It Could Be Your Eyes

  👀 Could the missing piece be vision? In this episode of It Could Be Your Eyes, Jessica Liedke, COVT shares three powerful stories from recent vision therapy graduates whose lives changed when the real source of their challenges was finally identified. From a middle school student struggling with reading and attention, to an adult battling years of dizziness and motion sickness, to a young athle...

In this episode of It Could Be Your Eyes , Dr. Juanita Collier and Jess Liedke dive into a surprising reason many golfers struggle with inconsistency—even when their swing, equipment, and practice routine stay the same. Ever had a great day on the course followed by a completely off day with no clear explanation? This episode breaks down why that happens—and why it may not be your swing at all. In...

If reading ends in tears, meltdowns, or “I hate this,” this episode reframes the conversation. We unpack a common misunderstanding: reading struggles aren’t always about motivation, intelligence, dyslexia, or ADHD. Reading is first a visual task — and there’s a critical difference between eyesight (20/20 clarity) and vision (how efficiently the brain uses the eyes). You’ll learn: How visual ineffi...

  👀 What is vision therapy really like for a child? In this special episode, we hear directly from Wesley , an 8-year-old vision therapy graduate, who bravely shares his experience in his own words. Wesley walks us through what an eye exam feels like for a kid, what was hard for him before vision therapy, and how things changed after completing his program. This episode offers parents a rare, hon...

Vision therapy is often discussed in the context of young children—but what about older kids and teens who are struggling academically, athletically, or emotionally and have been told they’re “too old” to benefit? In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Eric Chow, OD , a functional optometrist and owner of Miami Vision Therapy, to explore how vision therapy can be effectively delivered to older child...

ADHD and anxiety are often discussed as purely neurological or psychological conditions — but vision can play a powerful and frequently missed role. In this episode, we break down how functional vision problems can create symptoms that look like inattention, restlessness, avoidance, and anxiety. From eye teaming and tracking issues to binocular vision dysfunction, you’ll learn why visual inefficie...

Many homeschooling parents face the same question: Why is my child struggling to read—even though they’re bright, motivated, and getting plenty of practice? In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Brandon Walley , a behavioral optometrist and homeschooling dad who has combined his clinical expertise and personal experience to create a digital, at-home vision therapy program specifically for homescho...

In this episode, we explore how vision training and vision therapy intersect with brain health, particularly in high-impact sports like football and cheerleading. We dig into concussion statistics, the emerging technologies for monitoring head impacts, and how targeted visual training might play a role in both preventing and recovering from concussions. We also bring in expert voices and share rea...

“Movement drives brain development, and very rarely do you see movement when there is a screen involved.” Primitive reflexes play a critical role in child development, but what happens when they don’t integrate as expected? In this episode, we’re joined by pediatric occupational therapist and ADHD specialist Jenna Downs from Stronger Roots Therapy. Together, we explore how these early reflexes sha...

"90% of the information that we use while we're driving to make safe and appropriate decisions is visual in nature." When we think of driving skills, most of us imagine rules of the road, practice hours, or reaction time. But what if the biggest factor in safe driving isn’t about practice at all, but it’s about vision? Today, Jessica explores the critical role visual skills play in...

"A clean bill of health from a pediatrician, or even a vision screening, does not mean your child is visually prepared to go back to school." As back-to-school season approaches, most parents are focused on supplies, shoes, and physicals—but there’s one essential item missing from many checklists: a proper eye exam. In this solo episode, Jessica breaks down the hidden vision challenges t...

If your child is struggling with reading, bumping into things, or just feeling frustrated—you’re not alone. And they don’t have to stay stuck. In this heartwarming episode, we sit down with Coach Jamelia Joseph a.k.a Coach Gem, one of our trusted vision therapists, to talk about what it’s really like working with kids in vision therapy. We share what makes kids thrive in the therapy process, how f...

"You don’t have to live with daily migraines, eye strain, or screen fatigue—sometimes, the right lenses can change everything." Today we are joined by Dr. Maria Della Porta, Founder of Della Porta Eyecare to explore an innovative solution for patients experiencing chronic migraines, eye strain, neck tension, and computer vision syndrome: the Neurolens . Dr. Della Porta shares how this ad...

"My eyes are reading but my brain is not." Is this your student? Today, we explore the subtle—and sometimes surprising—signs teachers might overlook in the classroom that point to underlying visual issues. We share powerful real-life stories from our patients, and explain how behaviors like excessive fidgeting, difficulty finishing assignments, or needing extra time might not be academic...

"If your bright, capable child is still struggling in school—even after tutoring and support—it could be time to look beyond academics." Today we explore a season every parent knows all too well: progress report time. While some families breathe a sigh of relief, others are left with questions, concerns, and a nagging sense that something just isn’t adding up. Dr. Collier and Jessica bre...

Have you noticed a shift in how children develop, socialize, and perceive the world around them?  Today we discuss the pressing issues raised in Jonathan Haidt's " The Anxious Generation". We explore the profound ways in which the digital age and evolving parenting styles are impacting childhood and adolescence. A key concern is the detrimental impact of screen time on children&apos...

A 90-mile-per-hour fastball takes less than half a second to reach the plate. The key to hitting it? Training your vision to process information faster. Have you ever wondered why elite baseball players seem to have lightning-fast reflexes? It’s not just talent—it’s vision. In this episode, we break down the essential visual skills that give baseball players (and athletes in general) a competitive...

Is your child struggling with reading, focus, or coordination? Have you or a loved one been told to "just get used to it" after a brain injury or developmental challenge? This episode is filled with hope, as Jessica and Dr. Juanita Collier share powerful success stories from 2024—showing what’s possible through vision therapy. From kids conquering reading struggles to adults reclaiming i...

"If you feel like something is ‘off’ with your child’s development, trust your gut—early intervention can make all the difference." – Danielle Lyden Is your child struggling with handwriting, coordination, or sensory sensitivities? Do they seem clumsy, easily overwhelmed, or exhausted after school? These could be signs that occupational therapy (OT) can help. In this episode, Jessica sit...

"Stroke recovery isn’t the end of your vision—it’s the beginning of discovering how your brain can adapt and thrive."  In this powerful and insightful episode, Jessica delves into the effects of a stroke on vision and explores how vision therapy can help stroke survivors regain confidence, independence, and joy in their daily lives. Key Highlights from the Episode: Understanding Stroke a...

"Sometimes the signs of a vision issue don’t show up in an eye exam—they show up in your child’s behavior." In this episode, Jessica shares three key behaviors at home that could indicate your child is struggling with a hidden vision issue. While a 20/20 eye exam might suggest everything is fine, these red flags could signal there’s more going on beneath the surface. Behaviors to Watch F...

Simple, fun games can help strengthen your child’s visual skills and set them up for reading success. In this episode, Jessica shares three engaging and easy-to-implement activities that can support your child’s reading development by enhancing critical visual skills. These games not only build skills but also create opportunities for connection and fun. Here are the three activities: Staring Cont...

"Every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away for 20 seconds. It’s the simplest habit with the biggest impact on eye health."  In this quick, solo episode, Jessica shares a simple but powerful strategy to protect your child's eyes from the effects of prolonged screen time: the 20-20-20 rule . This method is an easy way to reduce eye strain and support your child's visual health, especia...

"When done correctly, vision therapy is backed by science, supported by research, and changes lives." In this episode, we tackle a provocative question: Is vision therapy snake oil?   We break down the history of this misconception, the science that validates vision therapy, and why it’s critical to seek treatment from highly trained professionals. Dr. Collier also shares insights on how...

"Driving isn’t just about being able to see clearly—it’s about how well you process and respond to everything happening around you." In this episode, we’re breaking down the top five visual skills every teen driver needs to hit the road safely. From avoiding accidents to navigating tricky parking situations, we explore how vision goes beyond 20/20 eyesight and becomes a critical tool for...