Justin’s Story: Overcoming Cerebral Palsy, Dyslexia, and Vision Challenges with Vision Therapy

For nearly 39 years, Justin Levy navigated life with cerebral palsy, dyslexia, and severe vision challenges—relying on coping mechanisms to get by. He had endured multiple surgeries, struggled with reading and depth perception, and accepted a world that always felt just out of focus.

That all changed when he discovered Vision Therapy at MyVisionFirst.

In just a few days of intensive training, Justin experienced life-changing breakthroughs—seeing in 3D for the first time, catching a ball, and reading a 375-page book after 20+ years. His journey proves that it’s never too late to transform your vision—and your life.

Read on to discover how Vision Therapy opened up a new reality for Justin and why he’s now on a mission to help others do the same.

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Vision Therapy Transformed Our Son’s Life: Atlas’ Story​

Vision Therapy Transformed Our Son's Life: Atlas' Story

"It was very sad to see our son in this state. It was scary for us because we were sort of at a loss to how to help him and support him."

Vision therapy transformed Atlas’s life in a profound and impactful way. Before seeing Dr. Appelbaum, Atlas’s behavior was unpredictable and challenging for his parents, Seth and Margaret Conger, to navigate. Atlas experienced explosive meltdowns multiple times a day, lasting up to an hour and a half. He exhibited behaviors such as licking or touching objects inappropriately, leaving his parents feeling like they were walking on eggshells. It was heartbreaking for them to see their son in such distress, and they were at a loss for how to help and support him.

A Noticeable Change in Behavior and Engagement

After participating in an intensive vision therapy program with Dr. Appelbaum at MyVisionFirst, the Congers began to see significant changes in Atlas’s behavior and overall well-being. Within just a few days of starting vision therapy, they noticed a decrease in the frequency and duration of his meltdowns. Atlas became more attentive and responsive, showing improved patience and engagement with his surroundings. His temperament and academic performance also saw remarkable improvements, with Atlas excelling in mathematics and reading, surpassing his peers in test results.

"It Was Like He Started Firing On All Cylinders"

On a more personal level, Atlas’s newfound visual acuity had a positive impact on his extracurricular activities as well. He excelled in soccer, becoming the high goal scorer on his team and leading them to an undefeated season. He also showed increased confidence and skill in activities like swimming and skiing, taking on challenges with a newfound sense of courage and capability.

The transformation in Atlas’s abilities and confidence was so immediate and drastic that the Congers attribute it solely to the vision therapy he received from Dr. Appelbaum. 

From Underperforming Academically to the 90th+ Percentile in Tests

 

His growth in essential skills like reading, writing, and counting was exponential, and the joy of watching him read in bed was a moment of immense pride for his parents.

Vision therapy played a pivotal role in transforming Atlas’s life, allowing him to overcome challenges, excel academically and athletically, and discover newfound confidence and abilities. The Congers’ experience is a testament to the power of vision therapy in unlocking a child’s full potential and enhancing their quality of life.

One of the most striking aspects of Atlas’s journey is the realization that his vision was directly linked to his behavior and cognitive abilities. The connection between eyesight and brain function is often overlooked, but the Congers’ experience highlights the importance of addressing vision issues in order to address underlying behavioral and cognitive challenges. By retraining his brain and eyes to work together effectively, Atlas was able to overcome obstacles that were previously holding him back.

Atlas went from performing in the 40th percentile to the 99th Percentile for Mathematics and the 90th Percentile for reading in just a few short months after doing the Vision Therapy Intensive at MyVisionFirst. 

In sports Atlas’s team went from not winning a single goal to being undefeated with Atlas as the lead goal scorer! 

“The change was pretty drastic” his parents said. 

The impact of vision therapy goes beyond just improving one’s physical abilities. It can also have a profound effect on one’s emotional well-being and academic success. For Atlas, vision therapy not only helped him excel academically and athletically but also gave him a newfound sense of confidence and independence. By addressing his vision issues, Atlas was able to live a life based on his own choices and aspirations, rather than being limited by his previous challenges.

"It was almost like he was taking more risks, safe risks, but he wasn't so timid and scared."
Seth & Margaret Conger
Atlas' Parents

Vision as Our Dominant Sensory System Plays A Huge Role in Our Lives.

The Congers’ story serves as a powerful example of the transformative power of vision therapy. It demonstrates that with the right intervention and support, individuals can overcome obstacles, unlock their full potential, and achieve their dreams. Vision therapy has the ability to change lives, allowing individuals to live to their fullest potential and pursue their passions without being held back by vision-related challenges.

Vision therapy played a pivotal role in transforming Atlas’s life, allowing him to overcome challenges, excel academically and athletically, and discover newfound confidence and abilities. The Congers’ experience is a testament to the power of vision therapy in unlocking a child’s full potential and enhancing their quality of life. 

By sharing their story, the Congers hope to inspire others who may be facing similar challenges to consider vision therapy as a way to improve their lives and reach their full potential.

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