Remote Vision Therapy at VCDC: Lessons Learned from Dr. Harry Wachs

Abstract

2020 has not turned out to be the year that optometrists were eagerly anticipating. The COVID-19 pandemic has changed nearly every aspect of our lives – both professionally and personally. We are all looking for best practices and ways to come out of COVID-19 in the best shape possible. For many, providing vision therapy remotely is a foreign concept driven by necessity. For some, it is a temporary solution that will not be continued after stay-at-home orders relax. Others have found remote vision therapy to be a splendid addition to their mix of services, one that will further open their eyes to more creative and novel methods of providing vision care. As numbers of infections continue to rise and experts warn of a second wave, we are unsure what the future will bring. Since the founding of the Vision & Conceptual Development Center by Harry Wachs, the best technology available has been used to remotely observe patients in their home, school and therapeutic environments. These tools are used not simply because at times the office is inaccessible but because oftentimes these observations can be one of our most successful diagnostic tools. The authors share their experience with remote vision therapy at the Vision & Conceptual Development Center, its advantages and challenges for staff and patients, and how it can become a permanent service offered at some practices.