Abstract

Visual dysfunctions can limit children's concentration, self esteem and school success as they struggle to understand fundamentals such as colors, letters and how to judge distance. With the right help, these obstacles can be overcome, allowing children to reach their full potential and see the world clearly.

This accessible book explores how visual problems develop and how they can be reversed through effective and efficient visual therapy. It breaks down myths surrounding visual dysfunction and explains in straightforward terms the various conditions that could be impacting a child's perception, even if they have perfect sight. The visual therapy used in behavioral optometry retrains the brain to perform visual skills more effectively. In these pages there is clear guidance on the array of therapies, techniques and aids available, all of which can make a profound difference to a child's life.

This introductory guide to behavioral optometry will be a welcome resource for parents and professionals in search of options to help a child who is experiencing visual problems.

Warshowsky comes across as a nice guy who has a passion for his field of work. His own experiences as a child and his experience of observing many children who seem to be let down by the education system is what drives his interest in this field. Many children have considerable resources invested in them but still fail to thrive and behavioural optometry, according to Warshowsky, can explain these anomalies... the book is divided into three parts and is clearly written. The first part is concerned with how vision problems affect a child and how this differentiates from sight problems. Part two expands on what vision therapy is and what it entails and finally he discusses specific vision problems and the therapeutic use of corrective lenses. There is a very useful appendix with exercises parents could try, which for a family on low income with no access to a behavioural optometrist could be helpful.
Asteens
Joel H. Warshowsky is a Behavioral and Developmental Optometrist. He is Associate Clinical Professor and founding chief of pediatrics at SUNY State College of Optometry where he has taught for 35 years. He has served as Optometric Consultant to numerous schools for child development throughout the states of New York and New Jersey. Joel has lectured internationally and published widely in the field of Optometry. He is a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry and College of Optometrists in Vision Development. He maintains two pediatric practices in New York and New Jersey and lives in New York City.
This is an interesting book which would be of value to any special needs coordinator or other specialist teacher working with children... A very worthwhile read!
Mary Mountstephen, SEN Magazine.
“In these pages Joel Warshowsky, OD, shows how important it is for the success of behavioral vision care treatments, as well as health care at large, to be caring and empathetic, to listen to one's patients and to find supportive ways to communicate back with them. Over many years he has sung this theme consistently and in harmony with his excellent clinical skills. This book is the pinnacle of his work and encapsulates his caring demeanor in a way that all health care practitioners can learn from and employ in their own practices.”
Paul Harris, Doctor of Optometry, Associate Professor, Southern College of Optometry, Tennessee, USA
This book should be required reading for every parent, patient and professional who cares for children! It is a fascinating written work full of practical, easy to understand information about vision and your child…This book will become your guide to your child's success.
Bruchie Barbara Langsam, parent, New York City, USA