quiet, hoping that the teacher wouldn't call on him. He is much more outgoing in school and has made lots of friends. This morning on the way to school, I told him that I would be picking him up today for an eye exam. He asked me, "Can I always go to Dr. X for my eye check-ups for my whole life"? I said, "Well, I guess as long as you live here and Dr. X lives here, you could go to him." He replied, "Good, Mom, cuz he's like my Guardian Angel. Isn't that right, Mom?" Yes, he's absolutely right.
Sincerely,
Sophia C. March, 1999