Why We do it
At Ares Elite Sports Vision, we know that success in sports and high-performance environments isn’t just about physical ability—it’s about how well you see, think, and respond. Athletes and individuals operating under pressure need more than sharp reflexes; they need finely tuned systems working together to turn milliseconds into winning moments.
Our Why is simple: to help you unlock your full potential by optimizing the critical connection between vision, cognition, and action. When your brain and body work in harmony, you gain the edge that sets champions apart.
How We Do It
We start by understanding how your systems work together. Through comprehensive assessments and tailored training programs, we evaluate and improve the core components that drive peak performance:
Visual System Evaluation:
We measure your ability to see clearly and track movement, ensuring your visual acuity provides the foundation for elite performance.Binocular System Assessment:
We examine how well your eyes work together for depth perception, spatial awareness, and coordination. Any inefficiencies in this system can impact accuracy and reaction times.Visual Information Processing:
Our evaluation identifies how efficiently visual input is interpreted by your brain. This includes reaction speed, pattern recognition, and integration into decision-making processes.
With these insights, we develop customized programs designed to enhance:
Dynamic Vision Training: Improve how you track, focus, and react to fast-moving objects.
Executive Function Development: Build the cognitive skills for decision-making, focus, and emotional regulation under pressure.
Dual-Task Training: Combine mental and physical challenges to prepare for real-world demands.
Recovery and Resilience: Strengthen the mental tools needed to sustain peak performance.
About Us
At Ares Elite Sports Vision, we believe in the power of intentional, data-driven training to transform potential into performance.
We specialize in bridging the gap between vision, cognition, and action, giving athletes and individuals the ability to think sharper, move smarter, and react faster. By combining cutting-edge techniques with a deep understanding of how the eye, brain, and body work together, we create solutions that deliver measurable results.
Our mission is to empower you to see more clearly, respond more effectively, and perform at your absolute best—because every fraction of a second matters.
Dr. Joe LaPlaca, CEO/Founder
Born in Chicago and raised in Janesville, Wisconsin, Dr. Joe LaPlaca combines Midwest grit with cutting-edge vision care. After earning his undergrad at Marquette University in Milwaukee and his Doctorate of Optometry from the Illinois College of Optometry in Chicago, he spent eight years in corporate optometry. But Joe knew his true calling lay elsewhere. In July 2018, he founded Ares Elite Sports Vision, focusing on giving athletes the competitive advantage they deserve.
Dr. LaPlaca believes in two guiding principles, embodied by his favorite quotes:
Memento Mori ("You too must die") – This serves as a powerful reminder that life is fleeting, so every moment matters. In the fast-paced world of sports, there’s no time for complacency. It's a call to seize every opportunity to improve and innovate, both for himself and the athletes he works with.
Nobody cares, work harder – This blunt, no-nonsense philosophy is about accountability and resilience. In a competitive arena, excuses don’t matter—results do. Dr. LaPlaca applies this to his own leadership style, pushing for objective improvements through data analytics and technology, refusing to settle for less than the best for his athletes.
These values are central to what Dr. LaPlaca does at Ares Elite Sports Vision. As a leader and innovator, he’s passionate about advocating for the athlete—ensuring they get world-class vision training backed by data and science, not the fluff or gimmicks peddled by corporations. He believes that with the right tools and guidance, athletes can elevate their game, and he's committed to delivering that competitive edge.
Off the field, Joe’s a family man who loves quoting Step Brothers, rewatching Game of Thrones, cheering on the Chicago Bears and Blackhawks, and spending time with his wife Deanna, their kids Remi and Asher, and their two doodles, Zoey and Faye.
-
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!