The Sensory Learning Program In The World Of Optometry.

Background: This research study evaluates the effectiveness of combining the (relatively
recent and unheard of) "Sensory Learning Program," to conventional Vision Therapy that is practiced and used by today's optometrists in treating patients with various binocular dysfunctions. The initial purpose of the SLP was to aid in the development of particular individuals with learning disabilities such as Autism, ADHD, ADD, etc... Recently, this program has been used in combination with conventional vision therapy in the goal to further maximize results with one's learning and binocular control, maintenance, and capacity. Some practitioners of this combination program claim that patients "graduate" from vision therapy earlier than patients who do not also participate in SL. Methods: The following retrospective study examined the results of 10 patients who went through only vision therapy, and 10 other patients who went through both therapies, (SLP and
vision therapy), combined. The two groups included mostly children, ages 5-24.
Results: Through comparing and contrasting retrospective data of these two populations,
there is quite an interesting difference between the expected and actual outcomes of these
patients. Children with underlying learning disabilities were found to be on the same level as "normal" developed children by the end of the combined therapies. Conclusion: Patients will "graduate" from vision therapy at earlier rates when the SLP is used in combination with VT, and patients with underlying learning disorders will be on similar
learning levels as their peers when these two therapies are combined.