Learning disabilities: the role of the developmental optometrist

The role of the optometrist in treating children experiencing learning disabilities embraces numerous areas beyond the customary optometric services. Etiological, diagnostic and therapeutic factors are discussed stressing visual functional disorders, perceptual-motor and developmental lags and cognitive style. Their effects on the learning disabled child are analyzed; and the rationale of optometric procedures frequently used in treating LD children is reviewed. The optometrist may also be helpful in counseling patients who have learning readiness problems, reading disorders, psychological difficulties and nutritional deficits.