It Could Be Your Eyes

A 90-mile-per-hour fastball takes less than half a second to reach the plate. The key to hitting it? Training your vision to process information faster.

Have you ever wondered why elite baseball players seem to have lightning-fast reflexes? It’s not just talent—it’s vision. In this episode, we break down the essential visual skills that give baseball players (and athletes in general) a competitive edge and how vision training can ta...

Is your child struggling with reading, focus, or coordination? Have you or a loved one been told to "just get used to it" after a brain injury or developmental challenge? This episode is filled with hope, as Jessica and Dr. Juanita Collier share powerful success stories from 2024—showing what’s possible through vision therapy.

From kids conquering reading struggles to adults reclaiming independence after concussions and st...

"If you feel like something is ‘off’ with your child’s development, trust your gut—early intervention can make all the difference." – Danielle Lyden

Is your child struggling with handwriting, coordination, or sensory sensitivities? Do they seem clumsy, easily overwhelmed, or exhausted after school? These could be signs that occupational therapy (OT) can help.

In this episode, Jessica sits down with occupational therapist Da...

"Stroke recovery isn’t the end of your vision—it’s the beginning of discovering how your brain can adapt and thrive." 

In this powerful and insightful episode, Jessica delves into the effects of a stroke on vision and explores how vision therapy can help stroke survivors regain confidence, independence, and joy in their daily lives.

Key Highlights from the Episode:

• Understanding Stroke and Vision Loss: Jessica ...

"Sometimes the signs of a vision issue don’t show up in an eye exam—they show up in your child’s behavior."

In this episode, Jessica shares three key behaviors at home that could indicate your child is struggling with a hidden vision issue. While a 20/20 eye exam might suggest everything is fine, these red flags could signal there’s more going on beneath the surface.

Behaviors to Watch For:

1. Difficulty Paying At...

Simple, fun games can help strengthen your child’s visual skills and set them up for reading success.

In this episode, Jessica shares three engaging and easy-to-implement activities that can support your child’s reading development by enhancing critical visual skills. These games not only build skills but also create opportunities for connection and fun.

Here are the three activities:

1. Staring Contests – A playful way to improve fi...

"Every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away for 20 seconds. It’s the simplest habit with the biggest impact on eye health." 

In this quick, solo episode, Jessica shares a simple but powerful strategy to protect your child's eyes from the effects of prolonged screen time: the 20-20-20 rule. This method is an easy way to reduce eye strain and support your child's visual health, especially as kids spend more time on screen...

"When done correctly, vision therapy is backed by science, supported by research, and changes lives."

In this episode, we tackle a provocative question: Is vision therapy snake oil? 
We break down the history of this misconception, the science that validates vision therapy, and why it’s critical to seek treatment from highly trained professionals.

Dr. Collier also shares insights on how well-meaning but underq...

"Driving isn’t just about being able to see clearly—it’s about how well you process and respond to everything happening around you."

In this episode, we’re breaking down the top five visual skills every teen driver needs to hit the road safely. From avoiding accidents to navigating tricky parking situations, we explore how vision goes beyond 20/20 eyesight and becomes a critical tool for safe driving.

Tune in to learn more ...

"20/20 vision is only one piece of the puzzle—how well you process and respond to what you see is what truly impacts your daily life."

In this episode, we dive into the depth and importance of a comprehensive eye exam and how it differs from a standard 15-minute checkup. Dr. Collier explains why vision therapy is about much more than just clarity; it’s about how well your brain and eyes work together to process information...

"Vision issues aren’t just about 20/20 eyesight. It’s about how students see and process their world, and teachers can be the first to notice when something’s off."

In this episode, we dive into the critical role teachers can play in identifying vision issues in their students. We discuss some of the common signs that might be overlooked in the classroom, from children rubbing their eyes to using their whole head...

"As athletic trainers, we're communicators first and foremost. We’re here to ensure athletes stay safe while getting them back to play as quickly as possible. It’s not just about preventing injuries; it’s about being a bridge between athletes, their health, and their goals."

In this episode, we sit down with Danielle Smith, the head athletic trainer at Cheshire Academy, to talk about the crucial role athletic trainers...

 "It is so rewarding to see that light behind your child's eyes just light up when they get something. It is so exciting to see how your child grows through this program and does things that you just could not expect them to do just a mere couple weeks ago." 

In this mini-episode, Jess shares her personal experience with discovering her son's vision issues despite her professional background. She emphas...

"If your child has a great team surrounding them, there is no reason that they cannot be as successful as they possibly can."

In this mini-episode, we're excited to help you get your kids ready for a successful school year by focusing on three key areas: 

1. An updated eye exam 
2. Good visual habits
3. A strong support team 

Whether your kids are still squeezing in the last bit of summer fun or already hitting ...

 "If a child can't hear instructions properly or process what they see, how can we expect them to succeed academically? Awareness and early intervention are crucial."

Today, we dive into the critical topic of visual processing disorders and their impact on learning and development. We are joined by two distinguished guests, Sue Mann and Michelle Kotler.

Sue is the founder of Bright Minds Processing....

"Summertime should be relaxing and fun, but that doesn’t mean learning has to stop. Let’s turn reading into an adventure instead of a chore!"

Welcome back! In today's episode, we sit down with veteran educator and certified 4D Built to Read professional, Angela Eddy, to discuss the pervasive issue of the "summer slide" and how it affects children's learning.

"With over 27 years...

"No matter what people say to you, no matter what they tell you, you always got to keep going and do what you believe that you can do."

Today, we sit down with Noah, a passionate aviator who overcame significant visual challenges to pursue his dream of becoming a pilot.

Noah’s passion for aviation began in childhood but was hindered by visual impairments following an eye surgery. Despite these challenge...

In today's episode, we explore the critical differences between various types of eye exams and why the traditional ones often miss issues affecting children's learning and development. 

A key question in today's discussion is, why do children rarely report visual problems? We often assume their vision is normal, but the implications this has for diagnosis and treatment are very important. 
The significan...

Today, we shine a spotlight on Teacher Appreciation Month and to celebrate it, we have several activities planned, so make sure to follow us on social media and stay tuned around here to learn more. 

As for today's episode, we have a heartfelt and candid interview with Zoe, a girl who previously struggled with focusing in school and suffered from daily headaches. She's joined by Kaitlyn, her mom, who's also...