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It Could Be Your EyesAuthor: Dr. Juanita Collier, MS, OD, FCOVD
Are you a parent who has been searching for answers to why your child is struggling academically? Have you been told that your child needs strabismus surgery or patching, and it just doesnt feel right to you? Are you trying to set your kiddo with sensory needs up for success and feeling lost in the process? Have you suffered a brain injury or concussion and refuse to accept that these current limitations are your permanent new normal? My name is Dr. Juanita Collier and I am a Behavioral Optometrist with a private practice specializing in Vision Therapy, Rehabilitation, and Development. Through diving deep with my team, parents, patients, and professionals, we will uncover that vision may be the underlying cause of real life challenges in academics, work, sports, and daily life. While we often think 20/20 eyesight is perfect vision, vision actually takes place in the brain. And if there is any disconnect, any slight lack of coordination between the brain and the eyes, how you see whats in front of you can be remarkably different than whats actually there. Through this podcast, you will discover, that the challenges that you are facing may actually be stemming from a difficulty with how youre seeingIt Could Be Your Eyes. Language: en-us Genres: Health & Fitness, Kids & Family, Medicine, Parenting Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it Trailer: |
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Is It ADHD, Anxiety... or a Vision Issue?
Episode 25
Tuesday, 23 December, 2025
ADHD and anxiety are often discussed as purely neurological or psychological conditions — but vision can play a powerful and frequently missed role.In this episode, we break down how functional vision problems can create symptoms that look like inattention, restlessness, avoidance, and anxiety. From eye teaming and tracking issues to binocular vision dysfunction, you’ll learn why visual inefficiency places extra strain on the brain and how that strain can show up behaviorally and emotionally.If you or your child struggle with focus, reading, or visual overwhelm — even with “perfect” eyesight — this episode offers a new lens to consider.In This Episode, We CoverWhy passing a vision screening does not rule out vision problemsHow visual inefficiency can look like ADHDCommon vision conditions that affect attention and learningThe connection between vision problems and anxietyWhy misdiagnosis happens so oftenWhat kind of eye exam to ask forPractical next steps for parents and adults(00:04) Intro(00:35) Vision, Behavior & Mental Health(00:57) Are These Symptoms Really Neurological?(01:14) When the Brain Works Too Hard to See(01:34) What This Episode Will Cover(01:54) The Vision Screening Misconception(02:14) 20/20 Eyesight vs Functional Vision(02:45) When Vision Problems Look Behavioral(03:00) ADHD-Like Symptoms Explained(03:21) Visual Fatigue vs Poor Attention(04:12) Why Kids Can’t Explain Vision Struggles(04:26) Convergence Insufficiency(05:04) Binocular Vision Dysfunction (BVD)(05:57) Eye Tracking & Oculomotor Dysfunction(06:25) The Vision–Anxiety Connection(07:16) What Anxiety Looks Like in Children(07:43) Why Misdiagnosis Happens(08:24) Vision as Part of the Diagnostic Process(08:45) What Kind of Eye Exam to Ask For(09:07) Finding a Functional Vision Specialist(09:30) Vision Care as a Complement(10:18) Vision Therapy at Home Options(10:49) Advocating for Yourself or Your Child(11:06) Final Takeaway(11:35) Closing & Next StepsHelpful Resources & References Diagnosis & Next Steps4D Vision Therapy at Home— Digital Vision Therapy programs for children and adults https://www.4dvisiontherapyathome.com/OVDRA — The Optometrists in Visual Development and Rehabilitation Association https://www.ovdra.org/Vision Specialists — Is It ADHD or a Vision Problem?https://vision-specialists.com/adhd-symptoms-and-treatment-is-it-adhd-or-is-it-your-eyes/ADHD & VisionADDitude Magazine — ADHD and Vision Problemshttps://www.additudemag.com/adhd-and-vision-problems-understanding-symptoms/Clarendon Vision — How Are ADHD and Vision Problems Related?https://www.clarendonvision.com/our-blog/how-are-adhd-and-vision-problems-related.htmlCook Vision Therapy — ADHD and Vision: How Eye Problems Affect Attentionhttps://www.cookvisiontherapy.com/adhd-and-vision-how-eye-problems-affect-attention/Binocular Vision & AttentionDizziness & Headache — Why Binocular Vision Dysfunction Is Often Mistaken for ADHD
