This study is now closed.

Why we are doing this study:
This is a study for children age 9 to 14 with convergence insufficiency. Convergence insufficiency is when the eyes have trouble working together when reading or doing close work, which can cause eyestrain, blurred vision, headaches, and an inability to concentrate. We are trying to find out if vision therapy for convergence insufficiency improves reading and attention in children.

Who can be in the study?
Children age 9 to 14 years who have symptomatic convergence insufficiency (headaches, eyestrain, blurred vision). Specific screening questions will be asked before scheduling a study appointment.

What the study involves:
There are two baseline visits to test your child’s eye teaming skills as well as reading and attention tests. Children who qualify will be randomly assigned (like the flip of a coin) to either 16 weeks of in-office active vision therapy or placebo vision therapy. There will be a final follow up visit 1 year after completing vision therapy.

Other things you should know about the study:

  • All study visits will take place at the SUNY College of Optometry. Weekly vision therapy visits will last for 1 hour.
  • Participants can receive up to $935.00 for time in the study.
  • Participants will be assigned to a group and cannot choose whether they get active or placebo vision therapy. Children who are still symptomatic (regardless of assigned group) at the end of 16 weeks of therapy can receive additional vision therapy at no charge.

Principal Investigator: Erica Schulman, OD, FCOVD

For more information, contact the Clinical Vision Research Center