As an avid reader I have been introduced to several books that have been helpful in my vision quest. While they may not be in your public library (but please request them), they are all available on amazon.com. My public library only had the first book listed here.

These are my top picks (so far).

Top book for adult vision therapy patients:

Fixing my Gaze, by Susan Barry. This is my favorite book, not because it’s the first one I read on this topic, but because it’s about an adult (about my age) gaining stereovision. I was inspired and touched by her poignant experience of seeing the world anew. As a scientist, Barry is able to describe the complex mechanism of vision as well as detail the vision therapy process and relate the experiences of others. It’s the reason I began vision therapy! See http://www.fixingmygaze.com or  http://www.stereosue.com for more information. The resources section on the stereosue site is quite helpful.  Amazon link: https://amzn.to/2DaaUAX

*UPDATE: It’s also the reason I continued vision therapy and finally decided to have surgery, since she mentions that vision therapy works when the eyes are aligned, and mine were not at that point.

Top book about children’s vision therapy:

Jillian’s Story: How Vision Therapy Changed My Daughter’s Life, by Robin Benoit with Jillian Benoit. I read this before I heard Robin and Jillian speak about their struggle to find vision therapy and the amazing difference it has made for Jillian. The book is great and hearing them in person is even better! They detail the process and share stories of other children who have had success in vision therapy. See http://www.jilliansstory.com and Jillian’s Story on Facebook.

UPDATE: They have written a sequel entitled Dear Jillian: Vision Therapy Changed My Life Too, which is also amazing. The best place to buy these books is on their website at www.jilliansstory.com

Most helpful resource for parents and teachers in diagnosing the need for professional intervention:

When your child struggles: the myths of 20/20 vision, what every parent needs to know, by David Cook, O.D. Amazon link: https://amzn.to/2DaaUAX. This book is the reason I became convinced my daughter deserved vision therapy. She was among the lucky ones, who learned to read easily despite binocular vision issues. As I have mentioned in previous blogs, Abby exhibited signs of strabismus at age three and was prescribed glasses for far-sightedness. The eye turn went away and the optometrist assured us that all was well. I later asked about it again, even though she wasn’t really struggling in school and was still told she is fine.  However, when I read this book and asked the specific questions Dr. Cook suggests, it was clear that there was a problem. The questions: “Do you ever close or cover one eye when reading?” and “Do the words ever do this?” (a visual described in the book where palms are together and fingers move to show seeing double) received an affirmative answer. This was a complete surprise to me, since I had not observed her using just one eye to read. Children don’t know that letters don’t split apart (or move around) for everyone else.

• Important note: A comprehensive exam with an optometrist who specializes in vision therapy is the best way to assess these issues. My regular optometrist didn’t catch it! See a more comprehensive review on theviewfromhere.me. Dr. Cook’s website is http://www.cookvisiontherapy.com.

Top Teacher Support Resources:

Red Flags for Primary Teachers: 27 Neurodevelopmental and Vision Issues that Affect Learning with Activities to Help, by Katie Johnson. Amazon link: https://amzn.to/2DaaUAX This book was written by a primary (elementary) school teacher with 40 years experience teaching and 15 years practicing the methods she outlines. This fascinating book is useful for educators who are familiar with *BrainDance since the activities she outlines are to be used in addition to the BrainDance exercises. (*BrainDance was developed by Anne Green Gilbert and is a series of exercises comprised of eight developmental movement patterns that healthy human beings move through in the first year of life. Repeating these patterns can fill in the missing gaps.) Any struggle you can imagine in a student is addressed in this helpful book. For some issues she suggests follow-up activities to the basics in BrainDance. For others she adds the recommendation that you seek professional intervention, i.e. vision or movement therapy. Appendix A reviews how to do BrainDance and why. Johnson also includes additional information about the “twelve ways the eyes need to work” in appendix B, followed by additional information regarding whether a child needs vision therapy, how to assess and do basic screenings. It has been reviewed on the Vision Help Blog as well http://visionhelp.wordpress.com/2012/10/09/red-flags-for-primary-teachers/. Katie Johnson’s website is http://www.katiejohnsonauthor.com.

During the days I was reading this book, I was also substitute teaching half days and noticed the red flags in each classroom. It was astounding to understand so much more clearly why the children were behaving in certain ways. At the same time, since I am not the classroom teacher or even better, the parent, I am not in a position to assist the child in receiving needed remediation:(

See it. Say it. Do it! The Parent’s & Teacher’s Action Guide to Creating Successful Students and Confident Kids, by Dr. Lynn F. Hellerstein. Amazon Link: https://amzn.to/33dBCTH

In this delightful book, Dr. Hellerstein provides 28 visualization activities parents and teachers can use to aid children in developing their skills. Dr. Hellerstein is one of America’s top vision specialists. She has used these techniques successfully for years in her practice and clearly explains the process and effect of improving visualization in children. The good news is that while it is geared towards children, it also works for adults! She explains visual development and how improving these skills can open up a whole new world. There are 28 visualization exercises that encompass school readiness as well as personal growth. They include sequencing, visual information processing, reading, spelling, creative writing, math, homework and tests, performance anxiety and building self-confidence. Definitely a must see, declare and do book! These exercises are not meant to take the place of vision therapy for those who need it, but can enhance the experience and work for everyone who wants to create more success in life. Dr. Hellerstein’s website is http://www.lynnhellerstein.com.