Common Questions
What type of an eye doctor is Dr. Wernick?
Dr. Wernick is an optometrist speicalizing in binocular vision and vision rehabilitation. Dr. Wernick is residency trained in Neuro-Optometrist (often referred to as a Behavioral Optometrist or Developmental Optometrist) and is a fellow of the Optometric Vision Development and Rehabilitation Association.
What type of patients do you treat?
We treat vision issues that were never properly developed; typically these are school-age children.
We also treat acquired vision issues from TBI (traumatic brain injury), Stroke, Concussion, Parkinson's Disease, Neurologic conditions, Myasthenia Gravis, and a wide range of other conditions that can create vision issues.
Additionally, patient's can experience decompensation to underlying issues due to normal aging. These patients are also good candidates for a vision evaluation.
What type of exam do I need?
Typically, if you haven't had an eye exam by an eyecare professional (not including a pediatrician or primary care doctor) in the last 6 months you need to start with a Comprehensive Eye Exam. During this exam, Dr. Wernick will examine the health, vision, and functioning of the eyes.
If you've had a recent eye exam and were referred to us for specific vision issues you will likely need a Sensorimotor exam. This exam will dive into the tracking (Ocular Motor), teaming (binocularity), and focusing (accommodation) of the eyes.
Sometimes, after a comprehensive and/or sensorimotor eye exam Dr. Wernick will want an assessment of how the brain deals with visual information. This type of exam is called a Visual Perceptual Evaluation and involves 1-2 hours of testing.
What is Vision Therapy?
A sequence of neurosensory and neuromuscular activities individually prescribed and monitored by the doctor of optometry to develop, rehabilitate and enhance visual skills and processing. Vision Therapy is essentially changing the way the brain controls and interacts with the eyes through neuroplasticity. By designing a series of progressive exercises to build specific visual skills, Dr. Wernick can target brain pathways to enhance function of positive pathways or change the pathways the brain uses to control the eyes. Vision Therapy is NOT muscle therapy. The eye muscles are 80 times stronger than they need to be to accomplish typical visual tasks.
Is Vision Therapy only for kids?
No. Vision therapy works on the concept of neuroplasticity, which recent research has shown is present throughout life. It is true that the brain is more plastic (and it's connections more easily changed) when we are younger. However, adults of all ages are often able to make brain/eye changes that can improve or eliminate symptoms of their binocular vision issues.
How long are Vision Therapy sessions? How many sessions will I need? Is there any homework?
Vision Therapy sessions are typically 40 minutes. Sometimes, 1 on 1 therapy is indicated which is 30 minutes long.
The amount of sessions differs based on many factors. Dr. Wernick will often re-evaluate each patient after 10-12 sessions if more sessions are indicated. At these "re-evaluations," Dr. Wernick will reassess progress and discuss adjustments or updates to the treatment plan with the patient.
There are often home exercises given to patients to help engrain the visual skill therapy is addressing. Consistency with home exercises is key in effectiveness of vision therapy.
My child passed a school vision screening or pediatrician vision screening. Could they still have a vision problem?
Yes! Typically, these eye exams are a quick look at distance vision only. Pediatricians also are able to look at the posterior pole (inside the eye) to make sure these structures look ok. But vision involves a lot more than just acuity and physiology. Problems with visual skills (such as tracking, teaming, and focusing) are often missed by these basic screeners because they require more in depth testing.
What are some signs that I may be having an issue?
Symptoms usually fall into three categories:
1) Visual- such as blurry vision, words swimming on a page, or double vision
2) Physical - such as headaches with reading, eye strain, or tired eyes or body.
3) Behavioral - such as avoidance of reading, head tilting, or holding things too close while reading
You can also consult the CISS (Convergence Insufficiency Symptom Survey) for more specific symptoms of a binocular vision issue.
What is prism?
Prism is a tool that can be used to correct or treat some forms of double vision or binocular vision issues such as strabismus (esotropia and exotropia) convergence insufficiency and convergence excess. Not all prism needs are the same. A binocular vision specialist can determine the right amount of prism based on the needs of the individual. Often, Dr. Wernick will give prism as one option or part of the treatment plan for patients experiencing double vision or binocular vision disorder symptoms.
For additional questions, call the office at 212-884-2888 or send an email to office at office@wernickoptometry.com