Answers to Your Questions
Why Am I Being Referred for
Developmental Evaluation?
Your child may have an undiagnosed vision problem. Even if your child has had an eye examination recently, their visual system may not have been evaluated comprehensively.
Most routine eye examinations do not evaluate the visual skills critical to functioning in the classroom, on the field or on the ice. Routine eye examinations are geared towards determining healthy eyes and normal eyesight only. A developmental vision evaluation will evaluate your child’s vision completely in the areas necessary for optimal vision performance.
Most people mistakenly think of “20/20” as perfect or normal vision. However, it is only a measure of how someone can see a certain size letter on the eye chart at a distance of 20 feet.
The eye chart tells us how well a child can see letters on the board in school, but it does not tell us anything about how well the eyes function when reading and learning.
If a child is deficient in any of the visual skills required for reading, then he or she will have difficulties. These range from not achieving to potential, to acting out in class.
Developmental Vision Evaluation
A developmental vision evaluation is designed to test all of the visual functions required for reading, writing, learning, sports performance and functioning in life. This is very different from a routine eye exam.
Vision begins to develop during infancy and continues throughout childhood. During the developmental vision evaluation Dr. Rose tests to see how each of the visual skills have developed.
During the Developmental Vision Evaluation all of the visual skills that are critical for reading, learning and functioning in life will be tested such as:
- tracking
- scanning
- focusing
- eye movements
- eye coordination
- visual information processing
A developmental vision evaluation helps to pinpoint the precise area(s) of concern as well as the depth of the problem and to determine the best treatment options.
When Glasses Aren’t The Solution
Although certain vision problems can easily be corrected with glasses or contact lenses, many vision problems require more sophisticated diagnostic testing and treatment.
If a binocular vision problem is diagnosed, Optometrist Vision Therapy is a safe and effective treatment solution used by developmental optometrists to help patents of any age to develop the visual skills and abilities required for learning, sports and overall performance in daily life.
You have been given this pamphlet because it is believed that you or your child would benefit from these services. Please call our office to schedule an appointment, we look forward to helping.
Different Types of Eye Doctors
Although all eye doctors test for eye health and acuity issues, not all doctors test for visual function to the full extent that is performed by a developmental optometrist.
Dr. Rose diagnoses, treats and manages disorders of the eye and visual system with comprehensive eye examinations through Hopkins Eye Center; but she also is a developmental optometrist and provides these specialized services.
A developmental optometrist evaluates, diagnoses, and provides specialized services for functional vision problems. In addition to diagnosing and treating vision problems that interfere with reading and learning, developmental optometrists also work with patents who have had concussions or other head injuries that resulted in visual symptoms which require visual rehabilitation.
Meet our Expert Developmental Optometrists
Dr. Rose is a Board Certified Primary Care and Developmental Optometrist, and has been practicing in the Upstate since 2000. In addition to general optometry, she focuses on Pediatric and Developmental vision-care, and specializes in Vision Development and Rehabilitation. She sees pediatric and adult patients, including those with special needs and acquired brain injuries.
Dr. Rose completed her undergraduate studies at UC Berkeley, and then earned her Doctorate of Optometry from the Southern California College of Optometry. She completed her residency in Binocular Vision & Vision Therapy at the State University of New York College of Optometry, and then returned to her Alma Mater to teach optometric interns the applications of Vision Therapy in a clinical setting.
Dr. Rose is a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry, and a Fellow of the College of Optometrists in Vision Development. She enjoys active memberships with the American Optometric Association, the South Carolina Optometric Association, the Piedmont Optometric Society, and the Optometric Extension Program.
Dr. Mears is a Primary Care and Developmental Optometrist who specializes in pediatrics, myopia management, and vision rehabilitation. She sees patients of all ages including infants, special needs, and those with brain injuries.
Dr. Mears is originally from Maryland where she completed her Bachelor of Science in Biology and Chemistry from Towson University. She earned her Optometry Degree in Memphis, TN from Southern College of Optometry graduating Cum Laude. Recently, Dr. Mears finished her residency in Pediatric and Neuro-vision Rehabilitation.
Dr. Mears is a member of the College of Optometrists in Vision Development, the Neuro-Optometric Rehabilitation Association, and the International Sports Vision Association. Outside of the office, Dr. Mears likes to hike with her dog, Nellie, and her fiancé, Jonathan, and to enjoy the new restaurants in Greenville!
Questions?
We understand that you might have a number of questions; especially if this is the first time you are hearing that you or your child may have a vision problem. For more information please call us at (864) 234-5335.
