The last new book that really got me excited was Susan Barry’s, “Fixing My Gaze.” It is a unique book about the how and why vision therapy works. I was even fortunate enough to interview Dr. Barry about her book.

Well, now there is another book out that I am equally excited about. It is called, “See It. Say It. Do It!” and is written by my friend and colleague, Dr. Lynn F. Hellerstein.  I know that the subject, developing visualization ability to improve overall performance and quality of life, was a long-time interest of Dr. Hellerstein, and I was interested to see how this would be treated in a book format.

Like “Fixing My Gaze,” this new book is very easy to read and is accessible to anyone with interest. I have given away several copies to patients and friends, and they have agreed that this is useful to anyone who wants to improve their life and abilities. You can read what Edna, our Vision Therapist, had to say about it here.

So, I am thankful that Dr. Hellerstein took some time from her very busy schedule to answer some questions about, ” See It. Say It. Do It!”

Dr. B: “See It. Say It. Do It!” is very well done. Did it take a long time to write and publish?

Dr. Hellerstein: I presented a 1 day course at COVD (College of Optometrists in Vision Development) to the vision therapists in October 2008. Numerous attendees commented on how much they learned and enjoyed the course.  They wanted more written visualization materials and references so that they could share them with their patients, parents, and teachers.  I remember saying to myself, “There needs to be a book for parents & teachers on the power of visualization.  But I’m not going to write it!”

I never really liked to write.  I’d much rather present a workshop.  I’ve published in optometry and medical journals.  A book on visualization, though, was really different.  It needed to be creative, interactive, full of pictures, and easily readable.

In December 2008, while sitting in one of Harv Eker’s self-improvement courses, the presenter made a statement that “most people have a book within them.  It’s now time to write it.”  At that very moment, I decided that I would write my book. I immediately visualized the finished book, and what needed to be included in it. The writing process itself was the obstacle.  I called a friend and mentor to ask if she would assist me, and she immediately agreed.  That reassurance was all I needed to start.  The funny part is that my friend never ended up writing the book with me!

I started the writing process in December 2008 and finished it nine months later.  It was like giving birth to a child!  I went through the ups and downs, excitement and frustrations, and the obstacles and breakthroughs. In talking with other authors, nine months from start to finish is an extremely short time for writing and publishing.  What did I know about authoring and publishing a book?  Not much.  But as I kept my dream alive, wonderful supportive coaches and mentors just appeared in my life to assist me throughout the entire process.

The real answer to your question, however, is that this book took over 30 years to write and publish.  It’s a culmination of my 30+ years of optometric experience.

So has the “See it. Say It. Do It!” model been intact for  those 30 years or has it evolved?

The ” See It. Say It. Do It!” model has evolved over the years.   As my model of vision changed throughout practice, my concept and implementation of visualization strategies expanded as well.  Patients continue to teach me what is most effective for them to become more confident, overcome obstacles, be more successful in school and sports, and develop a joy for learning.  Writing “See it. Say It. Do It!” helped me clarify my thoughts into an understandable, usable, efficient method.

If you have a reader of “See it. Say It. Do It!” who may be skeptical about the importance of vision in life and learning, what would you say to them?

I don’t get near as many skeptical questions as I used to early on in my optometric career.  Developmental/behavioral optometry now has more research and improved exposure in the media.

Occasionally, I still encounter a reading teacher who tries to convince me that reading problems don’t involve vision.  She strongly believes that reading difficulties are the sole result of language processing problems.  I ask the teacher to close her eyes and read.  “No, that’s silly to do that.   I can’t see the print,” she’ll state.  She doesn’t seem to see the humor of my example nor the importance of vision in learning.  If you can’t properly see, you can’t even start the language processing aspect of reading.  This is a very simple demonstration of a complex reading process, but the goal is to educate and to allow the skeptic to experience how vision leads to performance.

The most effective way of teaching the importance of vision is through demonstration.  It’s easy to create double or blurred vision through the use of lenses and prisms, and then let the skeptic function in life and learning.

If you have noticed, I’ve left the words “vision,” “vision therapy,” “optometry,” “20/20,” etc., off the front cover of the book.  After great consideration and consultation with my colleagues, I did that purposely.  The public still has difficulty understanding the concept that vision is more than 20/20.  The COVD Public Relations (PR) committee has worked for years to “Make Vision Therapy Visible.”  Many parents still don’t relate to information about “vision” when they think their kids see just fine.

I decided not to deal with the vision controversy on the front cover.  Rather, I wanted to find a way to use familiar language for parents  so that they could more easily relate to it.  This would hopefully make it more inviting and accessible to their needs.  Then the information about the critical link between vision and learning could be shared in the chapters.  That is why the sub-title became, “The Parent’s & Teacher’s Action Guide to Creating Successful Students & Confident Kids.”  Parents want that for their kids.  Now maybe they’ll look in the book and see how to do that.

How did you get started in vision therapy?

From day one in optometry school, I knew that there was more to vision beyond 20/20 due to my own struggles with reading.  As an 8 year old, I remembered seeing my sister snuggled on the couch reading her favorite book.  She’d read for hours and hours and hours.  She loved to read.  I’d pick up my book, sit on the couch, and after a few minutes, I’d be sound asleep.  I knew how to read, had plenty of books to read, wanted to read, and saw well. Yet after ten minutes of reading, the print would blur, the letters would dance around, my eyelids became heavy, and then it was lights out.

I never understood why my sister took books on a vacation.  Books on a vacation?  What a waste.  I go on vacation for fun!  Reading was work.

I quickly learned to avoid reading even through college and optometry school.  Nothing I’m proud of.  It’s just the way it was.  Luckily, I was able to compensate. I was organized, motivated to excel, knew how to take tests and made good grades.

After experiencing vision therapy at the age of forty, I now love to read.  I look forward to vacations.  Not just for the fun and relaxation, but it’s the only time I have to read for pleasure now!

Many of the patients I treat in my practice are not as lucky as I was.  They don’t have the skills to compensate.  They struggle in school.  They can’t finish a book, flunk spelling, dread writing, forget their math facts, feel “stupid”, avoid tasks, lose confidence and eventually give up.  Parents are frustrated watching their kids struggle.

When vision problems are diagnosed, vision therapy can often lead the way to creating successful, confident students and athletes.  What a gift—to be a developmental optometrist and be part of this beautiful learning process.

I think a lot of us have gotten interested in vision therapy based on our own visual problems. But not all of us have written books! Have you been pleased by the reception your book has gotten?

I’ve been ecstatic with the response.   COVD had scheduled me to speak on “visualization” at the 2009 Annual Meeting.  This was prior to my plan of writing a book. The timing was magical.  The book just happened to be delivered one week before the COVD meeting.

The COVD attendees at the conference were gracious and generous.  Many purchased 1 or 2 books to initially read.  Then we started getting orders from ODs for 50-100 books at a time…for their patients, parents, teachers and other referral sources.  This has resulted in more media coverage for the local ODs, increased patient referrals and new opportunities for ODs to meet with the education world.

As “Making Vision Therapy More Visible” happens with the increased book exposure as well as with other books and articles related to vision therapy, everyone benefits:  the local OD, parent/educator and most importantly…kids.  Here are examples of what some of the optometrists and medical doctors around the country have told me:

“I just had an article in our local paper, and it has generated great interest. It has been fantastic. I’ve had articles before, but I think that with books like Sue Barry’s and now yours, we have so much more “support” in our local communities than before.”

“We have created a bulletin board in our reception area to help educate our patients about this exciting new book and how it can help parents and teachers to create successful students and confident kids!”

“Order me 8 more – one for each exam room.”

Bottom line:  More kids get the help they so dearly need!

That is truly fantastic!  What other projects do you currently have going on?

“See It. Say It. Do It!” has a 2010 publishing date, so I’m in the pre-launch phase.  March 2010 is the official book launch.  PR and media experts will be utilized for written, radio and TV press coverage.  In March, which coincides with the American Optometric Association Save Your Vision week, I will be presenting a series of free webinars for parents and educators.  In addition, there will be a webinar for optometrists and vision therapists.

Another exciting project has evolved from “See It. Say It. Do It!”.  My vision therapists have collaborated to create a workbook that accompanies “See It. Say It. Do It!”. This workbook focuses on the “Do It.” aspects.  It’s all about organization skills … how to take action and be successful.  My vision therapy staff utilizes these organizational charts with our VT patients.  Increased compliance, not only with home VT activities but also with chores and school homework, are noted.  The workbook should be published in the next couple of months.

Thank you so much, Lynn. This has been wonderful. Anything else you’d like to say?

Thank you, Nate, for the opportunity to share one of the most exciting journeys of my life.  I am grateful for my mentors, colleagues, staff, friends and family who supported me throughout this process.  And a special thank you to my patients, for their teachings, courage and trust. Without them, I would have never visualized this book.  It was truly a transformational experience.  My “Ta-Dah”!

For additional information:   www.SeeItSayItDoIt.com (ph)  303-850-9499

Be well!

Nathan Bonilla-Warford, O.D., F.A.A.O.
Bright Eyes Family Vision Care (located in Westchase community)
10108 Montague St.
Tampa, FL   33626
(ph) 813-792-0637          (fx) 813-792-0657

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This is cool! Localshops1.com has featured me on the very popular “Sticks of Fire” blog, in a piece called, “Bright Eyes See Social Media Work“:

Nathan Bonilla-Warford, better known as “Dr. Nate” among patients, friends … and Twitterbuddies (but more on that in just a bit) opened his business, Bright Eyes Family Vision Care, in 2006 in Westchase. The family-friendly neighborhood in Tampa is ideal for Bright Eyes, which focuses on family vision care, with a big emphasis on eye care for children and even infants.

Now, about the Twitter stuff, business people especially should listen up. Dr. Nate is a great role model for business owners on how to effectively use social media to market their business. On Facebook and Twitter, Dr. Nate has established himself as THE vision care expert among the Tampa Bay social media world. More than 1,000 people follow him on Twitter@BrightEyesTampa; on Facebook, Bright Eyes Tampa has almost 150 fans. Dr. Nate has even been known to help quite a few neighboring businesses get on board in the social media world. “Get involved with social media as early as possible,” Dr. Nate tells other entrepreneurs. “We have really made connections and strengthened Bright Eyes via the Bright Eyes News blog, Facebook, and Twitter.”

The piece then goes on to interview me about the good and bad of small business owner, advice for other entrepreneurs  and my opinions on the recession. Check out the whole thing here.

Thanks to Localshops1.com for making this possible! And remember, you can pick up a 1Card at Bright Eyes and use your 1 card for a Bright Eyes discount! You can see our Ls1 listing here.

Dr. Bonilla-Warford
Bright Eyes Family Vision Care
Westchase, Tampa, FL
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It is time again for another Bright Eyes Patient Spotlight. Although I enjoy all of our Spotlights, this a more personal one for me because Stefany assisted with the birth of both Nora and, more recently, Javier.

Stefany is not only my patient at Bright Eyes, she is our doula. If you are not familiar with what a doula is, DONA International states that a a doula is “a trained and experienced professional who provides continuous physical, emotional and informational support to the mother before, during and just after birth; or who provides emotional and practical support during the postpartum period.”

But let me tell you what I think a doula is, based on my experience.  A doula is person who make one of the most important and most stressful times of your life better. They can help you understand your options and can act as liaisons with the hospital staff. They can anticipate complex or potentially problematic situations and help prepare you. Mostly they stand by you and support you, regardless of your preferred birthing method or result.  In short, they are great.

Before Nora was born, I had never heard of a doula. After the birth of Nora and Javier, I am a big advocate. I jumped at the chance to learn more about what Stefany does.

Dr. B: Thanks for being willing to answer some questions, Stefany. First, how long have you been a doula?

Stefany: 6 1/2 years

What lead you to become a doula?

I had two difficult labors due to my babies not being positioned properly Although they were both head down, they were not facing the right way which created long painful labors. When I was asked to support my cousin in her labor, I felt there must be something more I could do than just be there, so I started looking up doulas. I wanted to see what they do, specifically, to help the laboring mom. While reading and researching, something clicked and I knew this was what I needed to be doing for all moms.

What is the training like?

For DONA (my ceritifying organization)an intensives workshop is required along with a substanial amount of reading. Then a certain number of births need to be done complete with time lines and evaluations from the mother, Dr. and nurse. Each birth is written up with a description as well as what the doula learned from each. A written paper on the value of labor support is required as well. We are required to attend a childbirth education series (not as an expectant parent) as well as a breastfeeding education series (again not as an expectant parent). The entire process can take anywhere from a few months to two years.

Who could benefit the most from a doula?

EVERY woman. It doesn’t matter who she already has supporting her a doula is truly a necessity to have an empowering birth experience and every woman should feel empowered regardless of her delivery outcome.

What are some major misconceptions about doulas?

Many people feel they don’t need a doula if they are planning a medicated birth or even a c-section. Doulas are there to empower and support moms whatever their birth decisions are to be. Regardless of delivery choices, there will always be information necessary and work to be done. Another misconception is that women who have others supporting them don’t need a doula as they believe that it will be redundant. The fact is, we all have a job to do. This would be like saying I don’t need my doctor, nurse or midwife because I have support. Each person has a role to fulfill. A doula is as necessary as each of those other roles and his or her role is unique to that education. Neither the support people, the nurse, the doctor, or even the midwife has the same training and knowledge a doula does.

Anything else you’d like to share?

We believe every woman should have a doula and her decision to have one should never be factored by cost. We work with a sliding fee scale to be sure every woman can afford our services. We will support all of her birth decisions unconditionally.

Thanks again, Stefany. You have such a wonderful career!

If you would like to find out more about  Touched by an Angel Childbirth services on Facebook and http://www.angeldoula.com

Dr. Bonilla-Warford
Bright Eyes Family Vision Care
Westchase, Tampa, FL
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[ I haven't written much for the blog in the last couple of weeks. Mostly I've been busy with Javier and Nora. You can see some of Javier's pictures  on Flickr here: http://bit.ly/1MFiuw - Dr. B].

I am very excited to bring you this interview with Nick Despotidis, O.D. (Dr. D). He is one of my mentors in the orthokeratology/corneal reshaping field. He has written, researched, lectured on the subject for many years. I have attended several of his lectures and have always been impressed with his insight and enthusiasm. I was even more impressed when I read his book “My Children are Nearsighted, Too.” Dr. D practices in Hamilton Square, New Jersey.

Dr. B. Writing a book takes a lot of effort. What prompted you to write a book and not just a large pamphlet?

Dr. D. : As health professionals, we often get asked similar questions from patients. However, nothing seems to elicit as much emotion as when parents are discussing their children’s vision. Seeing the concern or sheer disappointment on a parent’s face when I tell them their child needs glasses still moves me, even after twenty years in practice.

Parents often ask: “Why so young? Do they have to wear glasses all the time? Is this inherited? Is it going to get worse? What can be done?” My explanation and subsequent recommendations take time, time we often don’t have while in the examination room, yet parents deserve.

So now I actually give my patients a copy of our book and highlight specific sections I want them to read. Then, after they develop a good background and learn the answers to many of their questions, we discuss how to help their son or daughter. It’s worked amazingly well. I’m very proud after parents tell me how much the book has helped them understand vision and given them an arsenal of recommendations.<

As a parent myself I appreciate the frustration of being told my child requires some type of treatment without fully understanding my options. The book was written to empower parents when it comes to their children’s eyesight.

How long did it take for beginning to end?

Two years!

As an early adopter of corneal reshaping, did you initially suspect that myopia control was going to be as successful as it has recently been shown to be?

No. In 1992 when it was first introduced into our office it was just viewed as a substitute for daytime contact lenses or glasses. That’s it. We reserved recommending corneal reshaping for patients who could not wear contacts during the day or required freedom from contact lenses or eyeglasses during their waking hours. So we had a lot of athletes, teachers and executives wearing the lens, but it was a select few.

However, clinically we observed that teenage athletes wearing the lenses did not need changes to their prescription every year like many of our eyeglass or contact lens wearing patients. In 1998 when my own two sons began wearing eyeglasses, that’s when the light turned out. You see, even though I prescribe eyeglasses daily, when my young children needed eyeglasses, I was upset, even distraught. Seeing the success they’ve had with corneal reshaping inspired me to become an “early adopter” or advocate of this technology.

If corneal reshaping is such a positive and exciting technology, one that may help thousands of young children from having their eyesight worsen, why don’t all doctors provide this service?

That’s a great question, one I get asked daily! Most eye doctors are not familiar with corneal reshaping even though Paragon Vision Sciences, the maker of the CRT design, received FDA approval over 9 years ago! Some doctors may base their opinion on outdated information or personal experience.

As a “seasoned” health provider I understand how long new procedures take to enter mainstream medical offices. But that does not make it fair or right. For example, it took over 30 years for data to arise that a child’s eye coordination skills may affect their ability to read and consequently learn. Even though I understood this in my early training days it took decades to become “accepted.” And even today some practitioners are not on board.  Corneal reshaping faces the same challenge. In addition to understanding the technology, doctors need to enjoy seeing patients more often than their contact lens and eyeglass wearing patients. This is often not the case.

Lastly, there is a higher level of technology and training required to perform corneal reshaping properly. Doctors may not be interested enough to upgrade their offices to provide this service.

I personally overcame these apprehensions when I saw how well corneal reshaping helped my own sons. Now, literally 10 years after they started wearing these lenses, their eyesight has not gotten worse. Nothing more needs to be said.

What is your next project?

I’m writing a personal development book extolling the life lessons I’ve acquired as a husband, parent, doctor and philanthropist.

Thanks, Dr. Despotidis, for taking the time. I wish yoy, your family, and your patients the best.

You can read more about Dr. Despotidis and orthokeratology at: http://www.gentlevisionshaping.com/. If you have questions about whether or not corneal reshaping is right for your or child, feel free to contact Bright Eyes at the contact info below or call 813-792-0637.

Be Well!

Dr. Bonilla-Warford
Bright Eyes Family Vision Care
Westchase, Tampa, FL
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I have been very pleased with the response from the Bright Eyes Patient Spotlight and my goal now is to make it a monthly feature on Bright Eyes News. So every month, we’ll highlight a Bright Eyes patient who is doing something interesting and intriguing around Tampa Bay.

This month, I am pleased to spotlight Leslie Joy Ickowitz, Publisher and Editor of VERTICAL Tampa Bay.

So without any further ado…

Dr. B:  You’ve been involved in publishing for a long time. Tell me about your new project, Vertical Tampa Bay:

LJI:  VERTICAL is Tampa Bay’s first fully virtual magazine celebrating fashion, flavor, travel, culture and beauty (inside & out). It is a magazine with a conscience, designed to uplift our community. It is inspired by and speaks to the visionaries who call Tampa Bay home.

Prior to the launch of the premiere even, its reception has been marvelous. Everyone I speak to “gets it, believes in it and wants to be a part of it.” What more could I hope for? It’s a dream-come-true.

What led you to go virtual with VERTICAL? Describe how that makes it different from other projects with which you’ve been involved.

Going virtual was an easy decision (even though I’m a fan of print publications). Beyond the obvious green factor, there are several advantages to VERTICAL’s virtual delivery.

Without the overhead of print, ink, chemicals, etc., VERTICAL offers a more affordable and much more powerful advertising solution to help businesses continue marketing. Direct links to featured-and advertiser websites enable the instant gratification we all lust for—advertisers want to drive traffic to their sites while readers want access to more information, in the moment.

In addition to the striking aesthetic impact of the digital presentation, VERTICAL’s interactivity empowers readers to shop. If you see an ad or an article about a spa for example, with one click you can access the spa’s website to view the menu of treatments and make contact to schedule an appointment.

It’s exciting to be ahead of the curve.

The Media Kit that I have seen at VerticalTampaBay.com looks gorgeous. Have you been pleased with the reception that has gotten?

Everybody is flipping over the media kit! I am honored to have a talented team of individuals contributing to VERTICAL. Susan Jeffers is a phenomenal photographer and Pamela Bloomgren is an amazing wardrobe stylist and makeup artist. Bill Baker is Tampa Bay’s celebrity hair stylist and our cover girl, Olivia, has a bright future ahead. Add my art director, James Burgos of Boulevard Creative, to the mix and that’s a recipe for style and success!

What other exciting projects are you working on?

A few things:

VERTICAL is a proud media sponsor of Tampa Bay Fashion Week 9/23 – 9/26 (www.fashionweektampabay.com).

While subscriptions to VERTICAL will always be free, we are bringing an optional membership program on board starting with the holiday issue (November/December).

And another one of my favorite activities: connecting people. I’m happy to be the “unofficial publicist” for lots of wonderful individuals.

Every day, VERTICAL exposes new possibilities to me. There’s much more excitement to come on the horizon…

Thanks again, Leslie. Anything else you’d like to share?

Yes, two things:

VERTICAL is a true community magazine. It is as much yours as it is mine. In every issue we are donating ads to local charities and featuring entrepreneurs and philanthropists who contribute to the greater good of the Tampa Bay area. I hope our readers will participate by nominating people and organizations that deserve the attention. I may not be able to say, “yes” all the time but you can bet I’m going to try my best. Submit nominations to: info@verticaltampabay.com

It is my pleasure to invite Bright Eyes customers and friends to receive a complimentary subscription to VERTICAL. Click here to sign up: http://bit.ly/verticaltampabay

Thanks to Leslie for taking the time to talk about her exciting new project. If you’d like to find out more you can at VerticalTampaBay.com or you can follow Vertical on Twitter. It is always fun to hear about and be involved in new projects going on in Westchase and Tampa Bay.

If you are a patient and would like to be in the Spotlight, email spotlight@brighteyestampa.com or find us on Twitter

Be Well!

Dr. Bonilla-Warford
Bright Eyes Family Vision Care
Westchase, Tampa, FL
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For our next  Patient Spotlight, I talked with Randi. She has been a patient since the very beginning of Bright Eyes. Every time I talk to her, she has some sort of artistic endeavor going on.  She is so busy, that it took a while to put this together:

Dr. B: Hi Randi, thanks for participating in the Bright Eyes Patient Spotlight. Tell our readers a little bit about yourself and your family.

Randi: My husband Bruce and I have two children, Jennifer, 16, and Samantha, 12. We have been living in Tampa for 7 years and love it here! Bruce is a photographer and a salesperson, and a workaholic . Jennifer attends Robinson High School and is going into 11th grade. Samantha is going into 7th grade at Davidsen Middle School. We also have a Golden Retriever named LUCKY.

What are your favorite things about Westchase?

The people! I love the community feel and how everyone is always willing to help everyone out. I have never lived in an area where everyone is so friendly and warm.

What was the inspiration to form the Westchase Community Theater?

Last summer, Vanessa Lewis (music teacher at Westchase Elementary), Linda Whitelaw (art teacher at Westchase Elementary) and myself started a summer camp called the Act ‘n Artz Academy. It was a great success, and between that and seeing how much the children at Westchase enjoyed performing in the shows they did through school, we thought there was a need to offer something in this area.

How is the camp going this summer?

We are in the middle of camp now. It is a two week summer camp. The years theme is “Tales of Temples and Tombs” and is about Ancient Egypt. We are doing some VERY cool art projects- we just finished Papier Mache Pharaoh masks and mummies, and we are working on fans, t shirts, and all kinds of amazing projects. At the same time, we are working toward our show which is held the last day of camp at 1 PM. It is a musical, and the kids are having a blast learning the songs and choreographing their dances! We are so fortunate to be able to hold our camp at the Wellspring Church, (although it is not religiously affiliated in any way), it is bright, colorful, cheerful, and air conditioned!!

You are sure busy. What other projects do you have going on?

I am a party planner and I specialize in planning Bar and Bat Mitzvah’s. I am currently helping 4 families to plan their events. It is sooo much fun!

Wow. It sounds like having fun is your job! We are happy to have you as as our first “Patient Spotlight!” Is there anything else you’d like to say?

Thank you so much for inviting me to participate. If anyone would like more information about the camp or the theater, please e-mail me at westchasetheater@yahoo.com.

Great, Randi. Thanks so much for talking with us.

If you are a Bright Eyes Patient and would like to participate in the Bright Eyes Patient Spotlight, just let me know. If you’d like to become a patient at Bright Eyes, just come on by – we’d love to take care of you.

Be Well!

Dr. Bonilla-Warford
Bright Eyes Family Vision Care
Westchase, Tampa, FL
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As readers of this blog and those that follow us on Twitter know, there is an exciting book was recently been published about a woman who achieved great success with vision therapy at age 48. It is called “Fixing My Gaze” by Susan Barry, Ph.D. It has been very popular and at one point was the 367th most sold book on Amazon.com

When the book was released, I pre-ordered copies for my office. I read it and had the staff read it. I loved the way Dr. Barry writes and her accessibility. In fact, I liked it so much that I recently held an online contest to give a copy away.

Well, the contest caught the attention  of  “Stereo Sue”, as she is nicknamed, and she graciously agreed to an online interview.

Dr. B: Dr. Barry, thank you so much for being participating in this interview. I know that vision therapy programs can vary tremendously from patient to patient. How long was your office therapy with Dr. Ruggiero?

Sue: I had about 12 months of office therapy spread over one and one-half years.

How long before you saw definitive progress?

I began to see progress within the first month. My gaze appeared more stable and I began to notice pockets of space between objects.

Regardless of whether a patient is 5, 45, or 95 years old, vision therapy can be a lot of work. Was it hard to stay motivated?

Yes and no. The changes in my vision encouraged me to continue. I also saw myself as my own experiment and liked thinking about how I was changing my vision and what changes were occurring in my brain. The most important thing I did to keep motivated was to keep a journal of how far I could go with each procedure. This taught me that I was making progress even during the weeks when I felt that nothing was happening. My vision therapists were extremely encouraging and fun to work with. My optometrist, Dr. Theresa Ruggiero, was always so positive that she made me feel like I was 10 feet tall.

In “Fixing My Gaze” you mention several vision therapy activities such as Marsden Ball, Brock String and  Vectograms. Is there one activity that was your favorite?

My favorite activity was the Brock string because it gave me the feedback to learn how to point my two eyes simultaneously at the same place in space. I could feel my eyes moving in concert and this was very exciting. The first time I saw stereo depth in the Polaroid vectograms – it was the clown vectogram – was also very special.

Now that you’ve had stereopsis for several years, do you find yourself at times taking it for granted as most people do?

No. My vision continues to improve and I have taken to walking everywhere just so I can feel myself moving through this three dimensional world. I am still surprised by what I can see. One advantage, I suppose, of not having stereovision for half a century is that I never take my vision for granted. I feel like I have been given a great gift.

You did such a marvelous job making the book accessible to many people from laypeople to doctors and scientists. Did you find that difficult to do, or did it come naturally?

I am a college biology professor and enjoy teaching, especially finding straightforward ways to explain complicated things. I learned this from my mother who was also a teacher. I also learned a great deal about vision from the many optometrists I spoke with.

Several people have commented on the readability of the book. What steps did you take to achieve this?

I made the decision about the font. I told the publisher that I wanted the book printed in Garamond font at the largest acceptable font size and spacing between letters, words, and lines. I was concerned that the people who might find the book interesting and beneficial are also the ones with difficulties tracking the letters on the page. The Harry
Potter books (which I loved) are printed in Garamond font, and one of the people I mention in my book had told me that he found Harry Potter easy to read because of the font and spacing. Also, my father, now 86, was a calligrapher and graphic designer and so I asked his advice about the fonts as well. He told me that the font should have some serifs (the little curley cues around the letters) as Sans Serif can be hard to read. However, the font should not be too complicated. We got out his old font books and looked over many different fonts and agreed that Garamond would work. I was very happy that the publisher honored my wishes here.

Thank you for writing “Fixing My Gaze.” My colleagues and I are very happy about it. Have you been surprised at its reception?

I never expected my book to be embraced so enthusiastically by so many people from people with binocular vision problems to scientists to optometrists.

Thank you for your time. Is there anything else you’d like add before we go?

I hope my book will teach people that the brain is capable of rewiring at any age, will broadcast the importance and effectiveness of optometric vision therapy, and will help many children as they progress through school.

I encourage all my readers to read “Fixing My Gaze.” You can get it at any bookstore or on Amazon.com. Alternatively, we have office copies that we are lending to patients. If you’d like to borrow a copy, just stop by Bright Eyes and ask for one.

Happy Reading,

Dr. Bonilla-Warford
Bright Eyes Family Vision Care
Westchase, Tampa, FL
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Update: Here are some links for more information:

Audio Podcast Interview with Susan Barry
http://www.perseuspodcasts.com/main/podcasts/book.php?
isbn=9780465009138

Print Q&A with Sue from the New Scientist, June 6, 2009
http://www.newscientist.com/article/mg20227112.900-how-i-learned-to-
see-in-3d.html

Sue’s Psychology Today Blog, Eyes on the Brain
http://blogs.psychologytoday.com/blog/eyes-the-brain

Los Angeles Times OpEd
http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/commentary/la-oe-barry22-
2009jun22,0,350826.story

Not too long ago, I posted a link to a new blog that I had found called
ONE EYED GIRL – My Life With Strabismus. It is written by Heather Fitzpatrick who has had strabismus her entire life. She is now writing about her experiences and progress with vision therapy.

Recently, I had a chance to ask Heather some questions about her vision therapy:

Dr. B: You’ve written that you first found out about vision therapy from reading about Stereo Sue’s story. Before finding out about Stereo Sue, how much did you want to address your vision problem?

Heather: I never knew that my vision was different, as I never knew any other way of seeing, so changing my vision never crossed my mind.  It was the way my eyes looked that I wanted to change. The doctors told my parents that I would have no “depth perception”.   I never knew what that was anyway, so I never guessed that I needed to change my vision or that I even could.

Dr. B: Do you ever recall vision therapy being brought up as an alternative or an adjunct to your eye surgeries as a child?

Heather: Never discussed. It was always, ‘Heather is such a severe case, and surgery is the only option…’ I also saw a prominent optometrist/vision specialist in New York City after reading Oliver Sacks’ article, Stereo Sue, and after many tests he said that Vision Therapy would not do anything for me. It wasn’t until I met Dr. Carl Gruning, (who was referred to me by Dr. Sue Barry), at Eye Care Associates in Fairfield, CT, that I had any idea that this might be an option for me.  He agreed that I was a severe case of vertical strabismus, and that corrective surgery would probably be the action to take, but he also thought that some vision therapy might help. Well, he was right! After some months of work, things began to look different. One day the therapist put me in these one-inch thick prism glasses and suddenly the room POPPED! The walls loomed way up, the people in the room were on all these different planes of space, and objects on a table were all in their own areas. It was absolutely mind blowing! I wanted to touch everything. I felt like I had landed on a different planet and there was all this space between things.

I believe I was 80-90 PD and now I am 30-40 PD.  So over time I have corrected my vertical misalignment significantly. Eventually, I got a pair of prism glasses that I could wear on walks without scaring the neighbors.  They have decal prisms, and while the acuity is pretty low (there are about 20 lines going across each of the lenses), I can still see a lot of depth with them.

Dr. B: You mentioned in your blog that you compensated for your eye turn by always taking photos with a head turn. What other ways did you compensate?

Heather: I eventually learned that things seemed closer than they really were, so I would compensate by telling myself I probably had more room than I thought I had.  I competed in triathlons.  During cycling workouts, I am always the one too far away from the cyclist ahead of me in the pace line. Other cyclists say, “Close the gap Heather!”  But not seeing the space, the person’s wheel in front of me looked much closer than it really was. In swimming workouts, I had to learn that when doing a flip turn at the end of the pool, to look at the black line at the bottom of the pool rather than trying to judge where the wall was.

When I drive a car, I gauge where I am when stopping at a light by looking at the white line on the road ahead, otherwise I end up underneath the stoplight!

Apart from these minor things, I have not had depth perception my whole life, so I think I learned how to navigate from years of never having had it, if that makes sense.

Dr. B: Do you find it difficult to stay motivated for vision therapy?

Heather: No, I truly enjoy every moment of it. Sometimes I get frustrated because I want to see results more quickly, but I have come to realize that patience is key.

Dr. B: What is the hardest thing about vision therapy for you?

Heather: A few months after I began to see in stereo, it dawned on me that I had gone my entire life seeing the world differently. This brought some low moments thinking about all the years I didn’t have this type of vision. I had no idea I saw the world as one big flat movie screen!

I began to realize that much of the trouble I had as a child in school was not because I wasn’t paying attention, (well maybe some of that!) but because I could not track things as well as the other children. My eyes were not able to keep a lot of things on a page in order, so I would become overwhelmed. It was hard to keep my visual world organized, so I preferred to talk rather than focus! I have come to get more clarity on my childhood schooling. I wasn’t stupid. I just couldn’t see like other children! Unfortunately, no one recognized this, and I was put in LD classes that did not address my visual problems.

Dr. B: I’m glad you shared that, because that is one of the most common things I hear from parents.  Things like, “He is just lazy, ” or “He just doesn’t try very hard.” It is sad to hear, but the silver lining is that if their child were succeeding while dealing with his visual problems, he can achieve anything after therapy!

Heather: Oh, yea, I have heard those things, too.  Not from my parents, but from teachers that just did not understand how someone’s vision could be making him or her bounce off the walls (sugar probably also helped!!) or become overly frustrated when trying to learn something new.

Dr. B: You blog a lot of what happens with your vision at home. Like most of my patients, I’m sure that your job is visually demanding. Have you noticed any if anything is better, worse, or just different at work since starting vision therapy?

Heather: In the beginning, I was very tired. Early on I had to take naps! I run a business as a recruiter (www.traberfitz.com) and part of my job requires that I work on a computer for hours at a time. Early on in VT, it became exhausting to look at the computer for longer than 3-4 hours a day, but that has improved and I have learned to take eye breaks.

Also, my eye that is normally looking down has been activated through the therapy, so now when I walk or ride my bike, I see straight ahead with one eye and the ground rushing past me with the other eye, which is a bit disconcerting. Usually, I can turn it on and off. Also, I have started to see double in some exercises in VT. I can’t seem to fuse small objects yet.

Dr. B: Have you blogged about other things before?

Heather: No. The experience of seeing a whole new way at the age of 42 moved me to write about it. I thought there must be others and I could create a network of people who may get help from my story. A few people have contacted me, and their support has been so amazing and they have been inspired to seek out VT for themselves. One person contacted me that she was told that her infant daughter would never see in stereo due to an in vitro stroke. She was devastated and worried that her daughter would be missing out on a lot in life. I told her that my life has been just fine and that never knowing what depth perception was, I never missed anything!
Dr. B: Any thing else you’d like to share?

Heather:  I would just like to say that this is amazing work and has changed my life in a meaningful way. I know this may sound strange, but it has changed more than my vision. Sometimes I think that my brain has wanted to see this way for a long time and giving it that chance was almost like an awakening of sorts.  It lets light into a dark part of my brain. My visual life is not dead anymore.  When I wear my prism glasses, it opens up to this whole new place that seems more alive. Space is this incredible thing and so entirely magical that it is hard to describe to someone who has always seen it. Overall, I have become a more contemplative person. I took up oil painting and enjoy looking at things more…especially nature.

Dr. B: Thanks so much for sharing your time and story, Heather. I wish you all the best and much progress in vision therapy!

Dr. Bonilla-Warford
Bright Eyes Family Vision Care
Westchase, Tampa, FL
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As you may know, I like to interview people from time to time who are active and knowledgeable in vision care, especially children’s vision.

Well, this time I had the opportunity to be interviewed by Ann at the “little Four Eyes” blog. It is a wonderful blog the I read about young children who have vision problems and wear glasses. It is truly unique on the web.

Interview covered my interest in children’s vision, warning signs parents should know, different types of eye doctors, and visual development.

You read it here.

Be Well!

Dr. Bonilla-Warford
Bright Eyes Family Vision Care

As I posted on this site before, I have learned about a new line of frame that are specifically designed for Children with Down Syndrome. I think these frames are very cool. Judging by the testimonials, so do a lot of other people.

Recently I had the opportunity to interview the designer and creator of these frames, Maria Dellapina:

Enjoy!

Dr. B:I was an optician before I became an Optometrist, so I know how difficult it can be to find the right frame. There are many patients who can benefit from these frames. Were you surprised that there were no frames like specs4us before?

Maria:Erin was close to two when She needed glasses. At the time I was working for an Optometrist and had been there almost 10years. One of my duties was Frame buying. I thought with all my connections I would have no problem finding the perfect frame for her. I became frustrated very quickly. I knew the type of frame I was looking for, I had been in the optical business over 20 years and working with children was my specialty. Yet my own daughter proved to be my biggest challenge.

I can see some changes in the frame such as lower mounting of the bridge to bring the lenses up. What other changes did you make and how does it improve the functionality of these frames?

The answer to having a frame fit Erin correctly seemed so simple to me. I needed something with a lower bridge and temples attached to the eye wire. The frame also needed to be wide enough to fit the temple area with out pushing against the sides of her face. I also found every frame I tried on her had temples way too long. That all seemed so simple to fix. Parents will see the difference of how this frame fits on their child immediately. Having a frame that is positioned and fits correctly means improvement in the child’s vision, less fussing with the glasses and a happier child.

How long did it take to go from idea to frames you can distribute?

The idea that something needed to be done came to me the first time I went searching for the a frame for Erin. I had experienced all aspects of optical except the manufacturing of a frame. It took me 4 years to get someone to take my idea seriously. I would contact a company , send them my drawing and they would return them redesigned to look like a typical frame on the market today. I finally found a company whose CEO called me and talked to me and finally understood what I wanted to accomplish. I heard from other companies I talked to that there wasn’t a big enough need for them to help me! I was not giving up.

Did you try several prototype models on Erin before arriving at the final product? What was that like?

I had an E-mail list of parents interest in the frames saved for a couple years. The list stretched across the U.S and as far away as Belgium. When the prototypes came in I searched my list and picked several children out to offer them the frames to try. The response was everything I hoped it would be.

I’m sure that you have gotten great feedback from children and parents. What has been your most memorable so far?

It brings tears to my eye when I hear how happy the parents and children are. My Sister summed it up with a comment she posted on About.com, when SPECS4US was posted as the site of the day:

Terri Dellapina says:
When I first saw my Niece Erin we all knew she was an angel gift from above and with that comes a special mission. My sister recognized Erin’s mission here on earth and is now able to share that with the world. Behold ERIN’s WORLD through SPECS 4 US !

Do you have plans for other frames or other products?

Erin’s world is expanding all the time. More sizes and styles are due in shortly and will keep coming in. My goal is to fit infants through adults. I think glasses should look like an accessory not a necessity. Also to have Clip-on sunglasses to add to the frame line in the future.

I have one more question: If there was just one thing that you wanted my readers to know, what would it be?

That our mission is to improve the sight and quality of life for Children with Down Syndrome by providing custom frames to fit their unique needs. If any parent knows of a child whose family can’t afford to get them glasses, please let us know. I would like to try and help.

Thanks so much for your time Maria. I hope the line is very successful and can benefit many children!