Joint Statement--Learning Disabilities, Dyslexia, and Vision

Vision Therapy again found to be ineffective: In the August 2009 issue of the Journal of Pediatrics, the American Academy of Pediatrics, American Academy of Ophthalmology and the American Association of Certified Orthoptists issued a joint statement reaffirming their prior position that vision therapy does not have a place in the treatment of learning disabilities, dyslexia or reading problems. The article defines and describes the various disabilities that can result in difficulty learning to read and discussed why vision therapy does not have a place in the treatment of these disorders. The academy members conclude that “scientific evidence does not support the efficacy of eye exercises, behavioral vision therapy, or special tinted filters or lenses …and that these therapies should not be recommended.”