VT Works

For the benefit of our readers who may be meeting you for the first time, can you share how you found your way into vision therapy and what drew you to this profession?

Seventeen years ago I moved from California to Washington and, on a whim, replied to an ad for a Patient Care Coordinator at a vision therapy clinic—never having heard of the role. I brought with me a genuine love for people and a readiness to learn. What started as a leap of faith turned into a fulfilling career; many say it was luck, but to me it felt like a Divine appointment.

What moment made you realize that vision therapy wasn’t just something your child needed, but something you wanted to devote your professional life to?

The realization unfolded in two clear steps: first, I wanted to give other parents the same hope I had found; second, when Dr. Torgerson asked if I was interested, something clicked—my immediate response was, “Absolutely!”

Fifteen years in, what still excites you when you walk into the vision therapy room each day?

There’s nothing like the spark when a child discovers newfound confidence or when a person with a Traumatic Brain Injury finally feels understood and hopeful. I consider myself lucky to be part of a team that not only provides clinical expertise but also brings warmth and encouragement—helping patients smile, rebuild confidence, and embrace their new normal with realistic optimism.

You’re a Certified Optometric Vision Therapist (COVT). For you personally, what does that certification truly represent to you beyond the letters after your name?

If you’d asked me a week ago, my answer would have been less specific — Jules’ words about why certification is important helped me clarify my feelings. Those credentials represent hours of study and a promise to my patients: I’ll keep learning so I can give them the best care. That credibility matters in interdisciplinary work, too — it lets colleagues know I’m qualified to contribute to a shared patient’s plan. I’m grateful for the professional camaraderie and ongoing support I find in the OVDRA community.

Why is a COVT certification so important for the credibility and growth of our profession?

This question really captures the value of certification: it represents the time I spent researching, studying, and ultimately reaching the same conclusion — that targeted vision work and neural retraining deliver real results. That evidence drives me to keep learning and to help more people reclaim their visual function. At the same time, collaborating with other professionals expands my expertise and strengthens our organization’s ability to serve patients.

You were awarded the COVT of the Year award in 2025. What can you tell us about that experience?

I was completely surprised — the nomination came out of nowhere, and that’s part of what makes this award special. I’m convinced this is a team achievement: I’m the visible recipient, but so much of my work is built on the dedication of exceptional colleagues. The award showed me I’d reached a milestone I hadn’t imagined possible and gave me renewed confidence. That confidence is the same message I give my patients: believe you can do hard things.

You’re known for your passion and your laugh that fills the room. How does bringing your full personality into Vision Therapy impact patient progress?

You described me so well — I’m the walking “LOL.”   In every interaction, regardless of a patient’s age, I think I  bring genuine openness and a desire to understand the person sitting across from me. That way of being is how I live my life, and people pick up on it. It’s obvious when listening is only surface-level; heartfelt attention makes the difference.

Vision therapy can be emotionally demanding for both patients and families. What have you learned about supporting not just the visual system, but the whole person?

What a meaningful question. The insight I’ve come to value most is that our interventions reshape lives, not just vision. I admit there are days when nothing seems to change and patients expect results without following my recommendations. That’s when I remind myself that my actions cannot hinge on their willingness to participate; I continue to provide care and guidance. I also lean on my team — we collaborate and share techniques for connecting with a wide range of personalities.

How do you explain the value of vision therapy to a parent who is unsure or overwhelmed?

I speak from experience as a mother: improving my daughter’s vision rebuilt her confidence. With older or cautious patients I frame vision care as an investment in their future and clearly communicate the commitment involved. I celebrate the first day a patient begins vision therapy — that’s when I get to deliver real encouragement: “Good news — there is hope.”

Looking ahead, what do you hope the future holds for vision therapy and for the role of the COVT in patient care?

Wouldn’t it be wonderful if insurance covered vision therapy for everyone who needs it, if every eye specialist recommended it when appropriate, and if school vision checks tested eye teaming as well as sight? I also hope every OVT strives for certification so families can trust they’re getting the best care.

Closing Thoughts from Robert: A great thank you to Jen for taking the time to complete this interview and for sharing her heart so openly with our readers. Her story is a reminder that sometimes a career in vision therapy doesn’t begin with a grand plan — it begins with a simple “yes.” A yes to learning. A yes to serving. A yes to stepping into something unknown and discovering it was exactly where you were meant to be. Seventeen years later, that leap of faith has turned into a legacy of impact — in the therapy room, within her team, and across our profession. From her contagious laugh to her unwavering commitment to growth as a Certified Optometric Vision Therapist, Jen embodies what it means to blend clinical excellence with genuine human connection. Her reflections on certification, collaboration, and hope capture the very spirit of what makes vision therapy transformative. It’s not just about improving visual skills — it’s about restoring confidence, rebuilding lives, and reminding families that progress is possible. We are grateful for you, Jen. The profession is better because you said “Absolutely!”