Behavioral optometry: a historical perspective

Area of Science:

• Optometry
• Vision Science

Background:

• Behavioral optometry encompasses case analysis and vision therapy.
• Differing practitioner perspectives can lead to communication challenges.

Observation:

• The field evolved from strabismus orthoptics and asthenopic complaint resolution.
• Two main developmental lines: traditional physiological models and behavioral approaches.

Findings:

• Traditional models focus on accommodation-convergence and vergence dysfunction.
• Behavioral approaches examine environmental influences, vision's role in behavior, and information processing.

Implications:

• Behavioral optometry now includes school achievement, VDT use, sports, and information processing.
• Care models emphasize prevention, remediation, rehabilitation, and enhancement.
• It is integral to optometric education and practice.