Policy number: SRP 110
Policy name: Vision Therapy/Vision Training/Behavioural Optometry
Status: Not Funded
Effective date: 1 April 2024
Next review date: 1 April 2029
Mid and South Essex ICB do not fund provision of Vision Therapy, Behavioural Optometry or Vision Training, including for the following conditions:
- exotropia (eye deviates outward)
- nystagmus (involuntary movement of the eyeballs)
- dyslexia and other learning and reading disabilities.
- learning disability or language disorder including developmental delay
If the cause of the condition is orthoptic e.g. amblyopia (lazy eye), patients should be assessed and treated with orthoptic treatment by Orthoptists as part of commissioned services within the ICB.
Vision therapy may also be referred to as eye exercise therapy, visual therapy, visual training, vision training, or optometric vision therapy. Vision therapy may include elements of a wide range of optometric treatment modalities, with the therapeutic goal of correcting or improving specific dysfunctions of the vision system. This may include the use of special lenses, prisms, filters, and other appropriate materials, methods, equipment, and procedures, including eye exercises and behavioural modalities that are used for eye movement and fixation training to eliminate or improve conditions.
Vision therapy has been assessed as a Low Clinical Priority by the ICB and will not be funded unless there are exceptional clinical circumstances.
Individual funding requests should only be made where the patient demonstrates clinical exceptionality.
Find out more information on applying for funding in exceptional clinical circumstances