As part of the 2011 August is National Children’s Vision & Learning Month, COVD hosted a webinar with the authors of  Jillian's Story: How Vision Therapy Changed My Daughter's Life, Robin Benoit and her daughter Jillian.

As a mother trying to determine why her child was struggling with reading and learning, Robin Benoit found it very difficult to locate answers. According to Jillian’s fourth grade teacher, even though Jillian was very bright, her academic performance was lagging behind.  She had poor handwriting, left many of her class assignments unfinished, skipped words when she read out loud, would daydream during silent reading, and was consistently going to the restroom during math. 

Jillian had been diagnosed with amblyopia (also known as lazy eye) but despite following the treatment prescribed by the ophthalmologist she continued to struggle with reading, spelling, and math. Her mom started searching the internet for information regarding vision and learning. Her pediatrician and ophthalmologist were not supportive when Mrs. Benoit thought she found the answer to her daughter’s problem. But she followed her heart and continued pushing forward to help Jillian. This push led Mrs. Benoit to optometric vision therapy and a developmental optometrist who was able to help Jillian.

The results from optometric vision therapy changed Jillian’s life, making it possible for her to learn and do many things she'd never done before. When they learned how widespread these types of vision problems are, Jillian and her mother decided to share their story by writing a book to help other parents who are struggling with reading and learning issues, Jillian's Story: How Vision Therapy Changed My Daughter's Life.

COVD President Dr. Brad Habermehl and COVD Executive Director Pamela Happ interviewed Robin and Jillian and asked them key questions:

• How did you discover that Jillian had a vision problem?
• Once you realized Jillian had a vision problem, what steps did you take?
• What did the ophthalmologist recommend?
• What prompted you to search for another solution?  And how did you find out about optometric vision therapy?
• How was the evaluation by the optometrist different from what the ophthalmologist did?
• Did you ask the pediatrician and/or ophthalmologist what they thought of vision therapy before you started?
• What made you decide to do the program, despite that response?
• Jillian is asked, “What changes have you seen as a result of doing vision therapy?”
• Robin is asked, “What changes have you seen in Jillian?”
• Jillian talks about realizing that she wasn’t seeing the way others do.
• What would you each share with others who may be struggling with reading or learning?

In addition, Robin shares suggestions for parents on how the schools can help. Be sure to watch this informative 40 minute interview.

Watch the video (30MB file - download may take longer on slower connections)