Quick answer
A 20/20 result only shows how sharply you see at a distance. It does not show whether a child's eyes aim, focus, track and work together, which reading, writing and sports depend on. These visual skills are learned, and vision therapy can help children develop the ones that are lagging behind.
Vision is learned. A child learns to see just like he learns to walk and talk. When learning to walk and talk, he has the added opportunity of imitating his parents and siblings. In addition, parents can observe their children to determine if walking and talking are developing properly. Vision development, however, generally proceeds without much concerned awareness on the part of parents. Because of these differences in development, no two people see exactly alike
The 20/20 Does Not Tell You If Your Child
- Can see at near, which is critical to reading, writing, desk work, computer work etc.
- Has eyes that aim, move and work as a coordinated team.
- Has adequate eye movements to allow the eyes to rapidly and accurately shift along a printed page.
- Can maintain clear vision at varying distances, or rapidly adjust focus to copy from the board, or watch the ball coming when getting ready to bat.
- Gets headaches from eye strain.
- Has poor visual motor integration that impacts printing or cursive writing.
- Has properly functioning visual memory and visual integration skills.
The Needed Visual Skills
- Visual Acuity
- Binocular Coordination
- Adequate Convergence
- Directionality
- Form perception
- Attention span
- Visualization
Through Vision Therapy he can be taught to develop this skill just like he can be taught to team his eyes together.
Evidence-based exercises and proven effective for nearly all ages.
Works on the underlying binocular vision problem, which can reduce the need for patching or drops. Your eye doctor will advise what is right for you.
Is non-invasive and generally well tolerated
Gives the patient the ability sees in 3-D and experience depth perception
Results occur much faster
Medically reviewed by Puneet (B.Optom, BNYS), Co-founder and CEO of CureSee, on 19 October 2026. This article is general information about eye health, not medical advice. Please talk to your eye doctor about your own eyes and treatment.