Does Optometric Vision Therapy (OVT) Work for Treating Strabismus?

Short answer: Yes.

Strabismus—commonly known as an eye turn, crossed eyes, or wandering eye—has traditionally been treated through surgery, patching, or prism glasses. However, recent research continues to show that optometric vision therapy (OVT) can effectively treat strabismus in both children and adults—often without surgery.

One of the most compelling studies comes from Dr. David L. Cook, Clinical Director of Cook Vision Therapy in Marietta, Georgia. His peer-reviewed paper, “Success in Optometric Vision Therapy for Strabismus Based on a Case Series of 75 Patients,” was published in Vision Development and Rehabilitation (2025; 11(1): 9-47).

The Study at a Glance

Dr. Cook’s study followed 75 patients, ranging in age from five to fifty-five, all diagnosed with either esotropia (inward eye turn) or exotropia (outward eye turn).

After completing a customized program of optometric vision therapy, 65 of the 75 patients—over 85%—achieved both:

• Cosmetically aligned eyes, meaning the eyes appeared straight and coordinated in daily life.
• Improved two-eyed depth perception (stereopsis or 3D vision), showing the brain learned to use both eyes together effectively.

These results suggest that for the majority of strabismus cases, vision therapy can train the brain and eyes to work together—without surgery.

Beyond Alignment: Vision Therapy and Quality of Life

The benefits went well beyond physical eye alignment. Dr. Cook’s research found that successful vision therapy led to improvements in:

• Confidence and self-esteem
• Reading comfort and stamina
• Clarity and focus
• Attention and concentration
• School performance
• Coordination and sports performance
• Night driving and depth judgment

In other words, OVT didn’t just change how the eyes looked—it transformed how patients see and live.

Real-World Results: Patient Testimonials

Here are two excerpts from patients in Dr. Cook’s study that illustrate the personal impact of these changes:

“Before therapy my left eye was stuck over in the right corner of that eye and because of that I was very embarrassed and had low self-esteem. My right eye was very tired and both eyes were red all the time. Since therapy both eyes are straight and clear. I am no longer embarrassed and am happy to interact with other people because I don’t have to worry about what my left eye is doing or what they are thinking about my eye.”

“The double vision I was experiencing has gone and I am able to focus in almost every direction more easily. Reading and using the computer terminal is much easier. Driving is not scary anymore and is not the challenge to stay steady as previously experienced. I have learned to compensate for focusing problems to the point it is a natural reflex in using my eyes, and I do not have eye strain as in the past.”

These real patient experiences highlight that optometric vision therapy not only straightens the eyes—it restores comfort, confidence, and visual function.

What This Means for Patients

Dr. Cook’s research demonstrates that non-surgical vision therapy can be a powerful, life-changing option for patients with strabismus—both children and adults.

If you or your child struggles with an eye turn, double vision, or depth-perception difficulties, you don’t have to live with the limitations of strabismus or rely solely on surgery. A comprehensive vision therapy evaluation can determine if your eyes and brain can be retrained to see clearly and comfortably together.