Navigating the Complexities of Visual Processing: A Conversation with Rakhi Pabari

Lara welcomes Rakhi Pabari, a behavioural optometrist with over 20 years of experience, to discuss the critical role of vision in children's learning and development. Rakhi shares her personal journey with her son, who faced various challenges that led her to explore the connections between the visual system, brain function, and behaviour. The conversation delves into the differences between traditional optometry and behavioural optometry, emphasising the importance of understanding how visual processing impacts everyday activities like reading and coordination. Rakhi highlights the significance of addressing primitive reflexes, balance, and auditory processing in children, providing insights into how these factors can affect their academic performance. KEY TAKEAWAYS Behavioural Optometry vs. Traditional Optometry: Behavioural optometry goes beyond assessing eye health and vision clarity; it emphasises how visual information is processed and its impact on learning and behaviour. Importance of Individualised Treatment: Each child requires a tailored vision therapy program that considers their unique needs and challenges. Regular assessments and adjustments to the therapy ensure that the child is progressing and receiving the appropriate support. Signs of Visual Struggles in Children: Teachers and parents should be aware of signs that may indicate a child is struggling with their visual system, such as losing their place while reading, avoiding close work, or exhibiting unusual head and body positions. BEST MOMENTS "Behavioural optometry includes all of that. But it places additional emphasis on how the visual information is processed and used in everyday activities." - Rakhi "When I met Archie, he was really tired. His confidence was really low, especially when we did sustained visual tasks." -Rakhi "It's not just a one-fix-all with just primitive reflexes. There's other layers to their development that just need that little bit of help." - Lara SOCIAL/IMPORTANT LINKS https://www.tiktok.com/@braindevelopmentuk https://www.instagram.com/braindevelopmentuk/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/larakelly/ https://www.braindevelopment.co.uk HOST BIOLara Barnes a successful woman in tech found herself managing behavioural, learning and speech difficulties with her son, she learn functional neurology and how to change the brain to correct his symptoms and build his left brain. The Building the Brain Podcast is for parents needing to understand how to help their children and show them what can be done to change little lives to allow them to shine and be their best version. GUEST BIO Rakhi Pabari is a Behavioural Optometrist specialising in paediatric and neurodevelopmental vision care, with over 20 years of experience supporting children and adults with complex needs. A graduate of Cardiff University, she trained at one of the UK’s leading vision assessment clinics and has worked extensively with infants, children, and individuals with additional needs. Rakhi has volunteered with the Special Olympics and supported the RNIB, helping children with visual impairments build confidence and independence. She holds a Professional Certificate in Paediatric Optometry, is an accredited member of the British Association of Behavioural Optometrists (BABO), and has completed advanced training in vision therapy for conditions including strabismus and amblyopia. She is a Certified Irlen Screener and has completed over 150 hours of training in the Melillo Method. Rakhi is also a member of the IAFNR and is recognised for her holistic, whole-person approach to care, focusing on the connection between vision and brain development. Find out more: www.eyesinmotion.com Instagram: @eyes_in_motion Results vary and no outcomes are guaranteed. This content is for general information and does not replace personalised professional advice.