Research Information

BABO has compiled a Bibliography of references relating to Behavioural Optometry Philosophy and Practise, including the use of lenses and prisms, and the efficacy of Optometric Vision Therapy in the treatment of a range of vision disorders.

The BABO Bibliography has been compiled from contributions from Behavioural Optometrists in the UK and USA . Source documents have been checked and references quoted accurately.

The BABO Committee would like to acknowledge and thank all their contributors, with special thanks to Keith Holland for his preparation of the original compilation, and to Caroline Hurst for her editorial work.

Introduction

Behavioural optometrists assess a patient’s visual skills and development within the concepts of the behavioural model of vision, which is based on the neurology of the visual systems within the brain.

Light energy entering the eye is converted into an electrical energy image in the retina which is then matched with the image from the other eye, and sent along the optical pathways. From the lateral geniculate body 80% of the fibres pass to the visual cortex at the back of the brain giving sight. The remaining 20% of the fibres do not go to the visual cortex but go to the superior colliculus where the visual information is integrated with the other sensory systems - auditory, vestibular, proprioceptive, and tactile.

Vision is not simply sight, but is the result of taking meaning from processing all sensory input and relating it to previous experience. Vision is then used to direct action both physical and mental. Vision and the direction of action takes place in at least 36 places in the cortex and thalamus. Vision is seeing with meaning, understanding and purpose, and is the dominant process in human behaviour. Behavioural Optometrists work with sight and vision.

The BABO Reference Bibliography is divided into six sections. The first section contains references that support the behavioural model and relate to vision, posture and human development

The second section begins with an introduction explaining near point stress and continues with references on the role of lenses in the management of near point stress.

The third section contains references on the behavioural use of prisms.

The fourth, fifth and sixth sections include references on the role of Optometric Vision Therapy (OVT) in vergence and accommodation disorders, oculomotor dysfunction, and strabismus and amblyopia respectively.

Section titles:

1. References that support the Behavioural Model of vision and relate to vision, posture and human development

2. References on the role of lenses in the management of near point stress

3. References on the use of prisms

4. References on the role of Optometric Vision Therapy (OVT) in vergence and accommodation disorders

5. References on the role of OVT in oculomotor dysfunction

6. References on the role of OVT in the treatment of strabismus and amblyopia

For a full list of the references, please apply by email to Mary Hayward at admin@babo.co.uk