What Is Sports Vision?

Sports vision encompasses all exercise, training and sport. Its aim is to optimize visual performance and safety. We are concerned with what the eyes see, how the brain interprets that information and how the body responds. Sports participants are more comfortable when glare is eliminated, better protected from eye injury when wearing suitable eye protectors, and perform better when visual sensitivity is maximized and visual skills enhanced.

Contact lenses in sport

Contact lenses are often the correction of choice in sport. The choice of contact lens for use in a given sport must be made with reference to the length of time that it takes to play the sport, the environment in which it is played and the general physical and visual demands of the sport. Our experienced staff will assess your suitability for contact lens wear and advise you on the most appropriate lens type.

Sports appliances

The type of corrective appliance may be governed by the overriding safety requirements. Appearance and design, as with all sporting equipment, are important. We offer an extensive range of sports appliances including Bollé and Adidas and will be happy to advise on the most appropriate filters and lens types to meet your sporting requirements.

Sports vision screening and training

Owner of G.T. Harvey, optometrist Stuart Henderson and the practice’s dispensing optician Lesley Oglethorpe, have both been awarded a certificate in the Advanced Studies of Sports Vision from UMI ST in association with the Sports Vision Association (SVA).  In addition, Lesley holds a Diploma in Sports Vision from Sportsvision UK.

We have imported state-of-the-art equipment from America to enable us to provide a comprehensive screening service. Screening is intended to be a broad assessment of visual performance in the sporting context. Tests include speed of reaction, hand-eye co-ordination, central peripheral awareness, glare recovery, colour preference, binocular assessment and contrast sensitivity.

Who can benefit?

Assessment can be performed on an individual or a whole team. Following screening, a comprehensive report is compiled and recommendations made.

Will sports vision training improve performance?

With training most deficits can be improved or sometimes eliminated. The purpose of sports vision training is to help an athlete achieve maximum performance for each of the relevant visual abilities.

For further information please contact the practice, or:

Download our Sports Vision Information Booklet