Seeing the Difference: One Family’s Vision Therapy Journey 

Sponsored By Visions Eye Care + Therapy Center 

This article was originally printed in the April 2026 issue of ‘hood Magazine. To see this article in print, and to read the rest of the issue, check out our digital issue.

When a child struggles with reading or completing schoolwork on paper, it can be frustrating for both the child and their parents, especially when the child clearly understands the material. For the Schouten family, those challenges led them to explore vision therapy at Visions Eye Care + Therapy Center, and the results have made a significant difference for their children. 

Recognizing the Struggles 

Theo, the Schouten family’s middle son, was the first to begin vision therapy. While he could answer questions and understood what he was learning, tasks like reading, writing in a straight line, and lining up numbers for math problems were difficult. His parents knew he was capable, but something was making it hard for him to show that knowledge on paper. 

Their experience with Theo also made them reflect on some challenges their oldest son, Kobe, had experienced for years. Kobe has always loved to read, but he often squinted while looking at books. Over time, he began having frequent headaches, even though yearly eye exams showed that his eyesight was “ok.” 

Now their youngest son, Joey, is beginning the testing process after showing some familiar struggles: strong verbal understanding, but difficulty when reading or completing work on paper. 

A Positive Experience 

Throughout their time at Visions, the Schouten family found the environment welcoming and supportive. Therapists worked closely with the children, encouraging them and helping make the activities engaging. 

Vision therapy requires commitment, but the boys found that they loved working hard for their therapists and seeing their improvement each week. They were given goals and offered incentives each week, which the boys were very motivated to meet.  

Seeing the Results 

After completing vision therapy, the Schouten family saw clear improvements. Theo’s relationship with reading changed significantly. 

“The results are amazing. Theo likes and wants to read now,” Hannah, their mom, says. His schoolwork now reflects the abilities his parents always knew were there, and his confidence has grown along with his progress. 

Kobe also experienced major improvements. He still enjoys reading as much as ever, but the physical strain he once experienced is gone. “He isn’t squinting anymore, and he isn’t getting daily headaches,” Hannah says. 

Vision therapy requires time, effort, and consistency, but Hannah believes the results are worth it. “Even if we didn’t live here in Sioux Falls, we would still make the drive!”