Review of the book: "Fixing My Gaze" by Susan Barry

I just finished the book "Fixing my Gaze" by Susan Barry. This true story is about a neuroscientist who discovered the wonders and beauty of binocular vision at the age of 50.

Sue had strabismus as a child and while 3 surgeries managed to "straighten" her eyes she never developed binocular vision. This is actually very common among those who have had strabismus surgery. Only about 1/3 of all patients who undergo strabismus surgery develop binocular vision. Sue became a very successful neuroscientist despite her so-called disability. She really didn't think she had missed anything by not having binocular vision.

When she was in her late 40's she was referred to an Optometrist not far from the University that she taught and did research. The Optometrist evaluated her and determined that with a prescribed program of Vision Therapy, Sue might gain binocular vision. After some hard work, Sue did indeed gain binocular vision.

Susan describes in great detail what it feels like to gain binocular vision for the first time, citing specific examples in her everyday life. As with anything this journey had its ups and downs but the end result was very positive.

This book was very easy to read and understand. There are many references at the end for further study. I would strongly recommend this book for anyone who has a child who has strabismus or for any adult with strabismus. Additionally, anyone interested in neuroscience would also benefit by this book as it does break down barriers between what was long thought to be the visual gospel and what the true reality is in visual science. Lastly, I feel like it should be required reading at Optometry and Ophthalmology schools so that we can throw out the old, disproven rules and develop the new corrected views on the treatment and remediation of strabismus.

Regards,
Charles Shidlofsky, O.D.

Interesting article

I know I haven't blogged in a while...things have been very hectic but when I find an interesting article I will post it....so here is an interesting article on Visual Attention:

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090325132326.htm#

Enjoy

Vision and Sensory Processing disorders

So many people tell me that they don't realize that people on the Autistic Spectrum have vision problems outside the realm of the typical nearsightedness, farsightedness or astigmatism. But the fact is, many on the spectrum have difficulty with visual spatial and visual processing difficulties. These may be the sole visual problem or can be combined with the typical vision problems mentioned above. This week I have decided to post a video that I did about a year ago on a website called Autsimspot.com. I hope the verbal explanation given in this video will help you understand the type of visual processing problems seen in this population. I have five other videos on the autism spot website...feel free to peruse them as well. Lastly, there are many other videos on this website that are exceptional...so have at it...watch as many as you can...it is truly an terrific website. Here is the link:
http://www.autismspot.com/videos/Sensory-Processing-Disorders-and-role-vision

Enjoy,

Charles Shidlofsky, O.D.
www.dr-s.net
Follow me on twitter: CShidlofskyOD

Great websites to learn more about Neuro-Vision

I frequently get asked by patients for some good web resources that talk about the work I do.
So, I will list a few great websites that I really enjoy and truly explain some of the work I do and a brief description of each site:

www.autismspot.com This website has tons of useful information on autism spectrum disorders and lots of videos of parents and providers who can help. I have 5 or 6 videos uploaded on their therapies section...so please go check this out.

www.sharp-sighted.org This website I recently discovered talks about the visual processing system from the viewpoint of dyslexia. However, there is some great scientific information on this sight about vision and perception and includes the latest and greatest information.

www.nora.cc This is the website for Neuro-Optometric Rehabilitation Assn. There is a ton of information for the doctor and patient on this emerging area of vision care. I have gone to their meetings the last five years and will be going again in March.

www.covd.org College of Optometrists in Vision Development This site discusses vision care for children who have a variety of vision problems from a developmental point of view. There is a lot of great patient information here.

And last but not least: my website www.dr-s.net has a lot of great links to other sites that have wonderful information about vision and vision processing.

I hope everyone has a wonderful week.