Vision is a dynamic process. Its purpose is to derive meaning, and direct action in response to light entering the eyes. The key ingredient is that of directing action. We process information in order to interact with the world around us. In this context action means thought, verbal communication, and/or some type of bodily movement. Good vision maximizes our potential in activities like reading, writing, working at a computer, arts and crafts, driving, and sports. When there is any disturbance in the visual process, our overall performance suffers to some degree. The visual process is learned, and develops throughout our lives. This means that either breakdown or enhancement can occur at any time. Visual enhancement can be achieved through Behavioral Vision Care which includes the use of therapeutic lenses and/or Visual Training. Visual training is a dynamic interactive process. It provides a variety of conditions that enable people to observe, understand, and modify visual performance.

• Children with developmental problems: Visual development is a vital link to overall development. The visual process teaches us fine motor control, and guides all of our movements.

• Children and adults whose eyes turn in or out, or have been diagnosed as having lazy eye, nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism. All of these conditions are treatable through behavioral vision care.

• 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.

• Children and adults 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.

• 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.

• People who wear lenses: Most people are wearing lenses that are considerably stronger than necessary. These lenses weaken the visual system, and are generally inappropriate for the majority of normal daily activities. It is usually a simple matter to reduce the strength of the lenses; in some cases the need for glasses can be eliminated.

• Anyone involved in sports: Athletic performance is greatly dependent on good visual skills. Since visual skills can be improved, so can athletic performance.

My practice is entirely devoted to helping people improve their vision. Vision is our most precious gift. It is the major process for interacting with the world around us. It is also an important factor in how we interact with the world within us, how we perceive ourselves. As a behavioral optometrist my main concerns are preventing visual problems, enhancing visual development and performance, and reversing any negative effects of past or ongoing visual disturbances. Visual Training (VT), done in conjunction with therapeutic lenses, is the most effective way of enhancing visual performance. VT is a dynamic process of mind/body/vision exercises designed to enable a person to experience, understand, and modify their visual behavior. (Visual behavior influences all behavior, hence the term behavioral optometry.) I also believe that lenses can stimulate powerful positive changes. Any time we look through a lens, we experience perceptual changes. Some change is taking place as a result of looking through the lenses - this is unavoidable. We may or may not be consciously aware of this change. The change caused by the lens leads to changes in our behavior. Generally, these changes are quite subtle, but that does not make them unimportant. These changes can influence our behavior and performance in many ways. This is due to the connection of vision to many areas of the brain involved with things like balance, movement, planning ahead, and our most basic emotions and vital functions. Therefore, lenses should be prescribed with great care and only after a thorough evaluation. When lenses are used with purpose and understanding of these issues, positive changes can result. Most people will experience increased comfort and efficiency once they begin using the proper lenses. Proper lenses can help reduce stress and fatigue as well.

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Steve Gallop is a Doctor of Optometry who, after completing his "formal education" sought out the elders in his field. He felt this would offer the best opportunity to learn directly from those who had been influential in developing the philosophy and techniques of behavioral optometry. He has also had extensive experience with vision enhancement training, both as a doctor and as a patient, having greatly reduced his own nearsightedness. Dr. Gallop lectures to a variety of audiences, professional and non-professional, throughout the country. His articles on the philosophy and practice of behavioral vision care have been published in several professional journals and books. His Titles include "The Tao of Vision Training," "An Essay on the Reconciliation of Opposites," "Compensating & Therapeutic lenses: Passive vs. dynamic prescribing," and "Myopia Reduction: A View From the Inside." Dr. Gallop obtained his undergraduate education from Temple University, graduated from the Pennsylvania College of Optometry in 1989, and received his Fellow from the College of Optometrists in Vision Development in 1992. He continues to devote considerable time to continuing educational pursuits via regional, national and international conferences, as well as study group meetings. He is also a member of the Clinical Coursework of the Behavioral Vision Project.