4D Vision Gym Brochure

Vision Therapy
and Optometry

Phone: 860-632-UC4D (8243)
Fax: 866-600-2323

Email: [email protected]
181 B Shunpike Rd, Cromwell, CT 06416

www.4DVisionGym.com

About 4D Vision Gym

At 4D Vision Gym, we offer the highest level of personalized care to correct visual issues and
change the way the brain processes the information it receives from the eyes. We have
created a child-centric training center where children and adults immediately relax and have
fun—parents too!

What is Optometric Vision Therapy?

Optometric Vision Therapy is a highly effective, non-invasive, non-surgical means of correcting
visual issues. Through the use of lenses, prisms, and other optical equipment, Vision Therapy
involves a variety of activities that train the brain and eyes to see clearly when focusing near
and far, move quickly and accurately from one point to another, work together as a team, and
use that information to guide decision-making. Vision Therapy can have a positive effect on
learning, behavior, body coordination, balance, sports performance, and driving skills.

Each Program Is Tailored to Your or Your Child’s Specific Needs

Based on the evaluation, our doctor will present your treatment options and explain the
benefits of each one so you have the information you need to make a decision that is right for
you or your child. These options may include: stress-relieving glasses, compensatory lenses for
nearsightedness or farsightedness, vision activities, or Optometric Vision Therapy.

Following an in-depth visual examination, we use a combination of in-office and at-home
training activities, special optical equipment and your or your child’s own resolve to correct
problems and improve visual skills.

Each Vision Therapy program is individualized for you or your child and performed by a trained
Vision Therapist under the direction of our doctor. Together, we work to correct visual issues
and enhance the role of vision in your or your child’s life.

Vision Is More Than 20/20!

Vision is a learned skill that takes time to develop and can be permanently changed with
practice, when necessary. It is the brain’s ability to process and understand information
received by the eyes. Good vision includes: 20/20 eyesight, how clearly one sees at all
distances; healthy eyes; and eye teamwork in order for the visual system to work correctly and
efficiently.

Because the brain is flexible, constantly learning and adapting, it can be retrained when vision
is inefficient and visual skills are weak or underdeveloped.

Determining Your Visual Needs

The Vision Therapy process begins with a comprehensive behavioral examination, called a
functional vision evaluation.

Functional Vision Evaluation

This in-depth visual examination differs from a routine eye examination by determining how
the eyes are functioning individually and as a team in the areas of visual acuity (clarity at all
distances), refraction (near or farsightedness), depth perception (ability to see and accurately
judge distances), accommodation (control over the power and flexibility of focusing skills), eye
teaming (ability to properly aim the eyes together), and eye tracking (ability to move the eyes
together).

Visual Perceptual Evaluation

Our doctor may perform a battery of tests to assess your or your child’s visual processing skills
secondary to academic concerns. These tests include eye-hand coordination, body orientation
in one’s environment, copying skills, figure-ground discrimination, spatial relations, visual
closure, visual motor speed, and form constancy.

Our Goal at 4D

Our quest to make a true difference in the lives of children and adults means we commit to a
higher level of sensitivity, creativity, time and resources than is common in traditional
optometry. This dedication enables us to help our patients transform into the engaged,
confident, athletic and successful people they are meant to be.

Our patients say it best…

“I like to read now because my eyes are much better at it.” ~ Owen F.

“If it wasn’t for eye therapy, my grades wouldn’t be so good.” ~ Olivia M.

"I can see better without double vision." ~ Ari B.

4D Specialties

 Sports Vision Training
 Post-Concussion Therapy

Our Doctors

Dr. Juanita Collier, MS, OD, FCOVD earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in
Biology from the University of Pennsylvania. She then graduated from the
State University of New York, State College of Optometry with her Doctor of
Optometry degree. While on the Dean's List, she conducted research on
Computer Vision Syndrome and received her Master’s degree in Vision
Science from the Schnurmacher Institute of Vision Research. She has also
completed an additional Pediatric and Vision Therapy externship with an
emphasis on Visual Perception at the University Optometric Center in New
York City. She is licensed in treating and diagnosing ocular disease and is proficient in the
latest technologies for ocular disease management.

Dr. Collier's research has been published in Ophthalmic and Physical Optics; the Journal of the
College of Optometrists; Optometry: Journal of the American Optometric Association; and
Review of Optometry. Dr. Collier has been recognized by the Women in Optometry Magazine,
a publication of the Review of Optometry, for her work in pediatrics. She is a Behavioral
Optometrist who specializes in post-concussion care, vision-related learning difficulties, and
primary vision care for patients of all ages. Dr. Collier has lectured extensively to physicians,
therapists, school faculty, healthcare professionals and students on the importance of visual
functioning with the intention of making vision rehabilitation available to individuals of all ages
and abilities.

Dr. Collier is one of only a handful of Optometrists in Connecticut to earn Fellowship status by
the International Examination & Certification Board (IECB) of the College of Optometrists in
Vision Development.

Dr. Lauren Strawn graduated magna cum laude from Seton Hall University
with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology. She then earned her Doctor of
Optometry degree from the State University of New York College of
Optometry. Having elected to pursue a residency in Vision Therapy and
Rehabilitation, in order to further advance her knowledge in this area of
Optometric Care, Dr. Strawn earned the Dr. Brock Memorial Award for
outstanding clinical performance in Vision Therapy.

Dr. Strawn’s clinical involvement, both in the private practice setting and academic field, has
provided her with extensive experience in treating the visual needs of and providing neuro-
rehabilitative therapy to patients with strabismus, visual processing deficits, and binocular
vision disorders. She is also proficient in treating patients with various special needs, including
those individuals on the Autism Spectrum. Dr. Strawn has presented her research on binocular
vision at the American Academy of Optometry and COVD annual conferences, and has lectured
as a continuing education speaker to fellow Optometrists. Dr. Strawn is an actively involved
member of the American Optometric Association and COVD.

. Our Vision Therapists

Leslie graduated from Wellesley College in 2011, with a Bachelor of Arts
degree in Biological Chemistry.

In addition to her extensive scientific background, she has had
experience, local and abroad, working with children in mentoring,
teaching and caregiving capacities.

For almost 5 years, Leslie has been providing Vision Therapy to people
of all ages, from toddlers with strabismus, to teenagers with academic
difficulties, to adults with traumatic brain injuries. Leslie loves the combination of
public health, science, and teaching in her role as a Vision Therapist.

As a strong advocate for Vision Therapy, Leslie has lectured extensively to Doctors,
Educators, and various Therapeutic and Healthcare professionals. As the Training
Coordinator at 4D Vision Gym, she insures that our Vision Therapy staff stays up to
date in the cutting edge technology and research in the field of Vision Development
and Rehabilitation.

Erin graduated from the University of Connecticut with a Bachelor of
Arts degree in Human Development and Family Studies and a minor in
Psychology.

Before joining our team as a Vision Therapist, Erin worked extensively
with children who have various disabilities as an Instructional Aide in a
school system, specializing in learning and behavior. She also assisted
parent advocates at the Connecticut Parent Advocacy Center to ensure
proper services for children in the educational system. Erin’s experience working one-
on-one with children with severe behavioral disorders and developmental delays, has
been an extreme asset at 4D Vision Gym.

Erin is an exceptional liaison between educators, therapists, and parents. She has a
talent of allowing others to see through the eyes of the children she works with in
order to provide them with the best care possible. Through Vision Therapy, Erin is able
to use her passion for education to help each individual reach their greatest potential.

Erin concentrated on helping the students accomplish grade level criteria and socializing with
their peers in an age-appropriate manner. Erin also worked at the Connecticut Parent
Advocacy Center where she assisted advocates who advised parents seeking educational help
for their children in the school system. Through Vision Therapy, Erin is able to use her passion
for reading and learning to help each individual reach their greatest potential.

Our Vision Therapists – Cont’d.

Lauren, our newest Vision Therapist, has shown dedication to our practice,
staff and patients. She graduated from the University of Connecticut (UConn)
with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences.
Before becoming a Vision Therapist, Lauren was a member of several
organizations at UConn, including the UConn Red Cross Club and different
intramural sports clubs. She also volunteered for philanthropies including
Champions are Readers (CAR), a program dedicated to reading enrichment in
pre-kindergarten through third grade, and HuskyTHON, an annual fundraiser for Connecticut
Children's Medical Center.

Lauren's favorite part about working in Vision Therapy is seeing the amazing impact it has on
the lives of both patients and their families. Developing a bond with each patient and their
loved ones makes each case unique and very special.

Our Practice Manager

Kelsey Burrill graduated from Central Connecticut State University with a
Bachelor of Science in Hospitality and Tourism with a concentration in
Communication. Kelsey’s educational portfolio has included Financial
Accounting, Fundamentals of Management and Organizational Behavior,
and Legal Environment of Business. Kelsey has over four years of
experience as an Optometric Technician, where her duties included:
fielding patient calls and questions, scheduling, submitting insurance
claims, ordering supplies, training new employees, and direct patient
care. Kelsey has experience as a Vision Therapist and has worked with
children for many years while volunteering in elementary schools.

Kelsey’s pleasant demeanor and accommodating nature provide a comforting atmosphere for
patients and families.

Do You or Your Child…

 Have difficulty reading?
 Re-read lines?
 Skip lines?
 Reverse letters like “b” and “d” when reading?
 Have a short attention span?
 Report double or blurry vision?
 Have poor handwriting?
 Duck when balls are thrown?
 Have a fear of sports?
 Have red, teary, itchy, burning, or irritated eyes?
 Have tired or strained eyes?
 Squint, blink, cover one eye, or turn the head at an angle when working at near?
 Have constant poor posture when performing near work?
 Rub their eyes excessively during near work?
 Have headaches?
 Move their head excessively when reading?
 Lose their place often, or use their finger to keep place?
 Omit or add words frequently?
 Have difficulty with similarities and differences?
 Confuse left and right?
 Avoid reading or writing?
 Frequently make mistakes when copying?
 Have overall fatigue following prolonged near work?
 Have a short attention span?
 Experience car sickness?

Contact us today! 860-632-UC4D