DeonOptom is a family optometrist based in Norwood, Johannesburg.
According to the American Optometric Association, vision-related learning difficulties can broadly be divided into two main areas: visual efficiency and visual information processing. Understanding the difference between these two areas is crucial for understanding why a child may be struggling at school, despite appearing intelligent and motivated. Visual Efficiency: The Foundation of Vision Visual efficiency…
Vision can sometimes feel extremely uncomfortable, but why is that? One of the biggest contributors is perfect repetition: perfectly straight horizontal and vertical lines, perfect repetitive geometric patterns, and high-contrast designs. When “Perfect” Design Becomes a Problem for Vision Minimalism is very popular in modern design. Sleek lines, sharp contrasts, and repeated patterns are often…
For as long as I can remember, I’ve been active. In my twenties, I danced ballet, walked wherever I needed to go, and thought I could eat whatever I wanted without consequence. Older friends would warn me, “Wait until you hit 25 or 30, that’s when the weight starts creeping in.” I laughed it off…
Autism has been a hot topic lately. But before we begin, it’s important to understand that autism is not a disease that needs to be prevented or cured. Instead of focusing on prevention, society should focus on acceptance and inclusion—welcoming individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and providing them with support, understanding, and dignity. People…
Ever feel clumsy — dropping things, bumping into door frames, or finding it hard to park straight? You could have a condition called Vertical Heterophoria (VH), a subtle but impactful binocular vision disorder that often goes undetected without a comprehensive eye examination. What Is Vertical Heterophoria? Vertical heterophoria refers to a slight vertical misalignment of…
Addressing Digital Eye Strain in the Modern South African Office Why Modern Offices Challenge Our Eyes If you really think about it, our eyes were not made to look at screens all day. Humans were hunters and gatherers, designed to look far into the distance. Staring at a computer, tablet, or phone for hours is…
In many education systems, there is a one-size-fits-all syllabus that all students are expected to follow. While this may work for some, it is far from optimal for every individual learner. Thankfully, some schools have recognised that each child is unique, with different learning styles and challenges — but catering to all of them effectively…
Prism is quite a controversial topic in Optometry. Some optometrists swear by it, while others avoid it entirely. The research out there is conflicting, and it’s understandable why opinions differ. However, based on my own training, clinical experience, and research, I strongly believe that when prism is prescribed correctly, it can have a life-changing impact…
When we think about optimising athletic performance, the focus usually falls on areas like: But one essential component is often overlooked: vision. We’re not just talking about 20/20 clarity or whether you need glasses; we’re talking about visual function and how well your eyes and brain communicate during high-speed play, pressure situations, and precision tasks.…
Experiencing dizziness on a regular basis can be incredibly frustrating and, for some, life-altering. It affects your ability to function, work, and maintain independence. For many, this symptom can result in chronic anxiety, emotional stress, and even depression. Worse still, the root cause of dizziness is often difficult to pinpoint, and in some cases, it’s…