Behavioral
Optometry is a branch of optometry that treats vision problems that effect overall
performance and behavior. As in most other fields of therapeutic medicine,
there are a variety of different techniques and philosophies of how to treat the
various vision disorders that fall under the scope of behavioral optometry.
Some techniques are concerned with ensuring that the eyes function or move the
way they should from more of a mechanical or functional approach. Others
view vision as an indicator of how well our mind/body system is working, and treat
vision from this perspective. Dr.
Getzell has had the good fortune of studying under some of the best doctors throughout
the country in the mind/body approach. As a result, he has a greater understanding
and approach to working with patients from a motor-based visual
training approach.
He considers the motor (the physical movement of our bodies) system as the foundation
for a sound functioning vision system and sees the two being an integrated process
with vision directing movement. A vision problem is not in the eyeball,
but in the mind/body system, i.e., a vision problem affects how we move and how
we think. In
addition to visual
training,
Dr. Getzell has found that lenses (or "glasses") can have a profound
impact on patients besides helping them to see clearly. Sometimes simple
changes in prescription can create a tremendous improvement in overall performance.
Typically a 25-40% improvement in how a person thinks and moves when wearing these
"therapeutic" lenses is achieved. Treating
vision problems/dysfunctions with the mind/body approach, Dr. Getzell recognizes
that we took a long time to become who we are, and changes to the mind/body system
are done gradually over time. In order to change the mind/body system, it
is vital that patients work with their entire body. Training in space (as
opposed to just working with instruments) allows for quick transfer of the new
ways of doing things to everyday activities; i.e., school, home, and work.
Therefore, the length of treatment is typically longer than with other more mechanical
or functional approaches. | 
