As a parent, you want to do everything possible to support your child’s development and learning. So, when they start struggling with reading, concentration, or coordination, one of the first questions that may arise is: “Does my child need glasses?” But what if there’s another answer?
In many cases, children with vision-related difficulties may actually benefit more from vision therapy than traditional glasses, especially when the issue goes beyond simple eyesight.
At Microprism Vision in Melbourne, we specialise in helping parents understand the difference between corrective lenses and functional visual support. In this guide, we’ll explore the signs to look for, how to know what your child really needs, and how to make the best decision for their future.
The Difference Between Glasses and Vision Therapy
Glasses are designed to correct refractive errors, such as short-sightedness (myopia), long-sightedness (hyperopia), or astigmatism, so your child can see more clearly. They help bring objects into focus at various distances.
Vision therapy, on the other hand, focuses on how the eyes and brain work together. It addresses problems like:
- Poor eye tracking or teaming
- Difficulty switching focus (e.g., board to page)
- Visual fatigue during reading
- Eye strain and headaches
- Visual processing delays
- Lack of depth perception or coordination
If your child has 20/20 vision but still struggles in school or seems clumsy or disengaged, vision therapy may be the missing piece.
Signs Your Child Might Need Glasses
Your child may need glasses if they:
- Squint frequently or hold objects very close
- Complain of blurry vision at a distance or up close
- Struggle to see the whiteboard at school
- Blink excessively or rub their eyes often
- Show signs of short-sightedness (can’t see far) or long-sightedness (can’t see near)
An optometrist can quickly assess for refractive errors and prescribe lenses to bring your child’s vision into sharper focus.
Signs Your Child Might Need Vision Therapy
Your child may benefit from vision therapy if they:
- Lose their place while reading or skip lines
- Use their finger to track text
- Reverse letters or struggle with spelling
- Avoid reading or complain it’s “too hard”
- Get frequent headaches or seem tired after school
- Struggle with balance, coordination, or ball games
- Have difficulty concentrating for long periods
These issues may not show up on a standard vision test but can significantly impact learning and self-confidence.
Why a Functional Vision Assessment Matters
At Microprism Vision, we perform a comprehensive visual-neurological assessment that goes far beyond a basic eye test. This includes evaluating:
- Eye movement control
- Focus flexibility and stamina
- Eye teaming and alignment
- Visual memory and perception
- Posture and body-eye coordination
This allows us to identify not just how well your child sees, but how effectively their visual system functions under the demands of school and daily life.
Can a Child Need Both Glasses and Vision Therapy?
Yes, many children benefit from a combined approach. For example, your child may need glasses to improve clarity, but still require therapy to address underlying issues like eye teaming or focus flexibility.
At Microprism Vision, we often recommend Microprism™ lenses, designed to support both clarity and function. These innovative lenses help guide the eyes into proper alignment, reduce strain, and encourage better communication between the eyes and brain, especially when paired with vision therapy.
How Vision Therapy Works
Vision therapy is a structured program of exercises and activities that help retrain the visual system. It’s safe, non-invasive, and personalised to your child’s needs. At Microprism Vision, therapy sessions may include:
- Eye tracking games and exercises
- Coordination and balance training
- Focus flexibility drills
- Visual memory tasks
- Use of specialised lenses and tools
Many children enjoy these sessions and often begin noticing improvements in schoolwork, sports, and everyday activities within weeks.
Parent Success Stories
We’ve worked with hundreds of children who once struggled with reading, attention, or clumsiness, only to thrive once their vision challenges were properly identified and addressed.
From improved academic results to boosted self-esteem, the outcomes are both measurable and life-changing.
Empowering Your Child Through the Right Support
Every child is different, and so is their vision. That’s why understanding the cause of visual challenges is the first step toward lasting improvement.
If your child is struggling with learning, coordination, or reading, and you’re unsure if they need glasses, therapy, or both, we’re here to help.
Book a comprehensive vision assessment today at Microprism Vision and let’s discover how we can support your child’s development naturally, holistically, and effectively.
Schedule an appointment or learn more about our children’s vision services.