Vision Problems Affect How Children Learn Math Skills

    AURORA, Ohio, Aug. 6 /PRNewswire/ -- In the most recent issue of
Optometry & Vision Development, two articles were published by German
scientist and researcher, Dr. Burkhart Fischer and his team which found
that children with vision problems have a hard time learning basic
mathematical skills and that if the appropriate vision therapy is given,
math skills improve.

    Dr. Fischer's work has been featured on several German television news
programs which reported on his research in the area of deficits in vision
and eye movement control, as well as his success using vision therapy and
its ability to improve reading. It has been pointed out, that his results
show the importance of brain research in the field of deficits in vision
function, academic performance and eye movements. Unfortunately many
individuals do not know about the importance of eye movements as an
integral part of vision and learning. Children with learning problems at
school can profit from these new methods of diagnosing and treating these
learning related vision problems.

    Dr. Fischer notes that, "My research shows that vision function and eye
movement control can affect a child's development even into young
adulthood. It is important for children to have a comprehensive assessment
for the presence of learning related vision disorders in order to know why
they may be having difficulties in reading and spelling skills, as well as
obtaining basic arithmetic ability at school."

    He goes on to state, "Teachers, doctors, psychologists, therapists, and
parents must be informed about these new facts in order to be able to help
children overcome their deficits. It may make little sense to teach reading
or math skills to someone who has deficits in basic sensory, visual and/or
optomotor processing."

    Dr. Burkart Fischer and his team conduct their research at the Center
of Neuroscience, Optomotor Laboratory, University of Freiburg, Freiburg,
Federal Republic of Germany.

    Dr. Fischer's articles are available free of charge by going to
http://www.covd.org. Optometry & Vision Development is the official journal
of the College of Optometrists in Vision Development.



     For more information, please contact:
     Ms. Pamela Happ, CAE, Executive Director
     College of Optometrists in Vision Development
     215 West Garfield Road, Suite 210
     Aurora, OH 44202
     P 330-995-0718 | 888-268-3770
     F 330-995-0719
     Email phapp@covd.org