It Could Be Your Eyes

Dr. Juanita Collier, MS, OD, FOVDR
  • 4.9 (9)
  • Parenting
  • Updated Biweekly

Are you a parent who has been searching for answers to why your child is struggling academically? Have you been told that your child needs strabismus surgery or patching, and it just doesn’t feel right to you? Are you trying to set your kiddo with sensory needs up for success and feeling lost in the process? Have you suffered a brain injury or concussion and refuse to accept that these current limitations are your permanent “new normal”? My name is Dr. Juanita Collier and I am a Behavioral Optometrist with a private practice specializing in Vision Therapy, Rehabilitation, and Development. Through diving deep with my team, parents, patients, and professionals, we will uncover that vision may be the underlying cause of real life challenges in academics, work, sports, and daily life. While we often think 20/20 eyesight is perfect vision, vision actually takes place in the brain. And if there is any disconnect, any slight lack of coordination between the brain and the eyes, how you see what’s in front of you can be remarkably different than what’s actually there. Through this podcast, you will discover, that the challenges that you are facing may actually be stemming from a difficulty with how you’re seeing…It Could Be Your Eyes.

  1. Jul 27

    Why Am I Seeing Double?

    Why do some people see double—and why do others not even realize they're experiencing it? In this episode of It Could Be Your Eyes, Certified Optometric Vision Therapist Jess Liedke explores the science behind diplopia (double vision) and explains why it's often much more than an eye muscle problem. Learn how your brain and eyes work together to create single, clear vision, why symptoms often appear when you're tired or reading, and how binocular vision dysfunction can affect everyday life. You'll learn: What diplopia (double vision) really isWhy double vision isn't always caused by weak eye musclesThe relationship between focusing, eye teaming, and the brainCommon signs and symptoms of binocular vision dysfunctionWhen double vision requires immediate medical attentionHow Vision Therapy helps retrain the visual systemWhether you're experiencing double vision yourself, caring for someone who is, or simply want to understand how the visual system works, this episode offers practical insights into one of the most misunderstood visual conditions. 00:00 (Introduction) 00:35 (Why Am I Seeing Double?) 01:17 (What Is Diplopia?) 01:34 (How the Eyes and Brain Create Single Vision) 02:51 (Common Causes of Double Vision) 03:19 (The Visual Skills Behind Eye Teaming) 04:14 (Why Double Vision Gets Worse When You're Tired) 05:48 (The Link Between Focusing and Eye Alignment) 06:43 (How Vision Therapy Helps) 07:03 (Common Symptoms Beyond Seeing Double) 08:23 (Why Many People Don't Know They Have Double Vision) 09:58 (Can Double Vision Be Treated?) 11:29 (When Double Vision Is an Emergency) 12:07 (Final Thoughts) 💡 Why This Episode Matters Double vision isn't always obvious. For many people, it's something they've unknowingly compensated for over the years, dismissing symptoms like headaches, eye strain, blurry vision, dizziness, or difficulty reading as "normal." Understanding why double vision occurs is the first step toward identifying the underlying cause—not just masking the symptoms. This episode explores how the eyes and brain work together and why restoring that teamwork can make a meaningful difference in everyday life. ❤️ A Note for Patients & Families If you or someone you love experiences double vision, eye fatigue, or visual discomfort—especially during reading, computer work, or driving—don't assume it's something you simply have to live with. There may be an underlying visual issue that can be identified and treated. Sometimes the problem isn't just your eyes. Sometimes, it could be your eyes. CONNECT WITH US! Instagram: @https://www.instagram.com/4dvisiongymvt/ Website: @https://www.4dvisiongym.com/ TikTok: @https://www.tiktok.com/@4dvisiongym1   Facebook: @https://www.facebook.com/4dVisionGym/ LinkedIn: @https://www.linkedin.com/company/4d-vision-gym

  2. Jun 10

    What If It Really Is Your Eyes?

    👀 Could the missing piece be vision? In this episode of It Could Be Your Eyes, Jessica Liedke, COVT shares three powerful stories from recent vision therapy graduates whose lives changed when the real source of their challenges was finally identified. From a middle school student struggling with reading and attention, to an adult battling years of dizziness and motion sickness, to a young athlete with an eye turn who was told surgery was his only option—each story highlights the importance of looking beyond assumptions and considering the role vision may play. This episode is a reminder that while vision isn't always the answer, sometimes the missing piece truly is the visual system. 🧠 In This Episode, You'll Learn: How visual problems can mimic or contribute to attention and reading difficultiesWhy dizziness, motion sickness, and screen fatigue may have a visual componentHow vision therapy helped an adult recover function after years of frustrationThe role vision therapy can play in treating eye turns such as esotropiaWhy it's important to look deeper when traditional explanations don't tell the whole story(00:00) Welcome to It Could Be Your Eyes (00:34) Why We Often Miss the Vision Connection (01:20) Ellen's Story: ADHD, Reading Struggles & Visual Dysfunction (03:20) Hadley's Story: Dizziness, Motion Sickness & Brain Injury Recovery (05:26) Joe's Story: Esotropia, Vision Therapy & Confidence (07:02) The Common Thread Between These Three Stories (07:29) How Vision Impacts Learning, Attention, Balance & Performance (08:00) Sometimes It Could Be Your Eyes (08:05) Closing & Resources 💡 Why This Episode Matters Many people spend years searching for answers without realizing vision may be contributing to their challenges. Whether it's learning difficulties, attention concerns, balance issues, reading struggles, or confidence challenges, an inefficient visual system can affect much more than eyesight alone. These real-life success stories demonstrate how identifying and addressing visual dysfunction can unlock potential that was always there. ❤️ A Note for Parents and Patients If you or someone you love is struggling despite trying other interventions, this episode offers hope and a different perspective. Sometimes the issue isn't a lack of effort, intelligence, motivation, or determination.  Sometimes, it could be your eyes. 🎧 Listen & Share Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. If this episode resonates with you, share it with someone who may be searching for answers.  CONNECT WITH US! Instagram: @https://www.instagram.com/4dvisiongymvt/ Website: @https://www.4dvisiongym.com/ TikTok: @https://www.tiktok.com/@4dvisiongym1   Facebook: @https://www.facebook.com/4dVisionGym/ LinkedIn: @https://www.linkedin.com/company/4d-vision-gym

  3. Apr 25

    The Real Reason Your Golf Game Is Inconsistent

    In this episode of It Could Be Your Eyes, Dr. Juanita Collier and Jess Liedke dive into a surprising reason many golfers struggle with inconsistency—even when their swing, equipment, and practice routine stay the same. Ever had a great day on the course followed by a completely off day with no clear explanation? This episode breaks down why that happens—and why it may not be your swing at all. Instead, the real issue could be your visual system. 🧠 In This Episode, We Cover: Why golf performance can change from one day to the nextHow vision directly impacts swing consistency and accuracyThe role of depth perception in distance control and club selectionHow eye teaming, focusing, and tracking affect your gameWhy “20/20 vision” doesn’t always mean optimal performanceThe difference between range performance vs. real course performanceHow concussion or visual changes like againg can impact athletic abilityWhy visual input = movement output in sports performance(00:00) Intro  (00:34) Golf Season Is Here  (00:49) Your Game Feels Random?  (01:39) Golf Is a Visual Sport  (02:16) It’s Not Your Swing  (03:30) Hidden Vision Problems in Golfers  (04:02) Depth Perception Changes Over Time  (04:52) Do Glasses Help or Hurt Golf?  (06:03) 20/20 Vision Isn’t Enough  (07:03) Why Distance Is Hard to Judge  (08:08) Xbox Analogy: Why Shots Vary  (09:07) Why Contact Feels Off  (09:41) Range vs Course Performance  (10:52) Concussions & Vision Changes  (12:05) Why Practice Isn’t Working  (12:27) Confidence on the Course  (14:31) Identity & Performance Drop  (15:30) Visualization for Better Golf  (16:43) Signs Your Vision Is the Issue  (17:50) Can Vision Be Trained?  (18:34) Vision Therapy Explained  (19:08) Fix the System, Not Just the Swing  (19:28) Final Takeaway + Outro ⛳ Key Insight from This Episode Your swing is only as good as the information your brain receives.  If your visual system is inconsistent, your performance will be too—no matter how much you practice. 👁️ Who This Episode Is For: Golfers experiencing inconsistent performanceAthletes with unpredictable game resultsIndividuals recovering from concussion or visual changesAnyone who feels their skills “don’t translate” under pressure💡 Why This Episode Matters Most golfers focus on mechanics, coaching, and repetition—but overlook the system that drives it all: vision.  Understanding this connection can completely change how you approach performance and improvement. ❤️ Final Takeaway If you’ve been stuck trying to fix your swing, it might not be your swing at all—it might be how you see the game. Train your vision, and your performance follows. 🎧 Listen & Share Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you tune in.  If this episode helped you see the game differently, share it with someone who loves golf—or struggles with consistency on the course.  CONNECT WITH US! Instagram: @https://www.instagram.com/4dvisiongymvt/ Website: @https://www.4dvisiongym.com/ TikTok: @https://www.tiktok.com/@4dvisiongym1   Facebook: @https://www.facebook.com/4dVisionGym/ LinkedIn: @https://www.linkedin.com/company/4d-vision-gym

  4. Feb 19

    If Your Child Hates Reading, Start Here

    If reading ends in tears, meltdowns, or “I hate this,” this episode reframes the conversation. We unpack a common misunderstanding: reading struggles aren’t always about motivation, intelligence, dyslexia, or ADHD. Reading is first a visual task — and there’s a critical difference between eyesight (20/20 clarity) and vision (how efficiently the brain uses the eyes). You’ll learn: How visual inefficiencies can mimic ADHDWhy some children labeled dyslexic may also have undetected visual challengesThe signs of tracking, focusing, and eye teaming issuesWhat to look for at homeWhen to seek a comprehensive visual evaluation(00:04) Intro   (00:37) When Your Child Hates Reading   (01:08) It’s Not Laziness or Lack of Motivation   (02:30) What Should Parents Do First?   (02:55) Dyslexia: Diagnosis & Misconceptions   (04:29) Why a Behavioral Optometry Exam Comes First   (05:02) 20/20 Eyesight vs. True Vision   (06:00) Tracking, Focus & Why Reading Feels So Hard   (07:34) ADHD vs. Vision Problems   (08:42) Can Kids Have Multiple Issues?   (09:30) Compensating vs. Fixing the Root Cause   (10:43) Dr. Collier’s Personal Story with Double Vision   (12:06) Punishment vs. Understanding the Struggle   (13:29) Tapping Into What Your Child Loves   (14:00) When Kids Decide “I’m Not a Reader”   (16:20) Catching Vision Issues Early   (18:45) Building Perseverance the Right Way   (19:02) Tracking Progress & Celebrating Wins   (20:33) Where to Start If Your Child Is Struggling   (21:22) Finding a Behavioral Optometrist   (21:46) 4D Built to Read Program   (22:01) Outro If your child avoids reading, it may not be defiance — it may be discomfort. It could be their eyes! Start with understanding. CONNECT WITH US! Instagram: @https://www.instagram.com/4dvisiongymvt/ Website: @https://www.4dvisiongym.com/ TikTok: @https://www.tiktok.com/@4dvisiongym1   Facebook: @https://www.facebook.com/4dVisionGym/ LinkedIn: @https://www.linkedin.com/company/4d-vision-gym

  5. Feb 12

    A Kid’s-Eye View of Vision Therapy

    👀 What is vision therapy really like for a child? In this special episode, we hear directly from Wesley, an 8-year-old vision therapy graduate, who bravely shares his experience in his own words. Wesley walks us through what an eye exam feels like for a kid, what was hard for him before vision therapy, and how things changed after completing his program. This episode offers parents a rare, honest look at vision therapy from the child’s perspective—helping families understand what their child might experience and why the work is worth it. 🧠 In This Episode, Wesley Shares: What an eye exam is like when you’re a kidWhat he was struggling with before starting vision therapyHow vision therapy helped him at school and in daily lifeHis favorite vision therapy activitiesEncouraging advice for kids who are currently doing vision therapy💡 Why This Episode Matters Hearing directly from a child helps demystify vision therapy for parents and kids alikeKids often describe their challenges differently than adults—and those insights matterSuccess stories from children can help normalize the process and reduce anxiety for families just starting out(00:00) Intro   (00:35) Meet Wesley – A Kid’s Perspective   (01:16) What Happens During an Eye Exam?     (03:15) Distance Vision & Teamwork Between the Eyes   (04:29) Vision Processing & Eye-Brain Connection   (05:02) When Words Look Double   (06:25) How Vision Therapy Helped (Without Glasses)   (06:52) Favorite Activity: Slap Tap   (07:57) Most Challenging Exercise: Michigan Tracking   (09:05) Reading & Math Improvements (Mad Minute Explained)   (10:26) Book Recommendations – I Survived Series   (11:49) Graphic Novels vs. Chapter Books   (13:02) Why Some Kids Don’t Realize They See Double   (14:15) Advice for Kids Starting Vision Therapy   (15:16) Outro ❤️ A Note for Parents If you’re considering vision therapy for your child or your child is currently in a program, this episode offers reassurance, perspective, and encouragement—from someone who’s been there and come out stronger on the other side. 🎧 Listen & Share Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you tune in. If this episode resonated with you, please share it with another family who may be wondering what vision therapy is like for kids.  CONNECT WITH US! Instagram: @https://www.instagram.com/4dvisiongymvt/ Website: @https://www.4dvisiongym.com/ TikTok: @https://www.tiktok.com/@4dvisiongym1   Facebook: @https://www.facebook.com/4dVisionGym/ LinkedIn: @https://www.linkedin.com/company/4d-vision-gym

  6. Jan 27

    Helping Older Kids See Their Potential Through Digital Vision Therapy

    Vision therapy is often discussed in the context of young children—but what about older kids and teens who are struggling academically, athletically, or emotionally and have been told they’re “too old” to benefit? In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Eric Chow, OD, a functional optometrist and owner of Miami Vision Therapy, to explore how vision therapy can be effectively delivered to older children and teens through innovative digital models. Dr. Chow shares insights from his clinical experience, his journey as a practice owner, and the development of his digital vision therapy program, See Your Potential: Brain Core Training. Together, we discuss how modern vision therapy is evolving to meet families where they are—without compromising clinical integrity or outcomes. 🧠 In This Episode, We Discuss: Dr. Chow’s path into functional optometry and vision therapyHow See Your Potential: Brain Core Training supports teens and their families through a digital vision therapy modelWhat parents should be asking when their older child is strugglingCritical questions eye doctors should consider when evaluating next steps for teensHow digital programs can expand access while maintaining quality careWhere Dr. Chow sees the future of vision therapy headed(00:00) Intro (00:35) Meet Dr. Eric Chow (01:30) See Your Potential (02:19) Why Digital Vision Therapy (03:30) Expanding Care Beyond the Clinic (04:00) The Evolution of Vision Therapy (05:02) Binocular Vision Dysfunction (06:34) Getting the Right Diagnosis (07:56) A Teen Patient Story (09:00) What Parents Should Ask (12:14) Questions for Your Eye Doctor (15:12) Motivating Older Kids (17:22) Gamification in Vision Therapy (18:17) Real-Life Patient Results (20:24) Why Not Apps or YouTube? (22:02) Brain Core Training Explained (23:10) Bringing Expert Care Home (24:39) The Accessibility Gap (25:26) The Future of Vision Therapy (28:15) Vision & Brain Health  🔗 Resources & Links Visit Miami Vision Therapy: https://www.miamivt.com/Explore additional resources from It Could Be Your Eyes: https://www.4dvisiontherapyathome.com/🎧 Listen & Subscribe Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform. If this episode was helpful, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a family or provider who could benefit from this conversation.  CONNECT WITH US! Instagram: @https://www.instagram.com/4dvisiongymvt/ Website: @https://www.4dvisiongym.com/ TikTok: @https://www.tiktok.com/@4dvisiongym1   Facebook: @https://www.facebook.com/4dVisionGym/ LinkedIn: @https://www.linkedin.com/company/4d-vision-gym

  7. 12/23/2025

    Is It ADHD, Anxiety... or a Vision Issue?

    ADHD and anxiety are often discussed as purely neurological or psychological conditions — but vision can play a powerful and frequently missed role. In this episode, we break down how functional vision problems can create symptoms that look like inattention, restlessness, avoidance, and anxiety. From eye teaming and tracking issues to binocular vision dysfunction, you’ll learn why visual inefficiency places extra strain on the brain and how that strain can show up behaviorally and emotionally. If you or your child struggle with focus, reading, or visual overwhelm — even with “perfect” eyesight — this episode offers a new lens to consider. In This Episode, We Cover Why passing a vision screening does not rule out vision problemsHow visual inefficiency can look like ADHDCommon vision conditions that affect attention and learningThe connection between vision problems and anxietyWhy misdiagnosis happens so oftenWhat kind of eye exam to ask forPractical next steps for parents and adults(00:04) Intro (00:35) Vision, Behavior & Mental Health (00:57) Are These Symptoms Really Neurological? (01:14) When the Brain Works Too Hard to See (01:34) What This Episode Will Cover (01:54) The Vision Screening Misconception (02:14) 20/20 Eyesight vs Functional Vision (02:45) When Vision Problems Look Behavioral (03:00) ADHD-Like Symptoms Explained (03:21) Visual Fatigue vs Poor Attention (04:12) Why Kids Can’t Explain Vision Struggles (04:26) Convergence Insufficiency (05:04) Binocular Vision Dysfunction (BVD) (05:57) Eye Tracking & Oculomotor Dysfunction (06:25) The Vision–Anxiety Connection (07:16) What Anxiety Looks Like in Children (07:43) Why Misdiagnosis Happens (08:24) Vision as Part of the Diagnostic Process (08:45) What Kind of Eye Exam to Ask For (09:07) Finding a Functional Vision Specialist (09:30) Vision Care as a Complement (10:18) Vision Therapy at Home Options (10:49) Advocating for Yourself or Your Child (11:06) Final Takeaway (11:35) Closing & Next Steps Helpful Resources & References  Diagnosis & Next Steps 4D Vision Therapy at Home— Digital Vision Therapy programs for children and adults https://www.4dvisiontherapyathome.com/OVDRA — The Optometrists in Visual Development and Rehabilitation Association https://www.ovdra.org/Vision Specialists — Is It ADHD or a Vision Problem?https://vision-specialists.com/adhd-symptoms-and-treatment-is-it-adhd-or-is-it-your-eyes/ ADHD & Vision ADDitude Magazine — ADHD and Vision Problemshttps://www.additudemag.com/adhd-and-vision-problems-understanding-symptoms/Clarendon Vision — How Are ADHD and Vision Problems Related?https://www.clarendonvision.com/our-blog/how-are-adhd-and-vision-problems-related.htmlCook Vision Therapy — ADHD and Vision: How Eye Problems Affect Attentionhttps://www.cookvisiontherapy.com/adhd-and-vision-how-eye-problems-affect-attention/ Binocular Vision & Attention Dizziness & Headache — Why Binocular Vision Dysfunction Is Often Mistaken for ADHDCONNECT WITH US! Instagram: @https://www.instagram.com/4dvisiongymvt/ Website: @https://www.4dvisiongym.com/ TikTok: @https://www.tiktok.com/@4dvisiongym1   Facebook: @https://www.facebook.com/4dVisionGym/ LinkedIn: @https://www.linkedin.com/company/4d-vision-gym

  8. 11/12/2025

    How Can I Help My Homeschooled Child with Reading Difficulties?

    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.comFollow Dr. Walley and his team at colliervision.comCONNECT WITH US! Instagram: @https://www.instagram.com/4dvisiongymvt/ Website: @https://www.4dvisiongym.com/ TikTok: @https://www.tiktok.com/@4dvisiongym1   Facebook: @https://www.facebook.com/4dVisionGym/ LinkedIn: @https://www.linkedin.com/company/4d-vision-gym

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Are you a parent who has been searching for answers to why your child is struggling academically? Have you been told that your child needs strabismus surgery or patching, and it just doesn’t feel right to you? Are you trying to set your kiddo with sensory needs up for success and feeling lost in the process? Have you suffered a brain injury or concussion and refuse to accept that these current limitations are your permanent “new normal”? My name is Dr. Juanita Collier and I am a Behavioral Optometrist with a private practice specializing in Vision Therapy, Rehabilitation, and Development. Through diving deep with my team, parents, patients, and professionals, we will uncover that vision may be the underlying cause of real life challenges in academics, work, sports, and daily life. While we often think 20/20 eyesight is perfect vision, vision actually takes place in the brain. And if there is any disconnect, any slight lack of coordination between the brain and the eyes, how you see what’s in front of you can be remarkably different than what’s actually there. Through this podcast, you will discover, that the challenges that you are facing may actually be stemming from a difficulty with how you’re seeing…It Could Be Your Eyes.

Information

  • Creator
    Dr. Juanita Collier, MS, OD, FOVDR
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    69
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 It Could Be Your Eyes
  • Show Website
    It Could Be Your Eyes