Strabismus
CPA speaks out on her life’s struggle with esotropia…changed through vision therapy
Dan L. Fortenbacher, O.D, FCOVD
Most educational meetings for doctors involve presentations on the latest research and clinical insights by other doctors. But, at this year’s Annual Michigan Vision Therapy Study Group Meeting on February 8, 2013, the audience of doctors and vision therapists had the opportunity to hear a presentation instead from a Certified Public Accountant…and in this case the CPA was the patient!
At age 47, Heather Thomas is a CPA and as a professional must also communicate with her clients face to face and give formal presentations. But to make matters more difficult, until recently, Heather has had to deal with the frustration and embarrassment of “crossed eyes”. Her life’s story of vision struggle begins at infancy with the binocular vision dysfunction known as esotropia strabismus. Inspite of failed eye muscle surgery and the suggestion by some doctors that nothing could be done to help at her age; thanks to her primary care optometrist, vision therapy was recommended. Now as a vision therapy patient of Dr. Bradley Habermehl and his vision therapist, Carol Leser, COVT in Flint, Michigan, Heather has recently completed her treatment for esotropia and with her new-found binocular vision, she delivered an inspirational presentation of hope for those with adult esotropia at this year’s MVTSG meeting. Afterwards, she also sat down to tell her story…this time for the camera. Here is Heather Thomas, CPA telling her personal story for you.
To hear more from the perspective of a neuroscientist and author, Dr. Susan Barry presents on PBS NOVA, The Secret Lives of Scientists and Engineers
Also this is Dr. Susan Barry’s book entitled, Fixing My Gaze – A Scientist’s Journey into seeing in Three Dimensions, which is an informative and fascinating read. Check it out by clicking here.
To find a Doctor who provides office-based optometric vision therapy go to the Doctor Locator at the College of Optometrists in Vision Development by clicking here.