Learning to help people better coordinate their eyes

By Jade Lankowski

The Binocular Vision Vision Therapy (BV/VT) Interest Club connects University of Waterloo optometry students to the specialized field of binocular vision care and vision therapy. Led by presidents Tim Hurlburt (above right) and Tracy Lam (above left), the club organizes discussions, guest speakers, and shadowing opportunities to make BV/VT learning both accessible and enjoyable for students.

TL: Vision therapy (VT) trains our eyes and brain to work together well, so we can navigate our visual world with comfort. It’s a program with different visual exercises and training to improve a patient’s binocular vision problem.  

Learning-related vision issues like amblyopia (lazy eye), strabismus (eye turn), concussion and neuro-visual dysfunctions, visual processing issues, and binocular vision dysfunction are all areas where VT can help.

TH: Binocular vision dysfunction (BVD) refers to difficulty using our two eyes together effectively and comfortably. While many people equate good vision with seeing 20/20, this is only part of the picture. When the two eyes aren’t working optimally together due to developmental conditions, or after a concussion or stroke, it can impact daily life significantly.

One of the most concerning aspects of BVD is how it affects children's learning. Bright students sometimes get misdiagnosed with ADHD or reading disabilities when the root cause is actually visual. This is why careful screening of BVD is so important.

TL: The BV/VT Interest Club provides opportunities for students to explore the specialty of binocular vision and vision therapy outside of the classroom. We organize a variety of events including lecture talks, clinic tours, round table discussions with residents, and shadowing programs. It’s a great way to learn more about this fascinating area and students can see if they would pursue a career in this field.

The speakers are incredibly passionate and willing to share their expertise, so students may also be connected to many great mentors and resources. They can see real-life practices with BV/VT focus, outside of academic institutions through joining our events.

TH: We work closely with the Optometric Vision Development & Rehabilitation Association (OVDRA, formerly COVD) by hosting their annual Tour de Optometry lecture. In November, Dr. Patrick Quaid, OVDRA’s president elect, gave a lecture titled, “Neuro-Optometric Visual Rehabilitation: What you need to know as a student!” We also promote free OVDRA student membership. This partnership helps students access educational resources and connect with experts in the field. The club also facilitates relationships between students and UWaterloo’s BV specialists, including professors like Dr. Lisa Christian and the pediatric Optometry and Vision Therapy resident.

TL:  Another student liaison and I started this club in 2023 because there wasn’t a club that existed for binocular vision and vision therapy at the time. We created a bridge that connects our optometry students with the world of binocular vision care, facilitate opportunities for learning, and make this specialty more accessible to students.

I first became intrigued by vision therapy at the Tour de Optometry lecture in my second year. The speaker, Dr. Patrick Quaid, gave a talk with real-life examples of how binocular vision problems affect people of all ages and the impact vision therapy can offer.

TH: My journey into binocular vision began unexpectedly during my first-year orientation here at the school. The third-year student examining me discovered I had an “exophoria” — an outward eye drift that explained my occasional reading difficulties. This led to a follow-up appointment with the school’s binocular vision clinic resident at the time, Dr. Oskar Shura. I was greatly intrigued by the methods of managing BV dysfunction to help patients. Shortly after, I noticed a similar eye turn and head-tilt in my young niece, which furthered my interest.

TL: The club gives you a window to see what it would be like to focus your career in this area. I have been inspired and would like to dedicate my career to providing binocular vision and vision therapy-related care. Binocular vision issues are more common than we think, many people would benefit from doing vision therapy. I now find vision therapy rooms quite magical, and they can bring miracles. Vision therapy does far more than just improving neuro-visual function – especially for children. It can be life changing.

TH: Initially, I want to incorporate BV screening and management into my future practice so I can identify patients who would benefit from more comprehensive BV care. Later, I may get further training through the OVDRA or VTC (Vision Therapy Canada) to provide more comprehensive BV care myself and advocate for better recognition of binocular vision disorders in the broader healthcare community.

TL: I enjoy playing musical instruments and traditional cultural dance. In high school, I was the president of the dance club, and vice-president of the handbells team. It also brings me great pleasure to prepare tea and hold tea ceremonies with my loved ones.

TH: Outside of optometry, I enjoy spending time with family and friends and consider myself an outdoor enthusiast—when it's warm—and enjoy hiking and biking. I enjoy playing games and reading anything interesting, including the odd journal article.