It Could Be Your Eyes

Dr. Juanita Collier, MS, OD, FCOVD
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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.

  1. 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 ADHD

    12 min

  2. 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.com

    36 min

  3. 10/22/2025

    Eyes on the Game: Vision Therapy and Concussion Prevention in Football & Cheer

    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: 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: Cheer takes a bigger hit than you might expect: in one study, cheerleading surpassed football in concussion risk rates Concussion Alliance.Nearly 96% of concussions in cheerleading are stunt-related, especially among bases (contact from another athlete) and flyers (contact with ground) Concussion AllianceHEADCHECK Health.From 2001–2012, cheerleading-related concussion/closed head injury rates soared by 290% among children aged 5–18 The Sport Journal.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 LifeStart your FREE TRIAL today 4D Built to Read Digital ProgramConcussion RecoveryBuilt to DriveFollow 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

    18 min

  4. 09/01/2025

    What Are Primitive Reflexes and How Do They Impact Vision and ADHD?

    “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 strongerrootstherapyVisit strongerrootstherapy.comCheck out harkla.co Check out our Digital Programs 4D Built for LifeStart your FREE TRIAL today 4D Built to Read Digital ProgramConcussion RecoveryBuilt to DriveFollow 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.”

    43 min

  5. 08/18/2025

    The Link Between Safer Driving and Targeted Vision Training

    "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 LifeStart your FREE TRIAL today 4D Built to Read Digital ProgramConcussion RecoveryBuilt to DriveFollow 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.”

    21 min

  6. 07/31/2025

    Are My Child's Eyes Ready to Go Back to School?

    "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 Association4D Vision Gym at home Check out our Digital Programs 4D Built for LifeStart your FREE TRIAL today 4D Built to Read Digital ProgramConcussion RecoveryBuilt to DriveFollow 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.”

    12 min

  7. 07/03/2025

    What Is It Like to Do Vision Therapy With Kids?

    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 LifeStart your FREE TRIAL today 4D Built to Read Digital ProgramConcussion RecoveryBuilt to DriveFollow 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.”

    16 min

  8. 05/27/2025

    What Is a Neurolens and How Can It Help My Migraines?

    "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 LifeStart your FREE TRIAL today 4D Built to Read Digital ProgramConcussion RecoveryBuilt to DriveFollow 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.”

    31 min
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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, FCOVD
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2025
  • Episodes
    63
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 It Could Be Your Eyes
  • Show Website
    It Could Be Your Eyes