Specialized Optometry Services for Athletes

  • Our Sports Vision Performance Evaluations are designed to provide athletes with a comprehensive analysis of their visual and neurocognitive abilities. Here's a detailed breakdown of what we offer:

    1. Concussion Baselining: These evaluations serve as critical concussion baselines for your upcoming season. Establishing this baseline information is essential for accurately assessing any potential concussions and ensuring your safe return to play. It provides a reference point to compare pre- and post-injury cognitive and visual function, helping to manage and monitor recovery effectively.

    2. Visual Acuity and Clarity: We assess how clearly you can see objects at various distances, both static and dynamic. This includes both central and peripheral vision assessments, ensuring that you can see clearly whether you're looking straight ahead or out of the corner of your eye.

    3. Depth Perception: Our evaluations measure your ability to judge the distance and speed of moving objects. This is crucial for sports that require precise timing and coordination, such as baseball, tennis, and basketball.

    4. Contrast Sensitivity: We test how well you can distinguish between different shades of gray, which is essential for identifying objects in low-contrast environments, like spotting a ball against a cloudy sky or a similarly colored background.

    5. Eye Tracking and Movement: We analyze how well your eyes can follow moving targets. This is important for sports where keeping your eyes on the ball is critical, like soccer or hockey. We assess both smooth pursuit (following a moving object) and saccadic movements (quick shifts of the eyes between two points).

    6. Eye-Hand Coordination: Our tests measure the speed and accuracy with which your eyes and hands work together. This is vital for sports that require precise hand movements based on visual input, such as catching a ball or swinging a bat.

    7. Reaction Time: We evaluate how quickly you can respond to visual stimuli. This includes both simple reaction times (responding to a single stimulus) and choice reaction times (making a decision between multiple stimuli). Quick reaction times are crucial for fast-paced sports like boxing or fencing.

    8. Peripheral Awareness: Our evaluations include tests to determine how well you can perceive objects or movements outside your direct line of sight. This is especially important for team sports, where awareness of other players' positions can make a significant difference.

    9. Dynamic Visual Acuity: We assess your ability to see moving objects clearly. This skill is essential for tracking fast-moving balls or opponents in various sports.

    10. Visual Memory: We test your ability to remember visual information, which is important for strategizing and making quick decisions during gameplay.

    11. Decision Making Under Pressure: Our evaluations include scenarios that mimic the pressure of real game situations, testing how well you can make quick, accurate decisions when it counts the most.

    12. Visual Processing Speeds: We measure how quickly your brain can interpret visual information. Faster visual processing speeds can enhance your ability to react and make decisions during a game.

    13. Choice Reaction Time: We test your ability to make quick decisions between multiple stimuli, a crucial skill for sports that require split-second choices, such as basketball or football.

    14. Multiple Object Tracking: We evaluate your ability to track several objects simultaneously. This is particularly useful for sports like soccer or hockey, where players need to be aware of multiple moving elements at once.

    15. Peripheral Span: We assess the range of your peripheral vision and how well you can detect and respond to stimuli outside your direct line of sight. This can greatly improve your situational awareness in fast-paced sports.

    By identifying strengths and pinpointing areas that need improvement, our evaluations provide a clear path for enhancing your visual and cognitive performance. With this detailed understanding, athletes can work on specific areas to boost their overall sports performance, ensuring they stay ahead of the competition.

  • Concussions frequently impact vision by affecting visual processing, eye movements, and perception. These disruptions can significantly impair daily activities and athletic performance. For example, visual processing speed can slow down, making it harder to react quickly to stimuli. Eye movements, including saccades and smooth pursuits, may become less coordinated, leading to difficulties in tracking moving objects. Perception issues can affect depth perception and spatial awareness, causing challenges in judging distances and reacting to fast-paced environments.

    Importance of Initial Sports Vision Performance Evaluation

    The initial Sports Vision Performance Evaluation is essential for several reasons:

    1. Baseline Comparison: Establishing a baseline allows for a clear comparison if an athlete sustains a concussion. Without this initial data, it is challenging to determine the extent of impairment caused by the concussion. This baseline provides a reference point to identify specific areas of decline and tailor rehabilitation efforts effectively.

    2. Objective Measurement: Having objective measurements of an athlete’s visual and neurocognitive abilities before any injury provides a solid foundation for post-concussion assessments. This ensures that any observed changes can be attributed accurately to the concussion, rather than pre-existing conditions.

    3. Targeted Rehabilitation: Knowing an athlete’s pre-concussion capabilities allows for more targeted and personalized rehabilitation plans. It helps focus on the areas most affected by the concussion, speeding up recovery and ensuring a safe return to play.

    Impact of Concussions on Vision and Performance

    Research within the last five years underscores the significant impact concussions have on vision and performance:

    • A study published in JAMA Ophthalmology found that 69% of concussion patients exhibited vision-related issues such as difficulties with eye tracking, focusing, and double vision .

    • According to research from the American Academy of Optometry, approximately 65% of individuals with concussions experience visual processing deficits, which affect their ability to perform everyday tasks and participate in sports .

    • Another study in the Journal of Neurotrauma reported that 60% of concussed athletes had impaired eye movements and visual processing speeds, highlighting the critical need for baseline evaluations to manage and monitor these impairments accurately .

    Visual Processing, Eye Movements, and Perception

    • Visual Processing: Concussions can delay the brain’s ability to interpret visual information, leading to slower reaction times and difficulties in fast-paced sports.

    • Eye Movements: Disruptions in eye movements, including saccades (quick eye movements) and smooth pursuits (tracking moving objects), can cause athletes to lose track of balls, opponents, or other critical elements in their sport.

    • Perception: Impaired depth perception and spatial awareness can make it challenging for athletes to judge distances accurately, increasing the risk of errors and potential re-injury.

    By conducting comprehensive Sports Vision Performance Evaluations, athletes can establish a critical baseline that serves as a benchmark for assessing and managing concussions. This proactive approach ensures that any declines in visual and neurocognitive abilities are accurately identified and effectively addressed, promoting safer and more efficient recovery.

    References

    1. JAMA Ophthalmology: Vision-Related Issues in Concussion Patients

    2. American Academy of Optometry: Visual Processing Deficits Post-Concussion

    3. Journal of Neurotrauma: Impairments in Eye Movements and Visual Processing in Concussed Athletes

  • Our 45-minute training sessions at Ares Elite Sports Vision are meticulously designed to meet the unique needs of each athlete. These sessions focus on enhancing various aspects of visual and neurocognitive performance to ensure athletes achieve their peak potential. Here’s an in-depth look at what we offer, including pricing and package options:

    Personalized Training Sessions

    Each 45-minute session is tailored to the individual athlete, ensuring that the training addresses their specific strengths and areas needing improvement. Our expert trainers utilize advanced equipment and techniques to provide a comprehensive workout for your eyes and brain, focusing on areas such as:

    • Depth Perception

    • Eye Tracking and Movement

    • Eye-Hand Coordination

    • Reaction Time

    • Peripheral Awareness

    • Visual Memory

    • Decision Making Under Pressure

    • Visual Processing Speeds

    • Choice Reaction Time

    • Multiple Object Tracking

    • Peripheral Span

    Session Packages

    Our session packages provide flexibility and are designed to accommodate different levels of training commitment. Each package must be used within six months of purchase, ensuring athletes maintain consistent training for optimal results.

    • 5 Sessions: $599 ($119.80 per session)

    • 10 Sessions: $999 ($99.90 per session)

    • 15 Sessions: $1399 ($93.27 per session)

    • 20 Sessions: $1699 ($84.95 per session)

    Monthly Subscription Plans

    For athletes who prefer ongoing training, we offer monthly subscription plans. These plans require a minimum commitment of three months and are perfect for maintaining continuous improvement throughout the athletic season. The more sessions you commit to per month, the lower the cost per session.

    • 2 Sessions per Month: $199 ($99.50 per session)

    • 4 Sessions per Month: $349 ($87.25 per session)

    • 6 Sessions per Month: $499 ($83.17 per session)

    • 8 Sessions per Month: $599 ($74.88 per session)

    Benefits of Our Training Programs

    1. Enhanced Performance: By improving key visual and cognitive skills, athletes can enhance their overall performance in their respective sports. This includes better reaction times, improved accuracy, and superior decision-making abilities.

    2. Injury Mitigation: Training can help in reducing the risk of injuries by improving spatial awareness and reaction times, which are crucial for avoiding collisions and other common sports injuries.

    3. Concussion Recovery and Management: For athletes recovering from concussions, our training sessions are tailored to help regain lost visual and cognitive functions. Our baseline evaluations also provide a reference point to monitor recovery progress effectively.

    4. Convenience and Flexibility: Whether you prefer a fixed number of sessions or a flexible monthly plan, our training packages are designed to fit your schedule and training needs.

    5. Expert Guidance: Athletes receive guidance from experienced trainers who are knowledgeable in the latest sports vision training techniques and technologies.

    By investing in our personalized training sessions, athletes can gain a competitive edge, improve their performance, and ensure they are at their best both on and off the field. Whether through our session packages or monthly subscriptions, we provide the tools and support needed for athletes to excel.

  • Our 45-minute tele-training sessions are specifically designed for individual athletes who are current clients of Ares Academy’s Elite Level Program. These personalized sessions ensure that each athlete receives training tailored to their unique needs, focusing on enhancing their visual and neurocognitive performance.

    Personalized Tele-Training Sessions

    Each tele-training session is crafted to address the specific strengths and areas needing improvement for the individual athlete. These sessions incorporate advanced techniques and equipment to provide a comprehensive workout for the eyes and brain, aiming to boost key skills.

    Flexibility and Convenience

    We understand that our athletes have demanding schedules, balancing rigorous training, academic commitments, and personal lives. To accommodate these busy schedules, we offer tele-training sessions that can be conducted from the comfort of the athlete’s home or any convenient location. This flexibility ensures that training can seamlessly fit into their routine without the need for additional travel time.

    Tele-Training for Teams and Universities

    In addition to individual sessions, we also offer tele-training for teams and universities that we partner with. This service is ideal for:

    • University Athletes: We provide specialized training that complements their existing athletic programs, helping them to maintain peak performance throughout the academic year.

    • Sports Teams: Whether it’s a professional team, a college team, or a high school team, our tele-training sessions can be integrated into their regular training schedules. This ensures that all team members receive consistent, high-quality vision and cognitive training, regardless of their location.

    Benefits of Tele-Training Sessions

    1. Convenience: Athletes can participate in sessions from anywhere, making it easier to fit training into their busy schedules.

    2. Consistency: Regular tele-training sessions ensure that athletes continue to develop and maintain their visual and cognitive skills, even during off-seasons or breaks.

    3. Personalization: Each session is tailored to the individual needs of the athlete, ensuring targeted and effective training.

    4. Accessibility: Athletes who may not be able to visit our facilities due to distance or time constraints can still benefit from our advanced training programs.

    5. Team Cohesion: Tele-training allows teams to train together, maintaining cohesion and ensuring that all members are on the same page, regardless of their physical location.

    Pricing and Packages

    Our tele-training sessions are available as part of our Advanced and Elite Level Programs, with flexible pricing and packages designed to suit various needs:

    • Individual Sessions: Tailored to the athlete’s schedule and training requirements.

    • Team Packages: Customized packages for sports teams to ensure comprehensive training for all members.

    • University Programs: Specialized programs designed to fit into the academic and athletic schedules of university athletes.

    By offering tele-training sessions, Ares Elite Sports Vision ensures that our athletes receive the highest level of training, no matter where they are. This flexibility and personalization are key to helping athletes achieve their peak performance while accommodating their busy lifestyles.

  • Schedule a Consultation Call with Ares Elite Sports Vision

    If you’re interested in enhancing your athletic performance through improved visual and neurocognitive abilities, scheduling a consultation call with Ares Elite Sports Vision is your first step towards achieving your goals. Here’s why this consultation is so crucial:

    Why the Consultation Call is Important

    1. Personalized Understanding: During the consultation call, our team takes the time to understand your specific needs, goals, and concerns. Whether you’re an individual athlete looking to improve specific skills or a coach seeking to enhance your team’s overall performance, we tailor our recommendations to meet your unique situation.

    2. Detailed Service Overview: We provide a comprehensive overview of our services, including our advanced evaluation techniques, personalized training sessions, and the technology we use. This information helps you understand how our programs work and how they can specifically benefit you or your team.

    3. Review of Sports Vision Performance Evaluation: If you’ve already undergone a sports vision performance evaluation, the consultation call is an opportunity to review the results in detail. Our experts will explain the findings, highlight your strengths, and identify areas for improvement. This personalized review ensures that you have a clear understanding of your current visual and cognitive abilities.

    4. Expert Guidance: Our team consists of experienced professionals who specialize in sports vision and neurocognitive training. During the call, they can provide expert advice on how to address your specific needs, recommend the most suitable training programs, and answer any technical or practical questions you might have.

    5. Customized Training Plans: Based on the information gathered during the consultation, we can design a customized training plan that aligns with your goals. This plan will include details on the types of exercises, the frequency of sessions, and the expected outcomes, ensuring you have a clear roadmap to follow.

    6. Flexible Scheduling: Understanding the busy schedules of athletes, we offer flexible training options, including tele-training sessions that can be conducted from anywhere. During the consultation call, we can discuss scheduling options that best fit your lifestyle, ensuring consistent and effective training without disrupting your other commitments.

    7. Informed Decision-Making: By providing all the necessary information and addressing your concerns, the consultation call empowers you to make an informed decision about your visual performance training. You’ll have a clear understanding of the benefits, the process, and the expected results, allowing you to proceed with confidence.

    8. Building a Relationship: The consultation call is the beginning of a relationship with Ares Elite Sports Vision. We’re committed to supporting you throughout your training journey, and the initial consultation sets the foundation for ongoing communication and support.

    What to Expect During the Call

    • Introduction: We’ll start by introducing our team and getting to know you and your specific needs.

    • Service Overview: We’ll provide detailed information about our evaluation and training services.

    • Review and Q&A: If applicable, we’ll review your sports vision performance evaluation and answer any questions you may have.

    • Next Steps: We’ll guide you through the next steps, including scheduling your first training session and accessing any necessary resources.

    Contact Us

    For any immediate questions or to schedule your consultation call directly, feel free to contact us at drl@areselitesportsvision.com.

Additional Information

  • Blog

    Looking to dive into the wild world of sports vision optometry? Well, aren’t you in for a treat! We’ve whipped up a whole bunch of blog posts just for you. They’re packed with all the eye-popping details you never knew you needed. Don’t let our hard work be all for nothing – give them a read!

  • FAQs

    Got burning questions about Ares Elite Sports Vision? We’ve got you covered. Check out our FAQs to see if your questions are on the list. Click below and let the knowledge fest begin!

  • Contact Us

    Got something on your mind? Want to connect with the pros behind Ares Elite Sports Vision? Hit us up! Click below to get in touch, and let's talk sports!