"We always knew that there was something different about our daughter Madison. She always did things a little different than our oldest daughter, from learning, to her throwing fits, and the lack of self confidence. We always attributed this to it just being "Madison." Little did we know that she was different because of her vision. It took 8 years for us to finally discover why she was different.

Things came to light as she began 1st grade. Her reading skills lagged behind most of the class. Her writing was very sloppy, and her spelling was atrocious. We studied every evening and practiced reading. Somehow, she still wasn't getting it. We knew that her eyes were the problem. She had failed her eye test at school at the beginning of that year. So, we had taken her to 2 different eye Dr.'s and even a Specialist to be told that there was nothing wrong. Her eyesight was perfect. In the back of our minds we knew there was still something going on.

Finally, the following year, her 2nd grade teacher picked up on her problems and suggested that there may be some sort of eye problem other than her eye sight. I called our regular eye Dr. and explained things to him. That's when he referred us to Dr. Leadingham for further testing. I couldn't believe the results. I was horrified to think that she had all of these problems with her vision and no one else was able to tell us that anything was wrong for over a year.

Madison began Vision Therapy immediately twice a week. It was rough in the beginning with the 2 hour drive. We changed around everyone's schedule and continued to make sure that she attended all of her sessions. We wanted to make sure that we were doing everything that we could at this point to help her. Results were not immediate, and we began to wonder about whether the therapy was working or not.

Our Vision Therapist Kathy would show me her progress checks and tell me how well she was doing. She also reassured us that the skills would come to her eventually. Still, I was wondering whether the hassle and the stress was all worth it. By then, I had befriended another patients' Mother while waiting on Madison to finish each session. I was glad to hear that we weren't the only ones going through the same problems. Being an Opthamologist herself, she reassured me that progress would begin to show slowly. Thank goodness for all of the reassurance.

We patiently waited week after week. Madison started noticing some improvement first. Then slowly, everyone began to notice big changes. Schoolwork was improving slowly and home life was becoming more normal. By the time that VT was completed, Madison had become a new person. Her confidence level has improved along with all of her visual skills. I knew that when she had her final testing, we would see the numbers and really know what kind of progess she had made. Her visual perceptual skills percentage at the start of visual therapy was a 1%. At the end, an amazing 77%. Wow!!

I'm so glad that we found Dr. Leadingham and the Visual Therapy ladies. Madison still wants to stop in and see Kathy every time we are in the Ashland area to say "Hi" and to get a big hug. Madison is now in 3rd. grade and doing great. Her visual skills continue to improve. Her reading problems are a distant memory. When she brings home spelling tests with an A on them, I think about what a great time in her life this has to be. She blends in with all of her other classmates. No more embarrassing moments struggling during class.

No words can express how thankful we are for what Visual Therapy and Dr. Bill has done for Madison and our family. Absolutely no doubts that you have helped many families and will continue to do so with your practice. Vision Therapy has been truly a life changing experience."

Respectfully,
Jennifer Kline

"The vision therapy program at Leadingham Eye Care Center of Ashland has been a success. It has built self-confidence, improved reading fluency and improved writing skills.

After vision therapy started, I began to notice those students taking vision therapy were talking more freely in our class discussions. They were volunteering to read and most were completing their assignments.

When they read orally, I noticed that their reading wasn't as choppy as before. It was becoming fluent. I didn't notice as many mistakes, like skipping words, or skipping whole lines, as I had noticed before, and they seemed to read with more ease.

I've also noticed a big improvement in their cursive writing. Their letters were smaller and neater. They were now staying on the lines and their numbers were more legible, too.

In conclusion, I've been very impressed with the program and am looking forward to continuing in the following school year."

-Pamela Sanders

"Dr. Sisson, Steve and I wish to express to you and your outstanding staff our deep appreciation for the care Steve received from you recently. We searched for three years to find the barrier to Steve's reading ability and the benefits of your therapy have expanded into every facet of his life.

As you predicted, we have seen an improvement in his learning at school, as well as studying taking less time and effort. He also is more successful in sports and has developed new interests in small motor activities. Steve is developing a new self-assurance when tackling new situations.

Dr. Sisson and I continue to recommend you highly to others struggling with reading at school. We were pleased with the promptness which we were seen, and the caring, well-trained staff you employ. We appreciate the time you spent with us explaining Steve's diagnosis and therapy.

Please feel free to offer our telephone number to other parents, should they wish to speak with a family that's been through vision therapy."

Sincerely,
Susan W. Sisson