"Vision issues aren’t just about 20/20 eyesight. It’s about how students see and process their world, and teachers can be the first to notice when something’s off."

In this episode, we dive into the critical role teachers can play in identifying vision issues in their students. We discuss some of the common signs that might be overlooked in the classroom, from children rubbing their eyes to using their whole head to read instead of just their eyes. We also explain how these visual challenges can affect a student’s academic performance and overall behavior.

Teachers are often the first line of defense when it comes to spotting these issues, and we explore 3 practical ways they can support students with potential vision problems:

1. Observe classroom behavior for signs like head movement or eye rubbing
2. Ask students questions about what they’re seeing or experiencing to better understand their struggles.
3. Advocate for comprehensive vision exams beyond the typical 20/20 vision checks to assess functional vision and eye coordination.

Plus, we share a special resource we’ve created for teachers—a checklist that can help you spot signs of vision issues in your classroom. Tune in to learn more about how you can make a difference for your students and help them reach their full potential.

In this episode you’ll hear about:

(00:00) Intro
(00:48) Back to School: Educating Teachers in Vision Issues
(03:06) The Tracking Issue
(07:05) Focus and Flexibility Problems
(10:25) Accommodative Spasms and Screen Time
(11:31) Binocular Vision Difficulties
(16:38) 4D Built to Read Digital Program
(17:27) Recommendations for Teachers When Eyes Seem to Be the Issue
(22:22) Communicating with Parents
(25:25) Support for Teachers and Schools. How We Can Help

• Here's the YouTube video we mention 20/20 Isn't Everything - A Child's vision is critical to learning
• TEACHERS: Get your FREE checklist here

Check out our Digital Programs

• Start your FREE TRIAL today 4D Built to Read Digital Program
• Concussion Recovery
• Built to Drive

Follow us at 4D Vision Gym on Facebook and Instagram @4dvisiongymvt for the latest news and updates. DM us if you have any Vision Therapy related questions - you may hear the answer in a future episode!

If you enjoyed this show, please rate, review, and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. We really appreciate your support!
Send us a screenshot of your review and receive 10% off any one of our 4D Vision Gym products or services. And if your friends or family are experiencing inexplicable challenges, refer them to this podcast and tell them, “It Could Be Your Eyes.”

"As athletic trainers, we're communicators first and foremost. We’re here to ensure athletes stay safe while getting them back to play as quickly as possible. It’s not just about preventing injuries; it’s about being a bridge between athletes, their health, and their goals."

In this episode, we sit down with Danielle Smith, the head athletic trainer at Cheshire Academy, to talk about the crucial role athletic trainers play in the lives of student-athletes. We dive into concussion management, hydration, and nutrition, and how athletic trainers are a vital resource for injury prevention and recovery.

Danielle shares her experience working with students and parents, discussing the importance of a strong communication network between trainers, athletes, and families. We also touch on the challenges of getting teenagers to take injury recovery seriously and the progress in raising awareness about concussion management in sports.

Tune in for an insightful discussion on how to keep student-athletes healthy and performing at their best.

In this episode you’ll hear about:

(00:00) Intro
(00:34) Meet Danielle Smith: Role and Responsibilities of an Athletic Trainer
(02:47) Supporting Student Athletes Through Athletic Training
(06:29) Tips for Parents: Preparing for the Sports Season
(09:03) Motivating Injured Teen Athletes
(11:54) Concussion Management and Recovery
(17:15) Understanding Brain Reactions and The Evolution of Concussion Knowledge
(21:28) Gender Differences in Concussion Impact
(23:46) Changing Attitudes Towards Concussions
(26:04) Concussion Online Workshop
(27:40) High-Profile Concussion Cases
(29:42) The Importance of CPR and AEDs
(31:23) Final Thoughts and Advice for Athletes

• Visit the Cheshire Academy
• Sign up for the free concussion online workshop

Check out our Digital Programs

• Start your FREE TRIAL today 4D Built to Read Digital Program
• Concussion Recovery
• Built to Drive

Follow us at 4D Vision Gym on Facebook and Instagram @4dvisiongymvt for the latest news and updates. DM us if you have any Vision Therapy related questions - you may hear the answer in a future episode!

If you enjoyed this show, please rate, review, and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. We really appreciate your support!
Send us a screenshot of your review and receive 10% off any one of our 4D Vision Gym products or services. And if your friends or family are experiencing inexplicable challenges, refer them to this podcast and tell them, “It Could Be Your Eyes.”

"It is so rewarding to see that light behind your child's eyes just light up when they get something. It is so exciting to see how your child grows through this program and does things that you just could not expect them to do just a mere couple weeks ago."

In this mini-episode, Jess shares her personal experience with discovering her son's vision issues despite her professional background. She emphasizes the importance of being vigilant about children's visual health and the transformative power of vision therapy.

Jess recounts how she noticed subtle changes in her son's behavior, such as avoiding reading and writing, and increased screen time. Despite her son's early reading abilities and good grades, these signs prompted her to seek a professional evaluation. The diagnosis revealed convergence insufficiency, a common visual disorder we treat at 4D Vision Gym.

This episode serves as both a cautionary tale and a message of hope for parents, highlighting that even experts can miss early signs of vision problems in their children. Jess encourages parents to trust their instincts and seek help when they notice changes in their child's behavior or academic performance.

Schedule a FREE CONSULT

In this episode you’ll hear about:

(00:00) Intro
(00:41) Recognizing Vision Issues...In House
(02:39) Understanding Convergence Insufficiency
(03:31) Parental Guilt and Vision Therapy Hope
(06:01) 4D Built to Read Program
(06:51) Personal Experience with 4D Program
(08:12) Encouragement and Support for Parents

Check out our Digital Programs

• Start your FREE TRIAL today 4D Built to Read Digital Program
• Concussion Recovery
• Built to Drive

Follow us at 4D Vision Gym on Facebook and Instagram @4dvisiongymvt for the latest news and updates. DM us if you have any Vision Therapy related questions - you may hear the answer in a future episode!

If you enjoyed this show, please rate, review, and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. We really appreciate your support!
Send us a screenshot of your review and receive 10% off any one of our 4D Vision Gym products or services. And if your friends or family are experiencing inexplicable challenges, refer them to this podcast and tell them, “It Could Be Your Eyes.”

"If your child has a great team surrounding them, there is no reason that they cannot be as successful as they possibly can."

In this mini-episode, we're excited to help you get your kids ready for a successful school year by focusing on three key areas:

1. An updated eye exam
2. Good visual habits
3. A strong support team

Whether your kids are still squeezing in the last bit of summer fun or already hitting the books, we’ll walk you through practical tips to make sure their eyes and overall well-being are in top shape.

From setting proper sleep schedules and ensuring hydration to creating an ideal study space with the right lighting, we’ll cover everything you need to help your child excel in getting back to school. Plus, we’ll explain why having a collaborative team of educators and specialists can make all the difference in your child’s success this year.

In this episode you’ll hear about:

(00:00) Intro
(01:05) Updated Eye Exam
(02:27) Visual Hygiene Tips
(04:53) The 4D Built to Read Program
(05:43) Importance of Vitamins and an Adequate Intake
(06:54) Light Up That Space
(08:02) Creating a Supportive Team

Schedule a FREE CONSULT

Check out our Digital Programs

• Start your FREE TRIAL today 4D Built to Read Digital Program
• Concussion Recovery
• Built to Drive

Follow us at 4D Vision Gym on Facebook and Instagram @4dvisiongymvt for the latest news and updates. DM us if you have any Vision Therapy related questions - you may hear the answer in a future episode!

If you enjoyed this show, please rate, review, and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. We really appreciate your support!
Send us a screenshot of your review and receive 10% off any one of our 4D Vision Gym products or services. And if your friends or family are experiencing inexplicable challenges, refer them to this podcast and tell them, “It Could Be Your Eyes.”

"If a child can't hear instructions properly or process what they see, how can we expect them to succeed academically? Awareness and early intervention are crucial."

Today, we dive into the critical topic of visual processing disorders and their impact on learning and development. We are joined by two distinguished guests, Sue Mann and Michelle Kotler.

Sue is the founder of Bright Minds Processing. She's an advocate for children’s rights to comprehensive eye exams, especially those with Auditory Processing Disorder (APD) and Visual Processing Disorder (VPD). "Our mission is to educate as many parents about children with APD and VPD. Together we can lobby schools to implement solutions. Our collaboration of professionals will empower parents and families so they can work with us to implement our APD and VPD programs into their schools."

Michelle has 30 years of experience in special education, providing consultation and advocacy for families seeking to help their children receive an appropriate public education. Michelle's background as a teacher, school administrator, and attorney gives her a unique perspective on the intersection of legal and educational challenges in addressing visual impairments.

Our discussion covers the importance of proper eye exams, the challenges in the current educational system, and the profound implications of visual and auditory processing disorders.
Discover how you can contribute to raising awareness and supporting the necessary reforms to help every child succeed.

In this episode you’ll hear about:

(00:00) Intro
(00:50) Sue's Journey with Visual and Auditory Processing Disorders
(02:07) Michelle's Advocacy in Special Education
(03:15) Challenges in Identifying Visual Impairments in Schools
(07:38) Sue and Michelle's Collaborative Efforts
(11:20) Understanding APDs, Raising Awareness, and Educating Teachers
(21:19) Challenges in Pediatric Healthcare and Nonprofit Efforts
(22:30) School Screenings and Behavioral Concerns
(24:53) Parental Challenges and Financial Barriers
(27:05) 4D Built to Read Digital Program
(30:10) Advocacy and Celebrity Influence
(31:50) Misdiagnosis and the Need for Better Screenings
(43:42) Call to Action and Resources for Parents

For more info and support visit:

• brightmindsprocessing.org
• Brights Minds Processing FB Group
• michellekotler.com

Check out our Digital Programs

• 4D Built to Read Digital Program
• Concussion Recovery
• Built to Drive

Follow us at 4D Vision Gym on Facebook and Instagram @4dvisiongymvt for the latest news and updates. DM us if you have any Vision Therapy related questions - you may hear the answer in a future episode!

If you enjoyed this show, please rate, review, and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. We really appreciate your support!
Send us a screenshot of your review and receive 10% off any one of our 4D Vision Gym products or services. And if your friends or family are experiencing inexplicable challenges, refer them to this podcast and tell them, “It Could Be Your Eyes.”

"Summertime should be relaxing and fun, but that doesn’t mean learning has to stop. Let’s turn reading into an adventure instead of a chore!"

Welcome back! In today's episode, we sit down with veteran educator and certified 4D Built to Read professional, Angela Eddy, to discuss the pervasive issue of the "summer slide" and how it affects children's learning.

"With over 27 years of teaching experience in both public schools and private tutoring, Angela's commitment to helping individuals of all ages master reading is truly exceptional. Angela has also pursued further training in the specialized field of Vision Therapy. This unique expertise allows her to provide a holistic approach to reading improvement, addressing the crucial connection between vision and learning."

We explore the importance of maintaining a reading habit during the summer months to prevent academic regression. Angela shares practical tips and engaging strategies for parents to encourage their children to read, ensuring that learning remains fun and interactive.

Whether your child has vision needs or simply needs to stay academically active during the break, this episode provides valuable insights for every parent.

In this episode you’ll hear about:

(00:00) Intro
(00:34) Meet Our Angela Eddy
(01:03) Understanding the Summer Slide and Combating It with Vision Therapy
(03:29) Creative Reading Challenges for Kids
(06:29) Reading Levels. Family Reading Time and Its Benefits
(10:20) 4d Built to Read Digital Program
(11:11) Addressing the Summer Slide in Math and Critical Thinking. Benchmarks Change
(14:33) What to Do Over the Summer Before the New School Year

• Visit readingvisions.org for more info on Angela's work

Interested in booking a consult with us, starting a program or booking an exam? Start HERE

Check out our Digital Programs

• 4d Built to Read Digital Program
• Concussion Recovery
• Built to Drive

Follow us at 4D Vision Gym on Facebook and Instagram @4dvisiongymvt for the latest news and updates. DM us if you have any Vision Therapy related questions - you may hear the answer in a future episode!

If you enjoyed this show, please rate, review, and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. We really appreciate your support!
Send us a screenshot of your review and receive 10% off any one of our 4D Vision Gym products or services. And if your friends or family are experiencing inexplicable challenges, refer them to this podcast and tell them, “It Could Be Your Eyes.”

"No matter what people say to you, no matter what they tell you, you always got to keep going and do what you believe that you can do."

Today, we sit down with Noah, a passionate aviator who overcame significant visual challenges to pursue his dream of becoming a pilot.

Noah’s passion for aviation began in childhood but was hindered by visual impairments following an eye surgery. Despite these challenges, he pursued his dream, undergoing vision therapy that significantly improved his eye alignment and depth perception.

With the support of his mother and 4D Vision, Noah overcame these obstacles and recently qualified for his first-class medical certificate, allowing him to pursue a career as a commercial pilot.

Listen how vision therapy played a crucial role in his journey and learn about the determination and support that helped him achieve his goals.

In this episode you’ll hear about:

(00:00) Intro
(00:35) Noah's Journey: From Dream to Reality
(04:50) 4d Built to Read Digital Program
(05:40) Overcoming Vision Challenges and Finding 4D
(10:05) Noah's Vision Therapy Success
(13:34) Pursuing Your Dream Even When They Tell You Otherwise
(15:12) Unexpected Changes
(16:46) An Invitation to Consider Vision Therapy

Check out our Digital Programs

• 4d Built to Read Digital Program
• Concussion Recovery
• Built to Drive

Follow us at 4D Vision Gym on Facebook and Instagram @4dvisiongymvt for the latest news and updates. DM us if you have any Vision Therapy related questions - you may hear the answer in a future episode!

If you enjoyed this show, please rate, review, and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. We really appreciate your support!
Send us a screenshot of your review and receive 10% off any one of our 4D Vision Gym products or services. And if your friends or family are experiencing inexplicable challenges, refer them to this podcast and tell them, “It Could Be Your Eyes.”

In today's episode, we explore the critical differences between various types of eye exams and why the traditional ones often miss issues affecting children's learning and development.

A key question in today's discussion is, why do children rarely report visual problems? We often assume their vision is normal, but the implications this has for diagnosis and treatment are very important.
The significance of behavioral optometry in detecting and addressing subtle yet impactful vision disorders early on is crucial.

We try to shed a light on common compensations for vision issues, the importance of foundational visual skills, and the profound impact that comprehensive vision care can have on a child's academic performance and confidence.

Remember that our 4D Built to Read program is designed to empower parents as junior vision therapists for their children.

In this episode you’ll hear about:

00:00 Intro
00:40 Understanding Eye Exams and Why Children's Vision Issues Go Unnoticed
02:34 The Role of Behavioral Optometrists in Eye Health
05:00 "Tablets are Blurry, but at Least it's Kind of Fun"
06:40 Flexibility to Look from Up Close to Far Away and Back Again
09:00 4d Built to Read Digital Program
09:50 Exploring Commonly Missed Issues in Routine Eye Exams
13:41 The Importance of Early Vision Checks
15:02 Preventing Vision Issues: Tips and Programs
20:16 Empowering Parents and Changing Lives with Built to Read

Check out our Digital Programs

• 4d Built to Read Digital Program
• Concussion Recovery
• Built to Drive

Follow us at 4D Vision Gym on Facebook and Instagram @4dvisiongymvt for the latest news and updates. DM us if you have any Vision Therapy related questions - you may hear the answer in a future episode!

If you enjoyed this show, please rate, review, and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. We really appreciate your support!
Send us a screenshot of your review and receive 10% off any one of our 4D Vision Gym products or services. And if your friends or family are experiencing inexplicable challenges, refer them to this podcast and tell them, “It Could Be Your Eyes.”