The British Association of Behavioural Optometrists (BABO)

• What Is Behavioral Optometry
  
• Why Behavioural Optometry?
  
• Vision Development.
  
• Diagnosing the difficulty.
  
• Treatment Alternatives.
  
• Types of problems potentially  benefiting from behavioural vision care.
  
• Vision and Learning.
  
• The Important Visual Skills.
  
• Signs of vision problems.
  
• Interesting facts and figures.
  
• How to find someone to help you - a list of members.
  
• Useful Websites.
  
• Contacting Us
  
• BABO Bibliography of References
• Courses for optometrists and therapists
  
• Fellowship Course

What is Behavioural Optometry?

Behavioural Optometry is a vision care system based on the understanding that vision is the dominant process in the human species and develops throughout one's life. Behavioural optometrists use lenses and vision training to facilitate the development of a more efficient and complete visual process. This enhanced visual process allows for improved performance in all areas of life in general movement and co-ordination, in school, the workplace, sports and other recreational activities.
Behavioural optometry defines vision as the ability to derive meaning and direct actions from what is seen as triggered by the process of light entering the eye and impinging on the retina. It explores and examines how the visual input at the eye is dealt with in the brain and how it integrates with other brain processes e.g. hearing, movement, touch etc.

Important Notice

BABO PLEDGES SUPPORT TO ‘DORE PROGRAMME’ CLIENTS

The sudden and unexpected closure of Dore’s UK Centre network has stunned the public. With the immediate cease of Dore Programme activity, clients now face a halt to their treatment and an uncertain future.

BABO members make up a network of highly qualified and motivated optometrists.  They are aware of the positive work carried out by Dore and have been monitoring the situation closely.  They recognise there is an important gap to fill in the continuing treatment of Dore’s clients.

While BABO members are extremely concerned to hear about Dore’s closure, there is an obvious opportunity for BABO members to continue the treatment for Dore clients.   BABO member Clare Holland comments:

“The exercises that the Dore Programme embodies are important and work to address balance and Cerebellum issues. BABO member practices would look to continue exercises of this type as part of a broader range of treatment.  Importantly, behavioural optometry would take things a stage further, looking at the whole area of vision therapy as a method of assessing any issues. I think there is a strong opportunity to make a real difference to these people’s lives.”