OT/PT for depth perception?

[Anonymous]

DD has virtually non-existent depth perception. We're obviously working with an ophthalmologist, but she is really clumsy. Nothing incapacitating, just far more clumsy than the average 4 year old. Has anyone done any OT or PT for a situation like this? Was it helpful?

[Anonymous]

There is also something called vision therapy which may be more helpful. There are lots of recommendations of practitioners on here if you do a search. An ophthalmologist is going to tell you that vision therapy is a bunch of garbage. Developmental optometrists are the ones who typically do it. Do some research, talk to providers... there are certainly many who have great success with vision therapy.

[Anonymous]

Does the opthamologist recommend it? My kids have issues with visual perception/discrimination but no underlying opthamalogic issues. OT was very helpful with that and once we learned the basics, we were able to do lots of stuff at home. But, if there's an underlying eye issue, I don't know if it would help. I can tell you that it took a lot of repetition, repetition, repetition. But, we did see improvement.

[Anonymous]

Vision therapy is a life changer. Dr. Kotlicky in Ellicott City is amazing.

[Anonymous]

We haven't researched depth perception, but one of the "benefits" that we've seen of OT for low muscle tone is that our five year old is less clumsy. She's still somewhat clumsy, but not nearly like it used to be. She would literally walk into walls.

Now I want to look up vision therapy, but here's a vote for OT too.

[Anonymous]

Definitely vision therapy. My child had the same issue and vision therapy fixed it.

[Anonymous]

It's basically due to poor muscle tone and eye teaming skills- both eyes need to work together to create depth perception.

[Anonymous]

Any suggestions on Vision Therapy provider? Does it typically covered by insurance?

[Anonymous]

Bump on recommendations.

[Anonymous]

Wow this exists?

I have esotropia, never had depth perception. I don't think I could ever have gotten depth perception from therapy because it's a physical condition but I would have loved to be less clumsy. Even now I constantly ding my car in parking garages and stuff (I'm a good driver at high speeds because I overcorrect). Good for you for trying to help your child OP!