VT Works

Many people reached out to me after my last post; some to offer their thanks, some to share in my thought process, and some to share the parallels they feel. All are appreciated. This even includes the person who asked where I have been these last several months, indicating that in comparison to my previous output my writing has dropped off significantly, which negatively affected their process. It’s always nice to feel needed.

The career of a Vision Therapist can be an interesting one. Most of us sort of “fall into this” following some serendipitous occurrence, and in short order, become hooked on the idea of helping people in a meaningful and tangible way. The fondness grows into an addiction, and several years later, here we are. It’s a story that’s been told a hundred times with many different twists and turns, but the underlying theme remains the same. I remember the late great Diana Ludlum, COVT telling a story about applying for a job at what she thought was a dentist’s office, only to spend the remainder of her life in the VT Room. How lucky is the world for that mistake?

Lucky, too, are the patients who find us by mistake. How many times have we listened to someone proclaim that they had never heard of Vision Therapy before some life changing event, only to then go on to share how we have changed their lives. A few of my patients from the early years have now joined the field – as optometrists and Vision Therapists – which will always remain a point of pride.

I guess what I am trying to say here is we need to remember that life changes, and although those changes may be unforeseen, unpredictable, and perhaps a bit disrupting to the flow of life, it’s important to remember the benefits of embracing the process. In Vision Therapy, we encourage patients to ‘use their eyes a different way’, to ‘find a different solution’, and to maintain enough ‘flexibility and adaptability for the changes to occur’, which can also be great advice for life. Change is a part of the game, and although it disturbs, it’s a necessary function of growth. We teach it, we use it to help our patients, and in many cases, we have no choice but to live it.

Embracing change is a crucial part of personal growth and resilience. Life is inherently dynamic, and resisting change often leads to stagnation and frustration. When we open ourselves to new experiences, perspectives, and opportunities, we develop the flexibility needed to navigate uncertainty. Change challenges our assumptions and routines, pushing us to adapt and evolve. While it can be uncomfortable, it also invites innovation and reveals strengths we may not have known we possessed.

On a broader level, embracing change is essential for progress—whether in careers, relationships, or society as a whole. It allows us to break free from outdated habits or ideas that no longer serve us. Those who welcome change with curiosity and openness are better equipped to thrive in rapidly shifting environments. By viewing change not as a threat but as a chance to learn and grow, we foster a mindset that turns obstacles into opportunities and helps us lead more fulfilling, purposeful lives.

Does that mean it’s easy? Of course not.

It means life is presenting us with a choice: embrace or resist. No matter which one you choose, always remember, the game is the same for each of us. Our VT patients face a similar choice, and no matter which direction they go, hopefully we will always remember one simple idea:

It’s not easy for them either.