Many homeschooling parents face the same question: Why is my child struggling to read—even though they’re bright, motivated, and getting plenty of practice?

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Brandon Walley, a behavioral optometrist and homeschooling dad who has combined his clinical expertise and personal experience to create a digital, at-home vision therapy program specifically for homeschool families. He shares how visual development impacts reading, what signs parents should look for, and how a vision-based approach can unlock new levels of learning confidence.

Whether you’re a homeschooling parent, educator, or healthcare provider, this conversation sheds light on the often-overlooked visual skills behind reading and learning success.

Key Takeaways

• Struggles with reading aren’t always about phonics or attention—sometimes, they’re rooted in how the brain processes visual information.
• Homeschooling provides a unique opportunity to observe and address visual learning challenges early.
• At-home vision therapy programs can make evidence-based interventions more accessible to families everywhere.

Resources & Links

• Learn more about Dr. Walley’s program, Vision Foundations for Learning, here: https://launch-4d.mn.co/
• Explore vision therapy resources from the It Could Be Your Eyes team: 4dvisiontherapyathome.com
• Follow Dr. Walley and his team at colliervision.com

In this episode, we explore how vision training and vision therapy intersect with brain health, particularly in high-impact sports like football and cheerleading. We dig into concussion statistics, the emerging technologies for monitoring head impacts, and how targeted visual training might play a role in both preventing and recovering from concussions. We also bring in expert voices and share real-world athlete stories to make it concrete and actionable for coaches, parents, trainers, and athletes alike.

Football concussion stats:

1. Tackling causes nearly 2 out of 3 concussions in high school football; running plays cause ~half of concussions; linebackers and running backs are particularly vulnerable CDC.

Cheerleading concussion stats:

1. Cheer takes a bigger hit than you might expect: in one study, cheerleading surpassed football in concussion risk rates Concussion Alliance.
2. Nearly 96% of concussions in cheerleading are stunt-related, especially among bases (contact from another athlete) and flyers (contact with ground) Concussion AllianceHEADCHECK Health.
3. From 2001–2012, cheerleading-related concussion/closed head injury rates soared by 290% among children aged 5–18 The Sport Journal.
4. In a Miami-Dade County study (2015–2019), cheerleaders with concussions were held out an average of 26 days, and 38% had prolonged recoveries (>28 days) The Sport Journal.

Check out our Digital Programs

• 4D Built for Life
• Start your FREE TRIAL today 4D Built to Read Digital Program
• Concussion Recovery
• Built to Drive

Follow us at 4D Vision Gym on Facebook and Instagram @4dvisiongymvt for the latest news and updates. DM us if you have any Vision Therapy related questions - you may hear the answer in a future episode!

If you enjoyed this show, please rate, review, and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. We really appreciate your support!
Send us a screenshot of your review and receive 10% off any one of our 4D Vision Gym products or services. And if your friends or family are experiencing inexplicable challenges, refer them to this podc

“Movement drives brain development, and very rarely do you see movement when there is a screen involved.”

Primitive reflexes play a critical role in child development, but what happens when they don’t integrate as expected? In this episode, we’re joined by pediatric occupational therapist and ADHD specialist Jenna Downs from Stronger Roots Therapy. Together, we explore how these early reflexes shape motor, sensory, and visual development—and how their persistence can mimic or worsen symptoms often linked to ADHD, learning difficulties, and vision challenges.

From crawling and handwriting struggles to posture, screen time, and the impact of retained reflexes on focus and reading, Jenna breaks down what parents and educators should know. Most importantly, she shares practical strategies and hope for families navigating these concerns, highlighting the power of neuroplasticity and early interventions.

If you’ve ever wondered whether your child’s fidgeting, difficulty concentrating, or visual struggles might have deeper developmental roots, this conversation will open your eyes to new possibilities for growth and support.

(00:00) Intro
(00:38) Meet Jenna Downs: Pediatric Occupational Therapist
(02:22) Nature’s role in growth
(03:10) The impact of screen time
(04:23) What's happening to handwriting skills?
(08:20) Why risk-taking matters
(11:40) Social skills and the COVID-19 effect
(13:11) Primitive reflexes explained
(16:27) The Asymmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex
(21:26) What is proprioceptive feedback?
(22:23) Building core strength: Athleticism vs. Core Stability
(25:11) 4D Built to Read Digital Program
(26:06) ADHD and retained reflexes - The crawling connection
(30:27) Addressing retained reflexes
(32:53) Parental role in neuroplasticity
(38:43) Resources

RESOURCES

• Follow strongerrootstherapy
• Visit strongerrootstherapy.com
• Check out harkla.co

Check out our Digital Programs

• 4D Built for Life
• Start your FREE TRIAL today 4D Built to Read Digital Program
• Concussion Recovery
• Built to Drive

Follow us at 4D Vision Gym on Facebook and Instagram @4dvisiongymvt for the latest news and updates. DM us if you have any Vision Therapy related questions - you may hear the answer in a future episode!

If you enjoyed this show, please rate, review, and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. We really appreciate your support!
Send us a screenshot of your review and receive 10% off any one of our 4D Vision Gym products or services. And if your friends or family are experiencing inexplicable challenges, refer them to this podcast and tell them, “It Could Be Your Eyes.”

"90% of the information that we use while we're driving to make safe and appropriate decisions is visual in nature."

When we think of driving skills, most of us imagine rules of the road, practice hours, or reaction time. But what if the biggest factor in safe driving isn’t about practice at all, but it’s about vision?

Today, Jessica explores the critical role visual skills play in driving safely and confidently. From peripheral awareness and depth perception to processing speed and visual memory, vision is at the heart of every decision we make behind the wheel.

You’ll also hear real-life examples—from avoiding unexpected road hazards to helping teens and rehabilitating drivers—showing how vision therapy and targeted training can make all the difference. Whether it’s a young driver preparing for their test, someone recovering from a brain injury, or a neurodiverse individual seeking independence, strengthening visual skills is the key to safer roads.

If you’re a parent, a driving instructor, or someone who simply wants to feel more confident behind the wheel, this episode will open your eyes to how vision training can transform driving safety.

(00:00) Intro
(00:33) Importance of visual processing in driving
(04:56) Visual awareness on the road
(06:29) Challenges for rehabilitating drivers and understanding visual processing pathways
(09:36) Vision therapy for neurodiverse individuals
(11:37) Preparing teens for safe driving
(13:20) Vision therapy benefits for drivers
(15:16) Built to Drive programs
(17:25) Final thoughts and contact information

RESOURCES

• 4D Vision Gym at home

Check out our Digital Programs

• 4D Built for Life
• Start your FREE TRIAL today 4D Built to Read Digital Program
• Concussion Recovery
• Built to Drive

Follow us at 4D Vision Gym on Facebook and Instagram @4dvisiongymvt for the latest news and updates. DM us if you have any Vision Therapy related questions - you may hear the answer in a future episode!

If you enjoyed this show, please rate, review, and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. We really appreciate your support!
Send us a screenshot of your review and receive 10% off any one of our 4D Vision Gym products or services. And if your friends or family are experiencing inexplicable challenges, refer them to this podcast and tell them, “It Could Be Your Eyes.”

"A clean bill of health from a pediatrician, or even a vision screening, does not mean your child is visually prepared to go back to school."

As back-to-school season approaches, most parents are focused on supplies, shoes, and physicals—but there’s one essential item missing from many checklists: a proper eye exam. In this solo episode, Jessica breaks down the hidden vision challenges that can impact your child’s learning, attention, and confidence in the classroom.

She explains why a standard eye exam (even with a trusted optometrist) may not catch critical issues like tracking, convergence, or near vision delays—and how developmental optometrists and behavioral eye care can bridge that gap.

If your child is struggling in school despite being bright and capable, this episode is your reminder to look deeper—it could be their eyes.

(00:00) Intro
(00:38) Back to school season
(01:43) The importance of eye exams
(02:31) Common vision issues that standard eye checks miss
(03:51) How to find the right eye doctor
(05:35) 4D Vision Gym: Your specialized vision care center
(06:58) 4D Built to Read Digital Program
(07:50) Finding local and online resources
(08:08) Learn how to get a $200 special discount
(09:25) Contact information

RESOURCES

•  Optometrists and Vision Development and Rehabilitation Association
• 4D Vision Gym at home

Check out our Digital Programs

• 4D Built for Life
• Start your FREE TRIAL today 4D Built to Read Digital Program
• Concussion Recovery
• Built to Drive

Follow us at 4D Vision Gym on Facebook and Instagram @4dvisiongymvt for the latest news and updates. DM us if you have any Vision Therapy related questions - you may hear the answer in a future episode!

If you enjoyed this show, please rate, review, and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. We really appreciate your support!
Send us a screenshot of your review and receive 10% off any one of our 4D Vision Gym products or services. And if your friends or family are experiencing inexplicable challenges, refer them to this podcast and tell them, “It Could Be Your Eyes.”

If your child is struggling with reading, bumping into things, or just feeling frustrated—you’re not alone. And they don’t have to stay stuck.

In this heartwarming episode, we sit down with Coach Jamelia Joseph a.k.a Coach Gem, one of our trusted vision therapists, to talk about what it’s really like working with kids in vision therapy. We share what makes kids thrive in the therapy process, how families can stay consistent and supportive at home, and the magic that happens when a child finally sees what they’ve been missing—literally and figuratively.

Whether your child is soccer-obsessed, curious about how their body works, or struggling with attention and coordination, this episode is packed with real talk and uplifting stories about how small wins lead to big change.

From red-green glasses and Mario-themed exercises to finding the goal that really matters to your child, we highlight what it takes to keep kids engaged and on track.

If you’re in the thick of therapy or considering it for your child, this episode will reassure and inspire you.

(00:00) Intro
(00:36) Meet Coach Gem and her journey to vision therapy
(02:23) Ideal candidates for kids' vision therapy
(03:53) Approaching vision therapy as a family
(05:39) Strategies for keeping kids engaged and motivated in therapy
(07:23) Setting and achieving goals
(09:31) Built to Read program
(10:22) Advice for parents coaching at home
(12:27) The rewards of vision therapy
(14:39) Accessing further support and resources

Check out our Digital Programs

• 4D Built for Life
• Start your FREE TRIAL today 4D Built to Read Digital Program
• Concussion Recovery
• Built to Drive

Follow us at 4D Vision Gym on Facebook and Instagram @4dvisiongymvt for the latest news and updates. DM us if you have any Vision Therapy related questions - you may hear the answer in a future episode!

If you enjoyed this show, please rate, review, and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. We really appreciate your support!
Send us a screenshot of your review and receive 10% off any one of our 4D Vision Gym products or services. And if your friends or family are experiencing inexplicable challenges, refer them to this podcast and tell them, “It Could Be Your Eyes.”

"You don’t have to live with daily migraines, eye strain, or screen fatigue—sometimes, the right lenses can change everything."

Today we are joined by Dr. Maria Della Porta, Founder of Della Porta Eyecare to explore an innovative solution for patients experiencing chronic migraines, eye strain, neck tension, and computer vision syndrome: the Neurolens.

Dr. Della Porta shares how this advanced lens technology—originally developed in collaboration with the Mayo Clinic—has helped patients reduce symptoms and reclaim quality of life. You’ll hear the inspiring story of a young woman whose debilitating migraines were significantly reduced after being fitted with Neurolenses, and learn how these lenses work by correcting misalignments in the visual system.

We also discuss how Neurolens compares to blue light glasses, when prism lenses are needed, and how optometrists determine the best treatment for patients struggling with visual symptoms.

If you or someone you know suffers from headaches, visual fatigue, or eye discomfort, this episode opens the door to new possibilities—and faster relief.

(00:00) Intro
(00:41) Meet Dr. Maria de Laporta
(01:27) Optometrist vs. Ophthalmologist: Understanding Your Eye Doctor
(03:38) Neurolens: Proprietary Technology for Migraines & Headaches
(05:45) It Could Be Your Eyes: Recognizing Symptoms Isn't "Normal"
(08:17) A Transformative Patient Story: Regaining Functionality
(09:49) Identifying the Right Candidate: Muscle Imbalance and Symptoms
(11:32) Binocular Vision Dysfunction: A TikTok and Instagram Trend
(14:02) Prism Explained: Addressing Misalignment Without Fear
(15:10) Neurolenses, Vision Therapy or Surgical Consult?
(21:13) Neurolens for Progressive Lenses and Brain Injury Patients
(24:05) Brain Injury Patients and Neurolenses
(26:19) Neurolenses: Game Changer or Not?

Check out our Digital Programs

• 4D Built for Life
• Start your FREE TRIAL today 4D Built to Read Digital Program
• Concussion Recovery
• Built to Drive

Follow us at 4D Vision Gym on Facebook and Instagram @4dvisiongymvt for the latest news and updates. DM us if you have any Vision Therapy related questions - you may hear the answer in a future episode!

If you enjoyed this show, please rate, review, and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. We really appreciate your support!
Send us a screenshot of your review and receive 10% off any one of our 4D Vision Gym products or services. And if your friends or family are experiencing inexplicable challenges, refer them to this podcast and tell them, “It Could Be Your Eyes.”

"My eyes are reading but my brain is not." Is this your student?

Today, we explore the subtle—and sometimes surprising—signs teachers might overlook in the classroom that point to underlying visual issues. We share powerful real-life stories from our patients, and explain how behaviors like excessive fidgeting, difficulty finishing assignments, or needing extra time might not be academic problems—but visual ones.

You'll hear how something as simple as asking "What do the words do when you're reading?" can open a window into a child's visual experience.

We'll answer:

• What visual red flags should teachers and parents watch for in students beyond standard eyesight checks?
• How do visual processing issues impact learning and academic success, even in bright or gifted students?
• What's the difference between standard eye exams and care for visual processing issues, and how can these challenges be addressed?

Join us as we highlight the essential role educators play in early detection and offer practical ways to approach these red flags with curiosity and care. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or practitioner, this episode is a heartfelt reminder that high performance doesn’t always mean smooth sailing—and noticing the struggle is often the first step toward support.

Recommended read: Red Flags for Elementary Teachers

(00:00) Intro
(01:13) "What do the words do when you're reading?"
(04:01) Subtle Red Flags in High-Performing Students - Movement, Posture, and Falling
(05:40) Understanding Motor Overflow
(07:11) Energy Use & Processing Auditory Input While Seeing
(10:42) "My Eyes Are Reading But My Brain Is Not"
(12:50) The Lost Steps: Why Skipping Early Movement Matters for Vision
(17:15) Classroom Strategies: Using Gross Motor Brain Breaks
(19:26) From Obvious to Subtle
(20:00) It Could Be Both: Vision Issues Beyond Eyeglasses
(22:50) COVID: Parents Becoming Teachers

Check out our Digital Programs

• 4D Built for Life
• Start your FREE TRIAL today 4D Built to Read Digital Program
• Concussion Recovery
• Built to Drive

Follow us at 4D Vision Gym on Facebook and Instagram @4dvisiongymvt for the latest news and updates. DM us if you have any Vision Therapy related questions - you may hear the answer in a future episode!

If you enjoyed this show, please rate, review, and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. We really appreciate your support!
Send us a screenshot of your review and receive 10% off any one of our 4D Vision Gym products or services. And if your friends or family are experiencing inexplicable challenges, refer them to this podcast and tell them, “It Could Be Your Eyes.”