It Could Be Your Eyes

Many homeschooling parents face the same question: Why is my child struggling to read—even though they’re bright, motivated, and getting plenty of practice?

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Brandon Walley, a behavioral optometrist and homeschooling dad who has combined his clinical expertise and personal experience to create a digital, at-home vision therapy program specifically for homeschool families. He shares how visual dev...

In this episode, we explore how vision training and vision therapy intersect with brain health, particularly in high-impact sports like football and cheerleading. We dig into concussion statistics, the emerging technologies for monitoring head impacts, and how targeted visual training might play a role in both preventing and recovering from concussions. We also bring in expert voices and share real-world athlete stories to make it ...

“Movement drives brain development, and very rarely do you see movement when there is a screen involved.”

Primitive reflexes play a critical role in child development, but what happens when they don’t integrate as expected? In this episode, we’re joined by pediatric occupational therapist and ADHD specialist Jenna Downs from Stronger Roots Therapy. Together, we explore how these early reflexes shape motor, sensory, and visual develo...

"90% of the information that we use while we're driving to make safe and appropriate decisions is visual in nature."

When we think of driving skills, most of us imagine rules of the road, practice hours, or reaction time. But what if the biggest factor in safe driving isn’t about practice at all, but it’s about vision?

Today, Jessica explores the critical role visual skills play in driving safely and confidently. From ...

"A clean bill of health from a pediatrician, or even a vision screening, does not mean your child is visually prepared to go back to school."

As back-to-school season approaches, most parents are focused on supplies, shoes, and physicals—but there’s one essential item missing from many checklists: a proper eye exam. In this solo episode, Jessica breaks down the hidden vision challenges that can impact your child’s learning...

If your child is struggling with reading, bumping into things, or just feeling frustrated—you’re not alone. And they don’t have to stay stuck.

In this heartwarming episode, we sit down with Coach Jamelia Joseph a.k.a Coach Gem, one of our trusted vision therapists, to talk about what it’s really like working with kids in vision therapy. We share what makes kids thrive in the therapy process, how families can stay consistent and supp...

"You don’t have to live with daily migraines, eye strain, or screen fatigue—sometimes, the right lenses can change everything."

Today we are joined by Dr. Maria Della Porta, Founder of Della Porta Eyecare to explore an innovative solution for patients experiencing chronic migraines, eye strain, neck tension, and computer vision syndrome: the Neurolens.

Dr. Della Porta shares how this advanced lens technology—originally deve...

"My eyes are reading but my brain is not." Is this your student?

Today, we explore the subtle—and sometimes surprising—signs teachers might overlook in the classroom that point to underlying visual issues. We share powerful real-life stories from our patients, and explain how behaviors like excessive fidgeting, difficulty finishing assignments, or needing extra time might not be academic problems—but visual ones. 

You'...

"If your bright, capable child is still struggling in school—even after tutoring and support—it could be time to look beyond academics."

Today we explore a season every parent knows all too well: progress report time. While some families breathe a sigh of relief, others are left with questions, concerns, and a nagging sense that something just isn’t adding up.

Dr. Collier and Jessica break down how vision issues—often hidde...

Have you noticed a shift in how children develop, socialize, and perceive the world around them? 

Today we discuss the pressing issues raised in Jonathan Haidt's "The Anxious Generation".

We explore the profound ways in which the digital age and evolving parenting styles are impacting childhood and adolescence. A key concern is the detrimental impact of screen time on children's visual systems, potentially leading...

A 90-mile-per-hour fastball takes less than half a second to reach the plate. The key to hitting it? Training your vision to process information faster.

Have you ever wondered why elite baseball players seem to have lightning-fast reflexes? It’s not just talent—it’s vision. In this episode, we break down the essential visual skills that give baseball players (and athletes in general) a competitive edge and how vision training can ta...

Is your child struggling with reading, focus, or coordination? Have you or a loved one been told to "just get used to it" after a brain injury or developmental challenge? This episode is filled with hope, as Jessica and Dr. Juanita Collier share powerful success stories from 2024—showing what’s possible through vision therapy.

From kids conquering reading struggles to adults reclaiming independence after concussions and st...

"If you feel like something is ‘off’ with your child’s development, trust your gut—early intervention can make all the difference." – Danielle Lyden

Is your child struggling with handwriting, coordination, or sensory sensitivities? Do they seem clumsy, easily overwhelmed, or exhausted after school? These could be signs that occupational therapy (OT) can help.

In this episode, Jessica sits down with occupational therapist Da...

"Stroke recovery isn’t the end of your vision—it’s the beginning of discovering how your brain can adapt and thrive." 

In this powerful and insightful episode, Jessica delves into the effects of a stroke on vision and explores how vision therapy can help stroke survivors regain confidence, independence, and joy in their daily lives.

Key Highlights from the Episode:

• Understanding Stroke and Vision Loss: Jessica ...

"Sometimes the signs of a vision issue don’t show up in an eye exam—they show up in your child’s behavior."

In this episode, Jessica shares three key behaviors at home that could indicate your child is struggling with a hidden vision issue. While a 20/20 eye exam might suggest everything is fine, these red flags could signal there’s more going on beneath the surface.

Behaviors to Watch For:

1. Difficulty Paying At...

Simple, fun games can help strengthen your child’s visual skills and set them up for reading success.

In this episode, Jessica shares three engaging and easy-to-implement activities that can support your child’s reading development by enhancing critical visual skills. These games not only build skills but also create opportunities for connection and fun.

Here are the three activities:

1. Staring Contests – A playful way to improve fi...

"Every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away for 20 seconds. It’s the simplest habit with the biggest impact on eye health." 

In this quick, solo episode, Jessica shares a simple but powerful strategy to protect your child's eyes from the effects of prolonged screen time: the 20-20-20 rule. This method is an easy way to reduce eye strain and support your child's visual health, especially as kids spend more time on screen...

"When done correctly, vision therapy is backed by science, supported by research, and changes lives."

In this episode, we tackle a provocative question: Is vision therapy snake oil? 
We break down the history of this misconception, the science that validates vision therapy, and why it’s critical to seek treatment from highly trained professionals.

Dr. Collier also shares insights on how well-meaning but underq...

"Driving isn’t just about being able to see clearly—it’s about how well you process and respond to everything happening around you."

In this episode, we’re breaking down the top five visual skills every teen driver needs to hit the road safely. From avoiding accidents to navigating tricky parking situations, we explore how vision goes beyond 20/20 eyesight and becomes a critical tool for safe driving.

Tune in to learn more ...