“Functional vision issues are significantly associated with ADHD” — this is the highest level of scientific evidence proving that vision and attention are closely related. These findings on attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and vision come from a recent systematic review and meta-analysis, published in Springer Nature’s journal of Molecular Psychiatry.
Vision therapy is the main treatment modality for functional vision issues, according to Dr Yap Tiong Peng from IGARD Vision Therapy Centre. However, functional vision issues are not easily diagnosed because the doctor or optometrist needs to put in extra time and effort to complete a full battery of tests that are specific for functional vision issues.
“We are essentially checking how the visual system is working, and the results from these tests needs careful interpretation”, said Dr Yap. “Even if a child has “perfect” 20/20 or 6/6 visual acuity, this does not rule out functional vision issues”, he explained. “And even if the child already had some tests done elsewhere, it may not be sufficient for us to provide interventions.”
To diagnose and treat functional vision issues, specialists generally need to have the relevant expertise and postgraduate training. While this is not a requirement in Singapore, IGARD exceeds these international standards. Qualified since 1998, Dr Yap Tiong Peng has a special interest in evaluating and treating functional vision issues with vision therapy. Dr Yap holds three clinical fellowships from US and Australia (FACBO, FCOVD and FAAO) and the team at IGARD has nearly 20 years of experience.
