Dr. Stel Nikolakakis on The Power of Vision Therapy

Unlocking Potential: The Power of Vision Therapy

Vision therapy is emerging as a transformative tool for individuals with learning disabilities, ADHD, concussions, and even high-performance athletes. Dr. Stel Nikolakakis, an optometrist and a pioneer in neuro-visual training, discovered the profound impact of vision therapy through a deeply personal experience—his son’s diagnosis with cerebral palsy. His journey into vision therapy has not only changed his son’s life but also led him to redefine how visual processing can affect learning, attention, and performance.

Understanding Vision Therapy

Vision therapy is a specialized program designed to improve visual skills and processing. Unlike standard eyeglasses or contact lenses that correct refractive errors, vision therapy targets how the brain interprets visual information. It can help children struggling with reading, individuals diagnosed with ADHD, and even top-performing entrepreneurs and athletes who rely on quick and precise visual processing.

“One of my colleagues came to my house and saw my son Gabriel in a certain position and basically said, ‘We can help him with vision therapy.’ And I’m like, ‘What are you talking about? We do eyeballs.’” Dr. Nikolakakis shared. His initial skepticism quickly turned into a life mission when he saw firsthand how vision therapy transformed his son’s abilities.

The Link Between ADHD and Vision Issues

A lesser-known fact is that 80% of ADHD symptoms are identical to those of vision-related learning issues. “If the visual system is not evaluated, we look at the behavior and say, ‘Oh, that child has ADD. Let’s give them medication,’” Dr. Nikolakakis explains. However, he suggests that many of these children may actually have undiagnosed visual processing issues that can be treated without medication.

He describes how children with these issues experience reading as if they are looking through a tunnel, struggling to track words across a page. “One of the ways that we can support those kids is to provide lenses or filters to create a parasympathetic response and open up space neurologically for them to see more,” he says. By doing so, vision therapy allows the brain to process information more efficiently, significantly improving reading comprehension and learning ability.

A Game-Changer for Learning Disabilities and High Performers

For individuals diagnosed with dyslexia or other learning difficulties, vision therapy can be a game-changer. Dr. Nikolakakis recounts a moment when he learned about a simple standardized test, the developmental eye movement test, that takes only two minutes to screen for visual inefficiencies. “I said to my team, ‘Every kid that comes in here is getting screened,’” he recalls.

But vision therapy isn’t only for those with diagnosed disabilities. High-performing athletes and entrepreneurs also benefit from neuro-visual training. “Now the big one is high-performing anything—athletes, entrepreneurs—where we can actually use the visual system in order to support them at that level,” he explains. By fine-tuning visual processing, reaction times, and spatial awareness, vision therapy can give these individuals a competitive edge.

The Role of Parents and Emotional State in Development

Through his work with children, Dr. Nikolakakis has also observed how a child’s success is closely tied to their parents’ emotional well-being. “The emotional state of the parents dictates the neurological development of the child,” he shares, referencing a study conducted by SickKids Hospital. This realization led him to incorporate coaching into his practice, helping not just children but entire families navigate challenges together.

Expanding Access to Vision Therapy

One of the biggest hurdles in vision therapy is awareness. “So many people ask me, ‘How come I’ve never heard about this before?’” Dr. Nikolakakis states. While vision therapy is well-established in the U.S., it is still growing in Canada and other parts of the world. His practice, Mind’s Eye Optometry, offers both in-person and online vision therapy services, making it accessible to a global audience.

For those interested in learning more, resources such as Vision Therapy Canada (vtc.com) and the College of Optometrists in Vision Development (covd.org) offer directories of trained specialists.

A Personal Mission to Transform Lives

Dr. Nikolakakis’s journey is a testament to the power of vision therapy. What began as a quest to help his son has evolved into a mission to improve the lives of children, families, and professionals around the world. “The one thing I always tell people is: Get evaluated so that you can experience what this is for you and your family,” he urges. “Whenever there’s any type of disability—physical, emotional, or mental—the whole family is impacted. And I’m big on how the family gets supported.”

His message is clear: Vision therapy is not just about eyesight—it’s about unlocking potential and changing lives.