Setting up a sports vision practice
- 1. SETTING UP A SPORTS VISION PRACTICE VORA PARTH N. T.Y. B.OPTOM
- 2. Philosophy of sports vision • The basic premise of sports vision depends on the concept that the eyes feed information to the brain which in turn interprets the information to set the arms, hands, legs, feet and the body's balance system in motion. This happens within a fraction of a second, over and over again, for the duration of play.
- 3. The market • In the US , enthusiasts spent over $30 billion in 1989 on products related to sports. • In the equipment market , large sums were spent in golf ,hunting , fishing. • $300 million was spent on optical goods related to sports.
- 4. History • Visual history • Sports specific questionnaire • The questioner gives the practitioner an understanding of : how the athlete perceives his or her problem. How it affects the athletic performance. How motivated the athlete is to correct it.
- 5. Examination & Instrumentation • Refraction • Testing of binocular function • Retinal photographs( imp for combat sports) • Visual field • Tests given in free space to evaluate : • Peripheral skills , eye hand foot co-ordination • Dynamic visual acuity, Contrast sensitivity • Depth perception, Reflexes • Eye dominance and other visual reflexes.
- 7. Staffing the practice • Vision therapist shall be employed. • The therapists must be available when the patients need them , which may include weekends and evenings. • Therapist is responsible for: • Designing test flow , testing personnel • Public relations person , lecture to athletic groups.
- 8. Establishing a practice • Affiliate with a sports vision organisation. • The International Academy of sports vision was established in 1984. • American optometric association sports vision section provides the Sports Vision Guidebook. • Important to make yourself and services known to all. • Coaches , athletic directors and trainers should be kept in contact.
- 9. Sports vision testing • Holding a sports vision screening is a good way of letting people know , what sports vision practice can offer. • Location of testing : office and on-site.
- 10. Developing links • Important to work around the coaches schedules and work with the coach. • Best to work with the player off season. • Build confidence from the coach’s , trainer’s and the player’s to provide a worthwhile service.
- 11. Marketing • In the practice : • Talk about sports during examination to develop interest. • Create a sports atmosphere. • (pamphlets , brochure , photos and articles.)
- 12. • Lecture to various organisations. • Advertise via general newspaper or magazines. • Arrange a fitness/health display. • Arrange seminars. • Have an open house function. In the community
- 13. Economics of sports vision • Reasonable fee structure should be developed. • Schedule the time of testing. • Charge according to the number of hours of testing. • Office sports vision therapy should be charged at regular vision therapy rate.
- 14. Levels of sports vision practice • Level 1 : • Use a sports questionnaire. • Emphasize role of contact lenses. • Ensure employees are educated , involved and promotes sports vision to patients.
- 15. • Level 2 : • Holding an open house with free contact lens trials. • Sports vision screening for a local team. • Demonstrate frames and protective devices.
- 16. • Level 3 : • Practitioner becomes a sport vision specialist. • A consultant to a local team. • A performance enhancement consultant to an athlete.
- 17. The future • Sports vision is now gaining credibility with research and data to support the findings and claims.