Behavioural Optometry is an expanded area of optometric practice. Behavioural optometrists have a holistic approach to the treatment of vision and vision information processing problems. Functional visual efficiency is known to influence visual status. The way that you interpret what you see does not depend solely on how clear your eyesight is.
Consideration must be given to all your visual, visual motor and visual cognitive skills. In this way your behavioural optometrist will not only consider the remediation of any eyesight difficulties but also the benefits of prevention, protection and enhancement of your visual system in order to improve all aspects of your visual performance.
Dr Damian Smith AM, then President of the World Council of Optometry, opened the 5th International Congress of Behavioural Optometrists in 2006 with the words:
"Behavioural Optometry is about making sure:
- that the vision system has the developmental maturity, the strength and the stamina to meet every demand on it
- that the vision system is in harmony with all other body systems
- and that the outcome of the vision process satisfies in a comfortable, sustainable way, all of a person’s social and personal needs for intellectual and physical achievement.”
Goals of Behavioural Optometric Care
- To prevent vision problems and eye problems from developing.
- To provide remediation or rehabilitation for vision or eye problems that have already developed (eg. eye turn, shortsightedness, visual sequelae of brain trauma etc)
- To develop and enhance the visual skills needed to achieve more effective visual performance in the classroom, work place, when playing sport and following recreational pursuits.
To achieve these goals your Behavioural Optometrist may recommend:
- Advice on visual hygiene techniques to prevent or reduce the possibility of eye problems developing.
- Appropriate and judicial prescription of spectacle lenses and prisms.
- Vision Therapy to enhance and develop visual skills that are poorly or inadequately developed.
- Other optical aids such as occlusive techniques and the use of tints/colour.
Medicare and Behavioural Optometry
Most consultations provided by Behavioural Optometrists, including the initial consultation, attract a Medicare rebate. At the time of examination, your Behavioural Optometrist will be able to advise you of any associated fees and charges that will not be covered by Medicare.
