VT Works

For the benefit of our readers, can you detail your current role in the world of Vision Therapy?

I am a COVT (Certified Optometric Vision Therapist), and I currently serve as the Operations Coordinator for the Vision Therapy Department at Draisin Vision Group in Charleston, SC. I assist in overseeing daily operations in the VT room, including patient care and program development!

You have a background in biology, neuroscience, and French. What first sparked your interest in the world of Vision Therapy specifically?

My interest in Vision Therapy grew naturally from my passion for neuroscience and understanding how the brain works and adapts. I actually learned about it for the first time in 2022 after being a patient at the Draisin Vision Group for about 18 years! I’ve always been drawn to helping others and building lasting relationships, and Vision Therapy melds those passions together. Shadowing firsthand showed me the profound impact this work can have on a person’s quality of life and made pursuing a career in this field feel especially meaningful and rewarding!

You graduated with a very interdisciplinary educational background. Do you feel that combination of science and communication helps shape the way you connect with patients and families?

Absolutely. Studying neuroscience and biology gave me a strong understanding of how the brain and visual system work together, while studying French strengthened my communication skills and appreciation for connecting with people from different backgrounds. That combination of science and communication has helped me explain complex concepts in a way that feels approachable and supportive, allowing me to build strong relationships with my patients and their families. 

Many people outside the profession still do not fully understand Vision Therapy. How do you typically explain it to someone hearing about it for the first time?

I describe it as a therapeutic program aimed at improving how your eyes work together as a team, and communicate with your brain. This can be helpful for children who have difficulty reading or copying from the board in school, adults who have an eye that turns in or out, or even someone who has experienced eye teaming issues as a result of a stroke or traumatic brain injury. We can help people in all stages of life who experience difficulty with eye teaming!

Working with pediatric and neurovisual patients often requires creativity and patience. What qualities do you think are most important for a successful Vision Therapist?

I agree, creativity and patience are very necessary! I believe some other important qualities for a successful Vision Therapist are adaptability, confidence, compassion, empathy, and an eagerness to learn. Every patient is different, especially when working with pediatric and neurovisual populations, so being able to adjust your approach while making patients feel supported and understood is essential. Confidence helps build trust with patients and families, while compassion and empathy allow you to form meaningful connections throughout the therapy process. I also believe having a continual desire to learn and grow is incredibly important in order to provide the best care possible. Sharing our perspectives and ideas with others is how we continue to see progress within the field!

You recently attended the OVDRA Annual Meeting. What was your biggest takeaway from the experience?

Attending the OVDRA Annual Meeting was an incredibly valuable experience. My biggest takeaway was the importance of broadening my involvement beyond the Vision Therapy room and becoming more engaged within the community and the OVDRA organization. There are so many opportunities for collaboration, advocacy, and continued education that contribute to both personal and professional growth as vision therapists, doctors, and volunteers!

You also happened to win the Kentucky Derby grand prize drawing at the meeting! What was going through your mind when your name was announced?

I was in disbelief! One of my doctors and a fellow therapist had to help me stand up because I was just sitting in shock. It was the most exciting feeling, and I still don’t think it’s real! As a bonus, it was the day before my birthday… Best birthday present EVER!

Beyond winning the drawing, what did attending the Annual Meeting mean to you professionally and personally?

This was my 3rd time attending the OVDRA Annual Meeting, and every year I think it can’t get any better. I am always wrong! It meant the world to have the opportunity to learn from such knowledgeable doctors and vision therapists, while also connecting with others who are equally passionate about the field of Vision Therapy. Experiences like this continue to motivate me to grow as a therapist and as a person. This year I was reminded how many people within OVDRA have a desire to help other members as friends and mentors, which reveals just how special it is to be a part of this organization. 

Outside the office, rumor has it you are a passionate football fan. How serious does football season get in your household, and how confident are you in the Buffalo Bills this year? 

It gets quite intense in our household! Let’s just say it can either be silent, or incredibly loud and no in between. The constant battle of being a Buffalo Bills fan is that we believe every year is our year… so this is our year!! 

Looking ahead, what kind of impact do you hope to make on your patients, your practice, and the profession over the next several years?

I hope to continue making a positive impact on my patients by learning about differing perspectives to gain new ideas. The beauty of Vision Therapy is we constantly learn and adapt to new ideas every single day!  Within my practice, I hope to keep growing both clinically and professionally so I can better support our team and contribute to exceptional patient care. I also hope to grow enough in my career to help mentor and support other vision therapists in my position so that, together, we can continue making a meaningful impact in people’s lives!

Closing Thoughts From Robert: A great thanks to Olivia for taking the time to complete this interview and so openly share her journey, perspective, and passion for the field of Vision Therapy. Her excitement for learning, dedication to her patients, and genuine appreciation for the people around her come through clearly in every response. It is always encouraging to see young professionals enter the field with such enthusiasm, curiosity, and compassion, and Olivia embodies all of those qualities beautifully. From her work at to her growing involvement within , she represents the future of Vision Therapy in a truly positive way. We are excited to watch her continued growth in the years ahead and look forward to seeing the impact she will undoubtedly make on her patients, her colleagues, and the profession as a whole. Please join me in wishing Olivia, and her beautiful family, continued health and happiness for many years to come!