Published: 24 January 2025 | Updated: 28 September 2026 | Author: Smart Vision Optometry
Editorial and clinical update — 28 September 2026: The original article/interview below has been restored from the verified pre-edit recovery source, preserving its editorial structure and attributed quotations. Current evidence and guidance below should be relied on where older wording differs.
Developing Skills for a Brighter Future
When we think about vision, we often stop at clarity—whether a child can see clearly or needs glasses. However, vision is a complex process that relies on a range of skills to interpret, recall, and act on what the eyes see. If these visual skills are underdeveloped, children can face significant challenges at school, on the playground, and in social settings.
“Clear eyesight isn’t the full picture when it comes to vision,” explains Jacquie Gattegno, principal senior optometrist at Eyes InDesign Smart Vision Optometry Bondi. “Visual skills like tracking, depth perception, and memory are crucial for children to perform well academically, socially, and physically.”
Smart Vision Behavioural Optometry focuses on identifying and developing these skills, providing children with the tools they need to thrive.
Overcoming Learning Struggles
When a child struggles at school, it’s natural to assume the issue might be poor eyesight. While this is often the first check, it’s not always the root cause of the problem. Children with underdeveloped visual skills may have trouble tracking lines of text, distinguishing differences between letters, or remembering what they’ve read.
“Children with these challenges can often be misdiagnosed with learning difficulties like dyslexia or ADHD,” says Gary Rodney, founder of Smart Vision Optometry and Fellow of the International Academy of Orthokeratology and Myopia Control (FIAOMC). “But with the right vision therapy, we’ve seen incredible transformations.”
Rodney highlights the impact on academic performance: “Once their visual skills improve, children can finally focus on learning instead of battling with basic tasks. They move from being behind in their studies to excelling, which boosts their confidence and opens up new opportunities.”
Gattegno adds, “For teachers and parents, the improvement is obvious, but for the child, it’s life-changing. They’re no longer stuck in a cycle of frustration and failure.”
Building Better Coordination
Poor coordination is often dismissed as clumsiness, but for many children, it’s a symptom of visual challenges. Catching a ball, judging distances, or staying balanced during physical activities all rely on well-developed visual skills.
“Children who struggle with coordination often avoid sports or active play because it’s embarrassing to always miss the ball or trip over obstacles,” says Gattegno. “They might not realise it’s a vision issue, but once therapy improves their skills, they can fully participate and enjoy these activities.”
Rodney emphasises the joy this brings: “It’s not just about performance in sports—it’s about being able to play with friends, feel included, and have fun without fear of failure.”
Confidence Grows with Capability
The constant struggle to keep up with their peers—academically or socially—can take a toll on a child’s self-esteem. Children with underdeveloped visual skills often feel as though they’re trying harder than everyone else but still falling short.
“This can lead to feelings of inadequacy or frustration,” says Gattegno. “They’re frequently reprimanded for mistakes or labelled as careless, which only adds to their stress.”
Rodney has seen how vision therapy turns this around: “Once these kids realise they can do the things they previously found impossible, it changes their outlook. Their confidence grows, and they start to approach challenges with a positive attitude instead of dread.”
Unlocking Social Potential
Visual challenges can also impact a child’s social interactions. Difficulty reading social cues, joining in games, or keeping up with group activities can isolate children from their peers.
“After therapy, there’s often a visible shift in their demeanour,” says Gattegno. “Children who were once shy or withdrawn begin to come out of their shells. They smile more, participate more, and can form stronger friendships.”
Rodney agrees: “It’s one of the most rewarding aspects of this work. You see a child who once seemed stuck in their own world begin to engage with the people and activities around them. It’s as if a door to a brighter, happier world has opened.”
Contact Smart Vision Optometry to Help Your Child Thrive
If your child struggles with academic performance, coordination, or social confidence, the issue might lie in their visual skills. Smart Vision Behavioural optometrists at Smart Vision Optometry can help unlock their full potential through comprehensive assessments and personalised vision therapy programs.
For more information on Smart Vision Behavioural optometry and vision therapy, visit Smart Vision Optometry’s website. For specific information about myopia prevention, visit Myopia Prevention, and for detailed insights into orthokeratology, visit Orthokeratology in Sydney.
Book an online appointment for a vision skills assessment, or call the Bondi clinic on (02) 9365 5047 or the Mosman clinic on (02) 9969 1600.Empower your child to excel academically, socially, and physically with vision therapy. Take the first step by contacting Smart Vision Optometry today.
Current evidence and clinical context
The RANZCO position statement on learning difficulties in children explains why reading difficulties require evidence-based educational assessment and support. When an optometrist identifies a refractive, binocular-vision or eye-health problem, treatment should address that diagnosed problem and be discussed with the child’s broader care team where appropriate.
Related Smart Vision reading
Vision problems in children · Smart Vision Skills Assessment · Dyslexia and vision problems
Frequently asked questions
Can one classroom or coordination symptom diagnose an eye disorder?
No. Diagnosis requires an appropriate eye examination.
Can visual and learning or developmental issues coexist?
Yes. Each should be assessed and managed appropriately.
Should educational support wait for eye treatment?
No. Appropriate learning or developmental support should continue.
