When Vision is working well. it guides and leads; When not, it interferes.
John Streff, OD
33919-9th Ave. S. Suite 101B
Federal Way, WA 98003
Seattle (206)
661-6005 Tacoma (206)
925-5221
Interesting Facts of Vision
1. A person can have 20/20 eyesight, and yet have a visual problem which does not allow them to get meaning and understanding from what is seen.
2. Vision is leamed and continues to develop from birth on into adulthood.
3. Vision problems can profoundly affect our lives: our ability to perform tasks, our self-esteem, and our interactions with others. 20/20 is only one small piece of the picture.
4. Nearsightedness and other visual conditions are often thought of as being hereditary in nature. However, the environment and how we use our eyes has at least equal, if not more influence on the development of vision.
5. Visual problems can have a major influence on conditions classified as Learning Disabilities, Dyslexia, and Attention Deficit Disorder.
6. Lenses, prisms and vision therapy are effective treatments for strabismus (turned eyes). An evaluation for vision therapy should be done before surgery is considered.
7. Vision can often be the basis for poor eye-hand coordination, motion sickness and clumsiness.
8. Infants can be fully examined after birth and should be given a comprehensive vision examination by the age of 6 months.
The Northwest Vision Development Center was established to provide a referral source for optometric vision therapy and related diagnostic services. Referrals are initiated by optometrists, educators, psychologists, occupational therapists, physician and others.
Statement of Philosophy
Vision is more than just the ability to see clearly, it is the ability to understand and respond to what is seen. Basic visual skills include the ability to focus our eyes, use both eyes as a team, track objects and move across a written page. More extensive perceptual skills include the ability to tell the difference between “b” and “d”, the ability to see the tree from the forest, and the ability to “picture” in our mind what we see, as in the task of spelling.
Vision Development
Motor control, emotions, and cognition develop over time; the same is true for visual skills. There is an orderly unfolding of visual anatomy, physiology and the ability to perceive. Different visual skills are explored, acquired, and refined at different age levels. Vision development does not cease at a given age, but continues throughout life.
Visual testing can be done at any age, and should begin as early as possible (by six months). With early detection and treatment, problems such as crossed eyes and nearsightedness can be controlled and prevented.
Proper development takes place where there is adequate and appropriate interaction with the environment. When the correct developmental framework is woven, vision truly becomes an individual's dominant and leading sense.
Who Should Be Tested?
Children and Adults who display:
Avoidance of close work
What is the First Step?
If you suspect a vision problem, the first step is to schedule a comprehensive visual examination to evaluate the basic visual skills necessary for good visual performance. Further testing may be done to evaluate specific areas necessary for efficient academic performance.
Upon completion of a thorough evaluation, we will determine what your visual needs are. If necessary, an individualized program of lenses, visual hygiene and/or vision therapy will be developed to meet your specific needs and goals.
At the Northwest Vision Development Center, we specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of vision problems of all ages. We have specialized equipment to provide vision therapy for the following conditions
Strabismus and Amblyopia
This occurs when one eye turns in or out, or there is a lazy eye. In this condition you may see double or print may run together.General Binocular
When the two eyes fail to work together, eye strain and fatigue can occur. If left untreated, reduced comprehension or avoidance of reading are commonly found.
Visual Perceptual Dysfunction
This occurs when eye-hand coordination, visual memory, reversals, and other visual perceptual areas are deficient or undeveloped. This results in decreased efficiency in the development of learning.
Inappropriate Visual Development
When visual skills of infants are not developing appropriately, strabismus and other visual conditions may occur. If treated immediately, the prognosis is excellent.
Closed Head Trauma Syndrome
As a result of a head injury, visual skills may be lost or deficient. Often double vision, disorientation and other visual problems result, which should be treated as soon as possible.
Dr. Curtis R. Baxstrom
Ever since receiving his first pair of glasses in 6th grade, Dr. Baxstrom felt he wanted to be in a profession that made a difference in people's lives. During completion of his Doctorate in Optometry in 1984, he became very interested in the development of vision and it's relationship with reading and learning. With his interests deepening, he completed a Master's degree in Reading at Seattle Pacific University in 1987.
Professionally he is a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry and the College of Optometrists in Vision Development. He has been a consultant to several school systems, Head Start programs and more recently to Occupational Therapists at the Children's Therapy Units of Mary Bridge Children's Hospital and Good Samaritan Hospital. He has lectured nationally and internationally on visual development, reading, dyslexia, amblyopia and strabismus. He has been very active in current research and has published original papers in a number of journals.