A Journey Towards 1st Step of Life – A Case Report on Vision Therapy for A Patient with Global Developmental Delay and Nystagmus

Abstract

Introduction: Children with Global Developmental Delay (GDD) fail to achieve developmental milestones expected for their age range as compared to their peers. They typically have visual problems in addition to poor gross and fine motor skills. Developmental delays extend to speech, language, cognition, and personal-social domains, and impact activities of daily living. Case Summary: A 4-year-old child presented with chief concerns from his parents that he had difficulty making eye contact was unable to stand and walk. He was not making adequate progress in physiotherapy. Neuro-developmental assessment resulted in a diagnosis of GDD. Visual Evoked Potential showed decreased visual acuity, and nystagmus. Comprehensive examination showed that the patient had a face tilt and head turn. Spectacle lenses with prism was prescribed. A therapy treatment plan was recommended and it was divided into three phases, with the primary goal of improving visual functions through vision therapy. At the end of the therapy, the child developed the confidence to stand and walk without any support. Conclusion: This case report demonstrates the importance of vision therapy in improving the patient’s overall visual performance. In particular, it demonstrates the role of visual intervention in aiding motor skills to the extent that standing and walking was enabled without the need for additional support.