Vision therapy has gained attention in recent years, with some claiming it can treat everything from reading difficulties to learning disabilities, and even autism. But is vision therapy truly an evidence-based medical treatment, or is it a scam? Let's take a closer look at what vision therapy is, what the research says, and what it can (and cannot) do.
What is Vision Therapy?
Vision therapy is a broad term that refers to eye exercises and treatments designed to improve certain visual skills. Evidence says it can be effective for conditions like:
- Convergence Insufficiency (CI) – A difficulty in keeping both eyes aligned when focusing on near objects.
- Accommodative Dysfunction – Issues with the eye’s ability to focus properly.
Dr. Sophia Capo and Dr. Carol Main at A B See Optometry and Vision Therapy have completed an additional year of school, gaining additional specialized training in binocular vision and vision therapy. When properly diagnosed and recommended, vision therapy can be an effective treatment for specific eye coordination issues.
What the Research Says
The gold standard for medical treatments is peer-reviewed, high-quality clinical trials. The American Academy of Ophthalmology and the American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus have reviewed the evidence and concluded that:
- ✅ Vision therapy can help with convergence insufficiency and other binocular vision disorders.
- ❌ Vision therapy does not treat dyslexia, reading disabilities, ADHD, or autism.
- ❌ There is no strong evidence supporting vision therapy for reversing myopia or other visual clarity challenges.
The Problem: Pseudoscience in Vision Therapy
Despite legitimate applications, some practitioners promote vision therapy as a cure-all for a wide range of unrelated conditions, including:
- Dyslexia and Learning Disabilities – There is no strong evidence that vision therapy improves reading skills in children with dyslexia.
- ADHD and Autism – While some children with ADHD or autism have visual challenges, vision therapy does not treat these neurodevelopmental conditions. People with autism and ADHD however, may have higher rates of convergence insufficiency and accommodative dysfunction.You can read more about Autism and Vision Therapy here
- Curing Myopia (Nearsightedness) – Claims that vision therapy can reverse myopia progression are misleading. While some myopia management strategies exist, they are different from traditional vision therapy. You can read about myopia control here
How to Avoid Vision Therapy Scams
If you are considering vision therapy, ask the following questions:
- What condition are we treating? A clear diagnosis should be made by an optometrist with additional training in vision therapy. Dr. Capo and Dr. Main completed accredited post-doctorate residencies in this area.
- Is there scientific evidence supporting this treatment? Be wary of bold claims not backed by research.
- Who is providing the therapy? It should be overseen by an optometrist dedicated to evidence-based practice. A good way to know is by asking your family doctor or pediatrician who they recommend.
- Are there measurable results? Progress should be tracked with clinical testing, not just subjective improvement. Read about how many sessions vision therapy should take here.
The Bottom Line
Vision therapy is not a scam when used for the right conditions—such as convergence insufficiency and accommodative dysfunction.
If you or your child are struggling with vision problems, seek care from an evidence-based provider at A B See Optometry and Vision Therapy. Our honest providers will guide you toward treatments that are supported by research, ensuring you get the right care without false promises.