Professionals in the Pediatrics Service at the Illinois Eye Institute use a variety of advanced tests, assessments and technologies to diagnose and treat eye problems in children. These include Eye Movement Recording System, Test of Variables of Attention (TOVA), Visual Efficiency Examination (VEE), Visual Information Processing Evaluation and Vision Therapy.

Eye Movement Recording System (Visagraph)
This computerized system evaluates eye movements for children and adults. During the test, the patient wears a pair of special glasses while reading, which monitors, records and analyzes eye movements. The result is a report containing a detailed reading and visual skills profile. Visagraphs are used for patients who exhibit symptoms of excessive head movement, frequent loss of place and skipping lines, omission of words, slow reading speed and poor reading comprehension.

Test of Variables of Attention (TOVA)
The Test of Variables of Attention (TOVA) is a highly accurate computerized test designed for the diagnosis and treatment of children and adults with attention disorders. While the test cannot be used in isolation, it is a helpful diagnostic tool as part of a multidisciplinary assessment. Children or adults who exhibit symptoms of inattention, distractability, impulsivity, hyperactivity or suspected neurological disorders should be considered for TOVA testing. TOVA testing is also appropriate for students being evaluated for learning disabilities or behavioral dysfunction and patients currently receiving psychoactive medication.

Visual Efficiency Examination (VEE)
A Visual Efficiency Examination (VEE) is performed on a child or adult having complaints of discomfort when reading or doing work at close range. Symptoms often include fluctuation of close vision, headaches, difficulty focusing, staying on the line while reading, double vision or general visual discomfort. Deficiencies in visual skills, such as eye movements, eye teaming and focusing ability, can cause these symptoms to arise. Each of these potential deficiencies are evaluated through the examination.

Visual Information Processing Evaluation
This evaluation is most commonly done on children who are having trouble with schoolwork or individuals who have acquired head trauma. The examination tests basic skills necessary to be able to visually interpret the environment and our reference to it, such as distinguishing an object from its surroundings, visual sequential memory, visual spatial relations, visual motor integration, speed and accuracy of fine motor skills and visual auditory integration skills.

Vision Therapy
Vision therapy is an individualized program of treatment for binocular vision dysfunctions, including eye turns, eye tracking difficulties, eye teaming and focusing problems. Vision therapy is geared toward improving and maximizing the function and capability of a patient’s specific visual needs. It strives to help patients better understand how to control and improve their visual system for better comfort and efficiency.

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