Functional Vision

Did you know that over 80% of patients at Inland Vision Therapy
can see 20/20 without their glasses?!
All of our patients are seeking care at Inland Vision Therapy because
they struggle in at least one area of functional vision.

What is Functional Vision?

Functional vision is much more than just “20/20 eyesight.”

It refers to how your eyes and brain work together to gather, process, and use visual information in real life. Functional vision makes it possible to do things such as read fluently, learn proficiently, drive safely, work efficiently, play sports effectively, and comfortably complete everyday tasks. Improving functional vision improves performance in almost every activity of our lives.

Why Functional Vision is So Important

Vision is the dominant sense for learning and daily function—over 70% of what our brain processes every day is visual! If your functional vision skills are weak, the impact extends far beyond 20/20 eyesight. Even if a person passes a routine eye exam, they may still struggle with headaches, fatigue, reading, or attention—because clarity alone does not equal functional vision.

Why It’s Often Overlooked

Routine eye exams focus on eye health and clarity, but they rarely measure the efficiency and coordination of the visual system. This means many patients are told their “vision is fine,” while functional vision problems that affect learning, work, and quality of life go undetected. Visit our Functional Vision Exam Page to learn more about what our evaluation includes.

Common Struggles Linked to Poor Functional Vision

Reading difficulties – skipping words/lines, poor comprehension, slow reading, double vision or words moving or floating on the page, intermittent blurred vision
Academic struggles – attention issues, avoiding near work, frequent mistakes
Workplace fatigue – eye strain, headaches, difficulty focusing on screens
Sports performance – poor timing, depth perception, or hand-eye coordination
Poor Coordination – Tripping, falling, bumping into things, knocking things over, poor balance
Post-concussion/TBI symptoms – dizziness, double vision, motion sensitivity, light sensitivity, “brain fog”, easily overwhelmed or overstimulated, mood changes, poor memory, poor attention.

Common Symptoms of Functional Vision Problems

Headaches or eye strain/pain after reading or computer use
Difficulty maintaining focus or attention
Words moving or blurring on the page
Frequent loss of place while reading, having to use something to keep spot
Double vision or closing one eye
Poor depth perception or balance issues
Light sensitivity and fatigue

The Good News: Vision Can Improve

Because of neuroplasticity— the brain’s ability to change and form new connections — functional vision can be improved at any age. Through vision therapy and neuro-optometric rehabilitation, patients of ALL ages with visual developmental delays, amblyopia, strabismus, suppression, concussion, stroke, or TBI can strengthen visual skills and regain more efficient, comfortable vision.

Our Passion at Inland Vision Therapy

At Inland Vision Therapy, our mission is simple: to improve the quality of your life by improving your functional vision. Whether it’s helping a child excel in school, supporting an adult performing better at their work in their favorite hobby, helping patients return to work or school after a concussion, or enhancing performance in the activities you love, we are dedicated to providing answers, relief, and lasting change.

Improving vision means improving life—and that’s what drives us every day.