September 22, 2025

When most people think of an eye exam, they imagine reading letters on a chart and checking whether glasses or contacts are needed. While these standard eye exams are important, they often focus only on clarity of sight. Behavioral optometry takes vision care a step further by evaluating how well your eyes and brain work together. A functional eye exam is at the heart of this approach.

What Is Behavioral Optometry?

Behavioral optometry looks beyond 20/20 eyesight. It emphasizes how your vision functions in real-life situations - like reading, working on a computer, or playing sports. The goal is to identify and treat visual issues that can impact learning, productivity, and overall quality of life.

What Makes a Functional Eye Exam Different?

A functional eye exam evaluates visual skills that go far beyond simply determining if you need corrective lenses. During the exam, your optometrist will assess:
 

• Eye teaming (binocular vision): How well your eyes work together to maintain single, clear vision.

• Eye tracking: The ability to smoothly follow moving objects or scan lines of text without losing your place.

• Eye focusing (accommodation): How efficiently your eyes adjust focus between near and far objects.

• Visual processing: How effectively your brain interprets and responds to what your eyes see.

• Hand-eye coordination: How well visual information integrates with movement and motor skills.

These areas are crucial for reading comprehension, learning, sports performance, and even daily tasks like driving.

Who Benefits From a Functional Eye Exam?

Children and adults alike can benefit from functional eye exams. Common signs that may indicate a need for one include:
 

• Frequent headaches or eye strain

• Difficulty reading or maintaining concentration

• Words appearing to move or blur on a page

• Poor hand-eye coordination

• Struggling in school despite strong effort

For children, undetected visual skill issues can sometimes be misinterpreted as attention or learning difficulties. A functional exam can uncover whether vision problems are contributing factors.

Take the Next Step in Complete Vision Care

A functional eye exam provides a deeper understanding of how your vision works in everyday life. Our team uses the principles of behavioral optometry to uncover hidden vision problems and develop personalized treatment plans that support your long-term eye health and overall well-being.

Schedule a functional eye exam with East Main Vision Clinic and discover how we can help you or your child thrive. Visit our office in Puyallup, Washington, or call (253) 780-0700 to book an appointment today.