DEVELOPMENTAL OPTOMETRY, THE VISUAL PROCESS AND VISUAL TRAINING 

Developmental Optometry (or Behavioral Optometry) is based on the understanding that vision is much more than simply seeing clearly.  The visual process is a pervasive and dynamic process used to derive meaning, and more importantly to direct action in response to light entering the eyes.  Action includes thought, verbal communication, and/or some type of bodily movement.  We process information in order to interact with the world around us.  Good vision maximizes our potential in activities like reading, writing, working at a computer, arts and crafts, driving, and all forms of recreational activity.  When there is any disturbance in the visual process, our overall performance suffers.  The visual process is learned, and develops throughout our lives.  This means that either breakdown or enhancement can occur at any time depending on our demands and our ability to meet them visually.  Visual enhancement can be achieved with Developmental Vision Care, which begins with a thorough evaluation, followed by the therapeutic use of lenses and/or Visual Training.  Visual training is a non-invasive, dynamic and interactive process that provides conditions that enable people to observe, understand, and modify visual performance to their advantage.



 

WHO CAN BENEFIT FROM DEVELOPMENTAL VISION CARE?

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Children (and adults) with developmental issues: Visual development is a vital link to overall development. The visual process helps develop fine motor control, and guides all of our movements. The visual process continues to develop throughout life.
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People of all ages whose eyes turn in or out, or have been diagnosed as having lazy eye, nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism. All of these conditions can be improved through developmental vision care.

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Children who have some type of learning difficulty: Children who have been labeled dyslexic, ADD, or any other type learning problem are very likely suffering from some type of visual disturbance that is treatable. Dealing with the visual issues will reduce or eliminate a significant obstacle to learning.

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People with neurological conditions: People with conditions such as cerebral palsy will typically have significant visual problems that hinder performance. Treating these problems will help maximize their abilities.
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People with traumatic brain injuries: Any injury to the brain is likely to create visual disturbances. These people will also benefit from treatment aimed at maximizing visual performance.
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Anyone involved in sports: Athletic performance is greatly dependent on good visual skills. Improving visual skills leads to improved athletic performance. Many professional athletes have already discovered the benefits of  visual training and developmental care.
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People who already wear lenses: Prescriptions based on most standard eye exams typically address only a single issue, ignoring unwanted side effects. This may not be the optimal situation. These lenses weaken the visual system, and are often less than optimal for the majority of normal daily activities. It is usually a simple matter to modify the strength of the lenses in order to increase comfort while enhancing performance and promoting positive development.

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Dr. Gallop specializes in myopia reduction.  He has helped countless people prevent, reduce or eliminate the need to wear lenses to see clearly in the distance.  Nearsightedness (myopia) frequently gets worse due to wearing the lenses prescribed by most doctors to “correct” the problem.  Dr. Gallop is on the cutting edge of treating nearsightedness (as well as farsightedness and astigmatism) with innovative, non-invasive strategies.
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Dr. Steven Gallop is a Doctor of Optometry.  He is proficient in the techniques and philosophies of Vision Enhancement Therapy, and has entertained audiences nationwide for a decade with his speaking engagements. 

Steve Gallop is a Doctor of Optometry in private practice near Philadelphia, PA.  He has specialized in providing Developmental Vision Care to people of all ages since 1989.  Dr. Gallop is dedicated to personally providing visual training for all who are interested.  He has also lectured to a variety of audiences across the country, written numerous peer-reviewed, published articles and written a book entitled,
Looking Differently at Nearsightedness and Myopia: The Visual Process and the Myth of 20/20, which was published in 2002.

 

Dr. Gallop maintains a practice at 

Steven J. Gallop, O.D.
7 Davis Ave., Broomall PA. 19008
610-356-7425
e-mail.
GallopIntoVision@comcast.net

 
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