Vision, Learning, And Vision, Learning, And Developmental DelaysDevelopmental Delays

Presented byPresented byDr. Samuel A. BerneDr. Samuel A. Berne

April 19, 2023April 19, 2023

Dr. Berne’s Contact Dr. Berne’s Contact InformationInformation

Sam Berne, OD, FCOVDSam Berne, OD, FCOVD 227 E. Palace Avenue SuiteG227 E. Palace Avenue SuiteG Santa Fe, New Mexico, 87501Santa Fe, New Mexico, 87501 Phone: 505 984-2030Phone: 505 984-2030 Website: www. Holisticvision.orgWebsite: www. Holisticvision.org E-mail: sberneod@cybermesa.comE-mail: sberneod@cybermesa.com

“ “Learning takes place in a certain Learning takes place in a certain sequence and order. When you skip sequence and order. When you skip the sequence—true learning cannot the sequence—true learning cannot occur.occur.

It is more important for the child to go It is more important for the child to go through the developmental stage through the developmental stage without without having to do it at an expected having to do it at an expected age.”---Piagetage.”---Piaget

Behavioral OptometryBehavioral Optometry

Instead of treating symptoms, we treat Instead of treating symptoms, we treat the causative factors.the causative factors.

Vision is a whole body experienceVision is a whole body experience Treat the whole child not just the eyes.Treat the whole child not just the eyes.

What is Vision ?What is Vision ?

Vision is our dominant senseVision is our dominant sense Vision is more than SightVision is more than Sight Vision is the process of deriving meaning from Vision is the process of deriving meaning from

what is seenwhat is seen Vision is learned and developed starting Vision is learned and developed starting

in uteroin utero Research estimates that eighty to eighty five Research estimates that eighty to eighty five

percent of our perception, learning, cognition percent of our perception, learning, cognition and activities are mediated through visionand activities are mediated through vision

Visual AcuityVisual Acuity

Sight Versus VisionSight Versus Vision

Clarity Clarity Measured using the Snellen chartMeasured using the Snellen chart 20/20 definition20/20 definition Visual acuity becomes blurred in Visual acuity becomes blurred in

various refractive conditionsvarious refractive conditions Visual Acuity lenses freeze the Visual Acuity lenses freeze the

visual-motor system from visual-motor system from developing and reduce its functiondeveloping and reduce its function

Our Visual SystemOur Visual System

Primitive Survival ReflexesPrimitive Survival Reflexes Gross Motor SkillsGross Motor Skills Balance and VisionBalance and Vision Visual Motor AbilitiesVisual Motor Abilities Visual Perceptual SkillsVisual Perceptual Skills Visual FieldsVisual Fields Visual-Cranial RhythmVisual-Cranial Rhythm

Vision Measures Vision Measures NeurodevelopmentNeurodevelopment

Vision includes Vision includes Brain, vestibular, motor, speech/language, Brain, vestibular, motor, speech/language,

auditory and tactile. auditory and tactile. Visual Skills are learned and developed. Visual Skills are learned and developed. Vision problems are only adaptations that Vision problems are only adaptations that

we make when trying to complete a task we make when trying to complete a task where demand is greater than skill level.where demand is greater than skill level.

Learning-PrenatallyLearning-Prenatally

Ultra Sound Imaging Scanning Electronic Ultra Sound Imaging Scanning Electronic MicroscopeMicroscope 18 days embryo 4mm18 days embryo 4mm Eyes visible as a bulge on developing brain.Eyes visible as a bulge on developing brain. 4 weeks-Optic vesicle fully invaginated and 4 weeks-Optic vesicle fully invaginated and

cerebral hemispheres present. Retina cerebral hemispheres present. Retina differentiates two weeks laterdifferentiates two weeks later

Developmental Sequences Developmental Sequences for Learning--Prenatallyfor Learning--Prenatally

24 weeks-Vestibular system fully 24 weeks-Vestibular system fully myelinated. Rapid Eye Movements myelinated. Rapid Eye Movements (REM) begin(REM) begin

28 weeks- eyelids open28 weeks- eyelids open

Development of the Primitive Development of the Primitive ReflexesReflexes

During the prenatal period, a set of During the prenatal period, a set of reflexes emerge which are called the reflexes emerge which are called the primitive reflexes. These primitive primitive reflexes. These primitive reflexes are present at birth and reflexes are present at birth and provide an indication of the provide an indication of the neurological development of the neurological development of the newborn.newborn.

Neuro-Developmental DelaysNeuro-Developmental Delays

Sally Goddard defines a neuro-Sally Goddard defines a neuro-developmental delay as a significant developmental delay as a significant immaturity in the performance of the immaturity in the performance of the nervous system as validated by a nervous system as validated by a group of retained primitive and group of retained primitive and postural reflexes in a child above three postural reflexes in a child above three and one-half years of age. and one-half years of age.

According to Goddard, such a group of According to Goddard, such a group of aberrant reflexes is accompanied by aberrant reflexes is accompanied by problems with control of body problems with control of body orientation, gross and fine muscle orientation, gross and fine muscle coordination, visual tracking skills and coordination, visual tracking skills and visual-perceptual abilities.visual-perceptual abilities.

Sally Goddard has also reported that Sally Goddard has also reported that oculo-motor and visual perceptual oculo-motor and visual perceptual problems can be associated with a problems can be associated with a retained moro reflex. She has also retained moro reflex. She has also found that poor ocular pursuit found that poor ocular pursuit movements, especially at midline are movements, especially at midline are linked to a retained asymmetrical tonic linked to a retained asymmetrical tonic neck reflex. neck reflex.

She has also determined that oculo-She has also determined that oculo-motor dysfunctions, spatial problems motor dysfunctions, spatial problems and visual –perceptual difficulties and visual –perceptual difficulties occur with a retained labyrinthine occur with a retained labyrinthine reflex. And finally, her work has reflex. And finally, her work has determined that struggles with hand-determined that struggles with hand-eye coordination and poor near far eye coordination and poor near far focusing skills are related to a retained focusing skills are related to a retained symmetrical tonic neck reflex.symmetrical tonic neck reflex.

Purpose of the Primitive Purpose of the Primitive ReflexesReflexes

PR help the newborn to integrate the overwhelming PR help the newborn to integrate the overwhelming amount of stimuli they receive once they leave the amount of stimuli they receive once they leave the mother's womb. mother's womb.

PR provide the newborn with learning experiences PR provide the newborn with learning experiences which act as a foundation for more complex muscle which act as a foundation for more complex muscle movements. PR integrate sequentially from 3-11 movements. PR integrate sequentially from 3-11 months. months.

If PR linger past 6-12 months postnatally, this can If PR linger past 6-12 months postnatally, this can interfere with cortical processing and impede interfere with cortical processing and impede normal development. normal development. The visual system is The visual system is intimately involved in the transition from intimately involved in the transition from primitive reflexes to cortical control of primitive reflexes to cortical control of movement patterns.movement patterns.

Primitive Survival ReflexesPrimitive Survival Reflexes

Help in birthing processHelp in birthing process Adjustment of newborn to its new Adjustment of newborn to its new

environment outside the womb—environment outside the womb—neurological flexibilityneurological flexibility

PR build foundation for many later motor PR build foundation for many later motor and cognitive skills. and cognitive skills.

““Survival” in utero the reflexes protect fetus Survival” in utero the reflexes protect fetus also help new born with its learning and also help new born with its learning and development outside the safe confines of development outside the safe confines of the mother’s womb.the mother’s womb.

The Birth ProcessThe Birth Process

The birth experience lays an initial The birth experience lays an initial imprint on a person’s life experience. imprint on a person’s life experience. If there has been birth trauma of any If there has been birth trauma of any kind, the trauma can interfere with kind, the trauma can interfere with normal developmentnormal development..

I have found a direct correlation I have found a direct correlation between birth traumas and the onset between birth traumas and the onset of strabismus, amblyopia, binocular of strabismus, amblyopia, binocular vision instability, autism and AD/HD.vision instability, autism and AD/HD.

Risk Factors For Developmental Risk Factors For Developmental DelaysDelays

An inactive motherAn inactive mother Poor orientation/vestibular can lead to Poor orientation/vestibular can lead to

developmental delays later on…..developmental delays later on….. Poor dietPoor diet StressStress Alcohol and drug abuseAlcohol and drug abuse

HistoryHistory

Birth processBirth process Stress at birth: forceps delivery, chord Stress at birth: forceps delivery, chord

around the neck, anoxiaaround the neck, anoxia Head Trauma CST!!Head Trauma CST!! Ear infections: vestibular issues, Ear infections: vestibular issues,

antibioticsantibiotics Visual symptomsVisual symptoms Menu logMenu log

Obstetric ComplicationsObstetric Complications Cesarean sectionCesarean section High Forceps deliveryHigh Forceps delivery Induced laborInduced labor Fetal distress in-uteroFetal distress in-utero Breech deliveryBreech delivery Prolonged LaborProlonged Labor ToxemiaToxemia Sympathetic ResponseSympathetic Response

Optometric EvaluationOptometric Evaluation

Infant/ Toddler TestingInfant/ Toddler Testing

Ocular healthOcular health TactualTactual MotorMotor VestibularVestibular AuditionAudition VisualVisual Attention/ Arousal/ ToneAttention/ Arousal/ Tone Spot RetinoscopeSpot Retinoscope

Locomotion or Dynamic PostureLocomotion or Dynamic Posture RollingRolling CrawlingCrawling CreepingCreeping SittingSitting Pull to Stand and CruisingPull to Stand and Cruising WalkingWalking

TreatmentTreatment

Reflex IntegrationReflex Integration Gross motor and Vestibular therapyGross motor and Vestibular therapy Vision Therapy Vision Therapy Lenses and PrismsLenses and Prisms SyntonicsSyntonics Cranial Sacral TherapyCranial Sacral Therapy Biochemistry and NutritionBiochemistry and Nutrition

Primitive Survival Reflexes—Our Primitive Survival Reflexes—Our Initial Movement Patterns For Initial Movement Patterns For

LearningLearning MoroMoro Tonic LabyrinthineTonic Labyrinthine Spinal GalantSpinal Galant Asymmetrical Tonic NeckAsymmetrical Tonic Neck Symmetrical Tonic NeckSymmetrical Tonic Neck

Demonstration To FollowDemonstration To Follow

Mind Body IntegrationMind Body Integration

Balance-orientationBalance-orientation Cross-patterningCross-patterning Rhythm and TimingRhythm and Timing Vestibular Ocular ReflexVestibular Ocular Reflex Gross motor leads to fine motorGross motor leads to fine motor

Vision TherapyVision Therapy

Vision Therapy is a process of re-Vision Therapy is a process of re-education of the brain, eyes, and body. education of the brain, eyes, and body. Vision therapy can improve functional Vision therapy can improve functional visual-auditory-motor problems caused visual-auditory-motor problems caused by neurological disabilities.by neurological disabilities.

Fixation, localization, teamingFixation, localization, teaming Visual Processing skillsVisual Processing skills

Lenses and PrismsLenses and Prisms

Apply a lens and /or prism for Apply a lens and /or prism for performance enhancing abilitiesperformance enhancing abilities

Apply a lens and /or prism to disrupt Apply a lens and /or prism to disrupt habitual pattern—binasal tapes.habitual pattern—binasal tapes.

Streff SyndromeStreff Syndrome

Lenses and PrismsLenses and Prisms

Stress Retinoscopy for close work Stress Retinoscopy for close work (Light Gathering Properties)(Light Gathering Properties)

Applied Yoked Prism to improve Applied Yoked Prism to improve posture and movement (Toe Walkers)posture and movement (Toe Walkers)

Improve Central Peripheral BalanceImprove Central Peripheral Balance

Case for BU for the Peripheral ChildCase for BU for the Peripheral Child

Case for BD for the Central ChildCase for BD for the Central Child

SyntonicsSyntonics

A branch of Behavioral Optometry that A branch of Behavioral Optometry that deals with the application of selected deals with the application of selected visible light frequencies through the visible light frequencies through the eyes. The light therapy can help open eyes. The light therapy can help open constricted visual fields, improve constricted visual fields, improve depth perception, and help balance depth perception, and help balance the autonomic nervous system. the autonomic nervous system.

SyntonicsSyntonics

When a child is under stress the When a child is under stress the sympathetic nervous system is sympathetic nervous system is overworking. This stress causes the overworking. This stress causes the adrenal glands to overwork with no adrenal glands to overwork with no concern of future energy needs. One concern of future energy needs. One of the effects of stress can be tunneled of the effects of stress can be tunneled vision. Syntonics can help reduce this vision. Syntonics can help reduce this over-sympathetic response.over-sympathetic response.

Cranial Sacral TherapyCranial Sacral Therapy

This therapy is a light touch that This therapy is a light touch that addresses restrictions in the cranial addresses restrictions in the cranial sacral system—the membranes and sacral system—the membranes and fluid that surround and protect the fluid that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord. This system brain and spinal cord. This system also extends from the bones of the also extends from the bones of the skull, face, and mouth, which make up skull, face, and mouth, which make up the cranium, down to the sacrum area. the cranium, down to the sacrum area.

Cranial Sacral TherapyCranial Sacral Therapy

Since the cranial sacral system directly Since the cranial sacral system directly impacts the brain and central nervous impacts the brain and central nervous system, many imbalances in the system, many imbalances in the cranial sacral system will contribute to cranial sacral system will contribute to any number of neurological any number of neurological disabilities. Research suggests that disabilities. Research suggests that the birth process can be responsible the birth process can be responsible for many developmental disabilities. for many developmental disabilities.

Cranial Sacral Therapy is performed on a Cranial Sacral Therapy is performed on a fully clothed body. The touch is very light fully clothed body. The touch is very light (about the weight of a nickel) and the (about the weight of a nickel) and the practitioner monitors the rhythm of the practitioner monitors the rhythm of the cranial sacral system to detect any cranial sacral system to detect any restrictions and imbalances. The therapist restrictions and imbalances. The therapist uses a delicate touch to release the problem uses a delicate touch to release the problem areas and undue pressure on the brain and areas and undue pressure on the brain and spinal cord/ and the energy field.spinal cord/ and the energy field.

Cranial Sacral TherapyCranial Sacral Therapy

Conditions that I have improved include the Conditions that I have improved include the following:following:

Seizures, hearing problems, strabismus Seizures, hearing problems, strabismus (crossed eyes), amblyopia (lazy eye), autism (crossed eyes), amblyopia (lazy eye), autism and other developmental delays, cerebral and other developmental delays, cerebral palsy dyslexia, and other learning palsy dyslexia, and other learning disabilities, macular degeneration, disabilities, macular degeneration, glaucoma as well as many other conditions.glaucoma as well as many other conditions.

3 Main Causes of Cranial Sacral 3 Main Causes of Cranial Sacral System Impairment System Impairment

The first is birth trauma. The first is birth trauma. The second common reason is The second common reason is

physical trauma, especially in early physical trauma, especially in early life. life.

The third reason that causes an The third reason that causes an interruption in this system is interruption in this system is psychological trauma, especially in psychological trauma, especially in early life. early life.

Biochemistry and LearningBiochemistry and Learning

Stool AnalysisStool Analysis Urine AnalysisUrine Analysis Blood AnalysisBlood Analysis Hair AnalysisHair Analysis

Mercury and VaccinationsMercury and Vaccinations

Mercury poisoning is wreaking havoc Mercury poisoning is wreaking havoc on the body.on the body.

We need to improve the detoxification We need to improve the detoxification processprocess

Do we need to give all these Do we need to give all these vaccinationsvaccinations

Dr. Hazel ParcellsDr. Hazel Parcells

Elemental Hair AnalysisElemental Hair Analysis

It is a soft tissue mineral biopsy. A It is a soft tissue mineral biopsy. A biopsy is an analysis of a body tissue, biopsy is an analysis of a body tissue, in THIS CASE TO DETECT MINERAL in THIS CASE TO DETECT MINERAL LEVELS. Hair is classified as soft LEVELS. Hair is classified as soft tissue of the body. Hair analysis tissue of the body. Hair analysis provides a reading of the mineral provides a reading of the mineral deposition in the cells and interstitial deposition in the cells and interstitial spaces of the hair over a 2-3 month spaces of the hair over a 2-3 month period. period.

A Balancing ActA Balancing Act

Each mineral on the hair chart adapts or Each mineral on the hair chart adapts or compensates for every other mineral to compensates for every other mineral to some degree to maintain homeostasis. The some degree to maintain homeostasis. The body engages in a continuous ‘balancing body engages in a continuous ‘balancing act’, adjusting mineral levels to cope with act’, adjusting mineral levels to cope with internal stress and external stress as best as internal stress and external stress as best as it can. Each adaptation to stress reduces it can. Each adaptation to stress reduces energy levels. The goal is nutritional energy levels. The goal is nutritional balancing is to reduce the adaptations the balancing is to reduce the adaptations the body must make, which fress energy for body must make, which fress energy for healing. healing.

Our Immune SystemOur Immune System

Many children with developmental Many children with developmental delays and adults with TBI have delays and adults with TBI have weakened immune systems because weakened immune systems because their bodies must work harder to their bodies must work harder to compensate for their deficiencies. compensate for their deficiencies. Environmental toxins form the air, Environmental toxins form the air, water, and food can accumulate in the water, and food can accumulate in the body if the immune system cannot help body if the immune system cannot help release these toxins.release these toxins.

Research on Omega 3Research on Omega 3

A study done in A study done in The Lancet (1994) The Lancet (1994) reported:reported:

Breast milk containing EFA’s showed Breast milk containing EFA’s showed higher IQ’s, better visual acuity, and higher IQ’s, better visual acuity, and higher protection against brain higher protection against brain disorders in later life than formula fed disorders in later life than formula fed

babies because they absorbed more babies because they absorbed more EFA’s while nursingEFA’s while nursing

SummarySummary

1. Work with a health professional to 1. Work with a health professional to help improve the absorption of the help improve the absorption of the nutrients. nutrients.

2. Use an elimination diet to assess 2. Use an elimination diet to assess food sensitivities. Two main allergies food sensitivities. Two main allergies are dairy and wheat.are dairy and wheat.

3. Use antibiotics sparingly. If 3. Use antibiotics sparingly. If antibiotics are prescribed frequently, antibiotics are prescribed frequently, ask the doctor for other treatment ask the doctor for other treatment options. options.

Summary Summary

4. Give more protein at breakfast 4. Give more protein at breakfast instead of cereal and pancakes.instead of cereal and pancakes.

5. Supplement with essential 5. Supplement with essential fatty acids, especially Omega 3, to fatty acids, especially Omega 3, to help brain and nervous system help brain and nervous system development.development.

6. Sea Salt in the Diet6. Sea Salt in the Diet

SummarySummary

7.Give Probiotics if antibiotics have 7.Give Probiotics if antibiotics have been usedbeen used

8. Reduce sugars.8. Reduce sugars. 9. Reduce TV viewing.9. Reduce TV viewing. 10. Encourage movement activities 10. Encourage movement activities

that involve balancing, cross that involve balancing, cross patterning, and rhythm and timing. patterning, and rhythm and timing. Some activities include martial arts, Some activities include martial arts, dance, swimming, rollerblading and dance, swimming, rollerblading and jump rope.jump rope.

Santa Fe Workshop: Vision, Learning And Santa Fe Workshop: Vision, Learning And Development with Dr. Sam BerneDevelopment with Dr. Sam Berne

July 13th-15thJuly 13th-15th Vision and Learning Level 1- Topics include: Primitive Vision and Learning Level 1- Topics include: Primitive

Reflex Therapy, Motor DevelopmentReflex Therapy, Motor Development Activities, Color/Light Therapy, Vision Therapy, Cranial Activities, Color/Light Therapy, Vision Therapy, Cranial

Sacral Therapy, and Nutritional Support.Sacral Therapy, and Nutritional Support.

Dr. Berne’s Healing RetreatDr. Berne’s Healing Retreat

Vision Quest: Healing From The Vision Quest: Healing From The Inside Out with Dr. BerneInside Out with Dr. Berne

Six day retreat swimming with wild Six day retreat swimming with wild dolphinsdolphins

Finding Your VisionFinding Your Vision Learning About Health and WellnessLearning About Health and Wellness Healing old traumasHealing old traumas Vegetarian, organic foodVegetarian, organic food May 14May 14thth-19-19th, th, 2007 2007