Behavioural Optometry
Our Services
What is Behavioural Optometry?
Behavioural Optometry is an extended area of optometric practice that takes a broader approach to vision. Rather than considering the eyes and eyesight in isolation, it considers how the visual system functions as a whole and how vision relates to the demands placed upon it.
Seeing clearly is only one part of good visual function. A person may have clear vision but still experience visual discomfort or difficulty when carrying out prolonged or demanding tasks such as reading, studying or using a computer.
A Behavioural Optometrist considers factors such as focusing, eye coordination, eye movements and visual comfort, as well as the individual’s visual needs and environment.
Areas of Focus
Every person has different visual demands and individual goals. A Behavioural Optometry assessment is tailored to your particular needs and may aim to:
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Support visual skills used for school, work, sport and everyday activities
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Identify and manage visual problems that may affect comfortable and efficient vision
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Provide strategies to support visual comfort
What might a Behavioural Optometrist recommend?
Depending on the findings of the assessment, recommendations may include:
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Visual hygiene strategies, such as appropriate working distances, lighting and regular breaks during prolonged near tasks
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Spectacle or prism lenses where appropriate to support focusing or binocular vision
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Vision Therapy for specific focusing or binocular vision problems, where needed
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Optical options, such as specialised tinted lenses, where appropriate
Behavioural Optometry is an individualised approach, and not every treatment is appropriate for every person.
Understand Your Visual Needs
If you or your child are experiencing visual difficulties, Asumi Yamaguchi, our Behavioural Optometrist, can assess your visual needs and discuss how Behavioural Optometry may help.
Have questions? We're here to help
Explore answers to common questions about Behavioural Optometry and what an assessment may involve.
Vision Therapy is a programme of structured activities designed to develop specific visual skills, such as focusing, eye coordination or visual tracking, when a deficiency has been identified.
No. You can contact Wanganui Eyecare directly to discuss your needs and book an assessment with Asumi Yamaguchi, our Behavioural Optometrist.
A Behavioural Optometry assessment can identify whether a visual problem is contributing to discomfort or difficulty during reading. Reading difficulties can have many causes, so visual assessment is only one part of understanding the problem.
Eyestrain, headaches, blurred or fluctuating vision, difficulty concentrating, losing your place when reading, or discomfort during prolonged near work can sometimes be associated with visual difficulties.
Yes. Children can experience visual difficulties such as focusing or eye coordination problems, sometimes without realising that something is wrong. An assessment can help identify whether a visual problem is present.
Yes. Clear eyesight does not necessarily mean that your visual system is working comfortably and efficiently. A Behavioural Optometry assessment looks at aspects of visual function beyond visual clarity.