Episode Details

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Keywords

functional vision, dynamic vision, static vision, visual regard, pupil testing, eye alignment, tracking skills, convergence, divergence, primitive reflexes, near-far fixation, suppression, visual midline, vestibular ocular reflex, Harmon distance
Summary

In this podcast episode, Dr. Sam Berne discusses the concept of functional vision screening, emphasizing the difference between dynamic and static vision. He explores various assessments and exercises that can help improve visual skills, coordination, and overall learning abilities in children. Key topics include the importance of visual regard, pupil testing, tracking skills, convergence and divergence, primitive reflexes, and the significance of the Harmon distance in reading. The episode provides valuable insights for parents, educators, and therapists working with children who may have visual processing challenges.
Takeaways

Functional vision is dynamic and involves the brain and body.
Head posture can significantly influence visual problems.
Visual regard is essential for effective motor planning.
Pupil response can indicate stress and visual issues.
Convergence is crucial for reading and visual tracking.
Primitive reflexes play a key role in visual development.
Near-far fixation exercises enhance copying and reading skills.
Suppression of one eye can indicate underlying vision problems.
Visual midline assessments help understand spatial awareness.
The Harmon distance is critical for optimal reading posture.

Sound Bites

“Functional vision is dynamic, not just eyesight.”
“Head posture can influence vision problems.”
“Pupil response can indicate stress levels.”
“Convergence is crucial for reading skills.”
“Primitive reflexes affect visual skills.”
“Near-far fixation improves copying skills.”
“Suppression can indicate a vision problem.”
“Visual midline affects spatial awareness.”
“The Harmon distance is vital for reading.”
Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Functional Vision Screening
03:07 Understanding Dynamic vs Static Vision
05:56 Assessing Coordination and Posture
09:13 The Importance of Visual Regard
11:59 Pupil Testing and Eye Alignment
15:11 Tracking Skills: Pursuits and Saccades
18:11 Convergence and Divergence in Vision
21:14 The Role of Primitive Reflexes
23:47 Near-Far Fixation Exercises
26:54 Understanding Suppression in Vision
30:12 Visual Midline and Balance
33:12 Vestibular Ocular Reflex (VOR) Testing
35:49 The Harmon Distance and Its Importance
38:51 Conclusion and Future Considerations

Sam Berne (00:00.066)
Hey everyone, welcome to the podcast today. So I’m doing a little more teaching in what we call functional vision screening. So the difference between functional vision, which is dynamic and static vision, which is eyesight is huge. And when we start talking about how to use these two eyes in relationship to the brain and body.

We can do a number of tests that can help us determine what’s the best course of action and being able to help a person improve their vision. So again, I’m going to invite you in and part of the lecture today that we did with our class. I think you’ll find it to be very interesting. Again, if you have any questions, you can send me an email appointments at dr. Sam burn.com. Enjoy the show everyone. So this is called assessing functional vision.

And this is a this is a an assessment that I have developed over the years and I’ve given it to many occupational therapists physical therapists teachers people like yourself. And so I will give you a worksheet that you c