What Makes Vision Therapy Work? with Vision Therapist Thomas Headline

 In this episode of Healing Our Sight, Denise talks with vision therapist Thomas Headline about what really helps people make progress in vision therapy—and why that process looks different for each person. Drawing on more than 30 years of experience, Tom shares practical insight into how therapy works, what patients need to succeed, and how therapists adapt along the way.They also explore how the field has evolved, why individualized goals matter, and what both patients and parents should understand before starting the journey.In this episode, we discuss:What makes vision therapy effectiveWhy patient awareness and follow-through matterHow therapists adjust for different needs and challengesMore complex cases, including anomalous correspondence, and how therapists approach these challenges in practice.What can slow progress or lead to plateausHow vision therapy is changing over timeConnect with Thomas Headline: https://headlinevisionenterprises.com/faq.htmlConnect with Denise Allen:Website: https://healingmysight.comHealing our Sight Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063570817348If you liked this episode, click here to send me a message. I also appreciate guest and topic suggestions.Click the link above to message me directly. It comes to me as FAN MAIL! How great is that? Just click on the place that says, "If you liked this episode CLICK HERE:"

In this episode of Healing Our Sight, Denise speaks with Dr. Benjamin Winters about how symptom awareness can help uncover hidden vision problems and guide the recovery process.Dr. Winters explains how symptoms like headaches, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and visual discomfort are often connected to how the visual system is functioning—even when standard eye exams appear normal. He shares how tools like symptom surveys can help patients and practitioners identify patterns, track progress, and better understand what’s really going on.The conversation also explores Dr. Winters’ broader work, including his Emergent approach, the tools and training he provides, and how these support both patients and practitioners in achieving more effective outcomes.Denise and Dr. Winters discuss the importance of awareness, listening to your own experience, and using practical tools to support the vision therapy journey.This episode is especially helpful for individuals navigating vision therapy, parents seeking answers for their children, and anyone experiencing unexplained visual symptoms.Resources & Links:Symptom Surveys:Convergence Insufficiency Symptom Survey: https://www.hopecliniconline.com/online-vision-screeningQuality of Life Survey: https://www.covd.org/page/QOLSurveyYouTube Video Mentioned:https://youtu.be/EDRfCfnZFNo?si=FjJNcwlMQYjh41-uWebsite: https://hopecliniconline.comConnect with Denise Allen:Website: https://healingmysight.com Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/healingoursightIf you liked this episode, click here to send me a message. I also appreciate guest and topic suggestions.Click the link above to message me directly. It comes to me as FAN MAIL! How great is that? Just click on the place that says, "If you liked this episode CLICK HERE:"

What if the problem isn’t “just reading,” “just behavior,” or “just getting older”? What if it’s your eyes?In this episode, Denise talks with Dr. Juanita Collier, founder of 4D Vision Gym and host of the It Could Be Your Eyes podcast. Dr. Collier shares her own story of growing up with an undiagnosed eye turn and explains why so many visual problems are still missed today, even when someone has “20/20” vision.They discuss how hidden vision issues can affect reading, attention, confidence, behavior, concussion recovery, stroke rehabilitation, and even relationships. Dr. Collier also explains how carefully designed at-home digital programs can help rebuild the visual system when in-office care is hard to access.If you or someone you love has been told everything is “fine,” but you know something is not right, this episode is for you.Dr. Collier's website: https://www.4dvisiongym.com/index.htmlIf you liked this episode, click here to send me a message. I also appreciate guest and topic suggestions.Click the link above to message me directly. It comes to me as FAN MAIL! How great is that? Just click on the place that says, "If you liked this episode CLICK HERE:"

Mike Ochsner joins Denise Allen to share how repeated concussions led him into applied neurology—and why simple vision and balance drills can create big shifts in recovery and performance. They discuss why so many people are told “this is as good as it gets,” how the brainstem and vestibular system affect reading, driving, pain, and coordination, and a few listener-friendly drills you can safely experiment with to explore what your brain can do.Resources mentioned: Peak Brain Reboot (free experiential workshop): https://peakbrainreboot.com Book – Unleash ADHD As Your Six Million Dollar Superpower: https://adhdadvantage.com Also available on Amazon.If you liked this episode, click here to send me a message. I also appreciate guest and topic suggestions.Click the link above to message me directly. It comes to me as FAN MAIL! How great is that? Just click on the place that says, "If you liked this episode CLICK HERE:"

When Vance Basilio noticed his toddler son’s eye suddenly turning inward, what began as intermittent esotropia gradually became a diagnosis of partially accommodative strabismus. After early reassurance from providers who focused only on eye health, Vance continued searching for answers and eventually found a developmental optometrist who evaluated Luca’s visual function more comprehensively.In this episode, Vance shares their two-year journey of glasses, vision therapy, and intensive daily home practice. He discusses suppression, accommodative vs. non-accommodative components, measurable progress over time, and why their family chose a functional, long-term approach rather than surgery.If you’re navigating a new strabismus diagnosis in your child, this honest parent perspective offers clarity, encouragement, hope, and practical insight.Connect with Denise Allen:Website: https://healingmysight.comHealing our Sight Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063570817348If you liked this episode, click here to send me a message. I also appreciate guest and topic suggestions.Click the link above to message me directly. It comes to me as FAN MAIL! How great is that? Just click on the place that says, "If you liked this episode CLICK HERE:"

In this episode, Denise is joined by Dr. Miki Zilnicki for a thoughtful conversation about what parents can do when they’re told to “wait and see” — and how families can stay engaged, informed, and empowered during that waiting period.Together, they explore why waiting is sometimes recommended, what it does and doesn’t mean, and how parents can advocate for their child’s visual development without feeling adversarial or overwhelmed. The discussion also touches on the importance of seeking additional opinions, understanding differences in professional perspectives, and recognizing when it’s appropriate to ask deeper questions.Denise also introduces an emerging idea she’s developing — using music and movement as a supportive, complementary way to help families stay connected to their child’s visual development. While not a replacement for clinical care, this approach reflects Denise’s background in music education and her belief that gentle, rhythmic movement can help parents remain engaged and aware while they’re navigating next steps.This episode is especially relevant for parents who feel stuck in uncertainty, unsure whether to wait, act, or seek additional guidance.Topics CoveredWhat doctors usually mean when they tell parents to “wait”Why children are sometimes considered “too young” for certain interventionsHow parents can stay actively involved during a waiting periodThe role of patient and parent advocacy in vision careWhen and how to seek additional professional opinionsNavigating conflicting advice without losing confidenceWhy awareness and connection matter — even before therapy beginsIntroducing music and movement as a supportive, non-clinical tool for familiesWho This Episode Is ForParents who have been told to “wait and see” and feel unsure what to do nextFamilies navigating mixed messages in vision careListeners interested in patient advocacy and informed decision-makingParents who want ways to stay connected to their child’s development during periods of uncertaintyKey TakeawayWaiting doesn’t have to mean doing nothing. Staying informed, asking questions, and remaining connected to your child’s experience can make a meaningful difference — even before any formal intervention begins.Dr. Zilnicki's website and Vision is more than 20/20 podcast: https://twinforksoptometry.com/vision-is-more-than-20-20-podcast/Questions for Dr. Zilnicki? Here's her email: [email protected] the Healing our Sight Facebook Group here: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063570817348If you liked this episode, click here to send me a message. I also appreciate guest and topic suggestions.Click the link above to message me directly. It comes to me as FAN MAIL! How great is that? Just click on the place that says, "If you liked this episode CLICK HERE:"

 In this episode of Healing Our Sight, Denise reconnects with Melissa Daniels—vision therapist, educator, and former strabismus patient—to explore how stepping into the role of therapist changed the way she understands healing.Melissa shares what she wishes she had known earlier in her own journey, how her perspective shifted once she began working with patients, and why the mindset we bring to vision therapy can make such a big difference.  You’ll hear them discuss:How becoming a vision therapist highlighted Melissa’s understanding of her own strabismusWhat she would do differently if she could restart her journeyMindsets and habits that support consistent progress in vision therapyCommon beliefs or expectations that unintentionally slow down successWhether you’re a parent navigating strabismus with your child, an adult working to improve your own vision, or a professional supporting patients, this conversation offers both hope and grounded insight into what real progress looks like.Connect with Melissa: Website: https://strabismussolutions.comYouTube: Strabismus to Stereopsis — https://www.youtube.com/@strabismustostereopsisIf you liked this episode, click here to send me a message. I also appreciate guest and topic suggestions.Click the link above to message me directly. It comes to me as FAN MAIL! How great is that? Just click on the place that says, "If you liked this episode CLICK HERE:"

Former Division I football player Brady Holt suffered a massive traumatic brain injury as a college freshman when he was ejected from the front window of his car going 75 mph on the freeway. He was initially not expected to live. After surviving, he was not expected to walk or function on his own. He beat all the odds and is now working, married and supporting his wife and daughter and once again able to drive. His story shows that with persistence, vision therapy can help restore visual abilities and independence.If you liked this episode, click here to send me a message. I also appreciate guest and topic suggestions.Click the link above to message me directly. It comes to me as FAN MAIL! How great is that? Just click on the place that says, "If you liked this episode CLICK HERE:"

Denise discusses hyperbaric oxygen therapy with former nine-year Team USA Olympic bobsledder, William Person. They discuss how William's career left him battling the devastating effects of CTE, Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy, which is a progressive degenerative brain disease thought to be caused by repeated head trauma, including concussions and subconcussive hits. Symptoms include memory loss, mood and behavior changes, cognitive decline, and sometimes aggression or tremors, with severe cases potentially leading to dementia. While only definitively diagnosable after death, CTE is linked to activities with repetitive head impacts, such as contact sports (especially American football and boxing), military service, and physical assault. William points out that it is also found in bobsled racers and others who experience extreme gravity forces.At his lowest point, William could barely get off the floor, lost in confusion and depression. Hope came when he discovered Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, which restored clarity in his thinking, color to his vision, and purpose to his life. Today, William is on a mission to raise awareness of brain damage in sports, and the importance of protecting and healing the brain. He’s also on a mission to open a nonprofit CTE Recovery Center to help athletes and veterans heal at no cost to them.While this episode is not talking directly about vision, William recounts how he was able to regain his color vision and decrease light sensitivity through Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy. What other brain issues could be helped by this therapy?His message is both a warning and a call to action: “Protect your brain. Heal after injuries. Don’t wait. It can seal your fate. Be your own advocate—because “they” don’t care. You have to care for yourself.”William's Social Media Links:TIktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@hyperbarichealing?_t=ZT-8zIHPM1xUkw&_r=1CTE Recovery Fund: https://gofund.me/ba21055fFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/one.man.with.a.chamber.hbot?mibextid=wwXIfr&mibextid=wwXIfrInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/willp1234567?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qrYouTube: https://youtube.com/@braininjurysurvival?si=KfTK-iFXlhLORgQC If you liked this episode, click here to send me a message. I also appreciate guest and topic suggestions.Click the link above to message me directly. It comes to me as FAN MAIL! How great is that? Just click on the place that says, "If you liked this episode CLICK HERE:"

In the first episode since returning from China, Denise discusses vision healing with Dr. Angela Peddle. Dr. Peddle's book, Becoming the Vision: The Transformational Power of Vision to Heal, Awaken, and Become Who You Were Meant to Be, was published just last month, on June 27, 2025. This is a must read! Although Dr. Peddle primarily teaches optometrists and vision therapists, the insights of her new framework are applicable to everyone. The invitation is to remember, and to reclaim our vision.Dr. Peddle includes a link to the book on her website, along with the complete quiz mentioned in the podcast. This quiz helps us analyze where we can improve in the different fields of vision.Here's a link to her website: https://www.visiontherapyconsulting.com/becoming-the-visionGet the book on Amazon in the US here: https://www.amazon.com/Becoming-Vision-Transformational-Awaken-Become/dp/196442111X/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3GS5QF9VJ01TD&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.TOiEsvKaYrl-1-3i7IHyjLCUFwEUAbxzWeOshvpvKtV_E_pZyNtjqsvn3R-X6amtEcPGadq11fpC7_6XtGi4AalgzyMbwZTa-0CHM5W8NXm5JhuK7mzsHhFxygE1bDHR0OoJDwMsGM2hZVvfN9avb5VBE9aa-jBaKf9Ir6KcgjUJw6N_c_KtspBcsE7genzCKsQ7NUHcYdiefpBs-zNKPTHQaIHJ0YVvG1tK4t90A_U.G9Lg5Mx0DE__kiUGRGMzWvrEk74nj_SQ1aDMRX_GhU8&dib_tag=se&keywords=becoming+the+vision&qid=1753738023&sprefix=Becoming+the+Vision%2Caps%2C172&sr=8-1Amazon Canada: https://www.amazon.ca/Becoming-Vision-Transformational-Awaken-Become/dp/196442111X/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2JW06677Q8HI8&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.VQeGBGKbdo-uHKUQ5UKuZeB5v0cdEXtXaggkWJt0WBaadMQV_ByoP1zwUvjHIW2HVRdwIn_ORZavpuqeg0P3deAAWTJyW9idmKxIIFSxmJU.XImBQsohoX9wmI_6Yz_kr-wgOhMoQYSMUfJJuBpkuzU&dib_tag=se&keywords=becoming+the+vision&qid=1753627917&sprefix=becoming+the+vision%2Caps%2C639&sr=8-1Connect with Denise Allen:Website: https://healingmysight.comHealing our Sight Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063570817348If you liked this episode, click here to send me a message. I also appreciate guest and topic suggestions.Click the link above to message me directly. It comes to me as FAN MAIL! How great is that? Just click on the place that says, "If you liked this episode CLICK HERE:"