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Fun brain science for kids Vision & optical illusions



Vision is a great topic to facilitate kids learning about how their brain and body works. Most people think vision is just about a clear 20/20 image, but that is just eyesight. Vision occurs in the brain when we bring our current and past experiences, plus our brain’s ability to problem solve.




The eye does not see anything without the brain.

Optical illusions are a great way to explore this. Are you able to see the colors swirling in the pattern above? Can you change between seeing the duck or rabbit, or faces or vase, in the illustrations on this page? It takes using your brain and eyes to switch between them.


The brain is the variable here. The meaning and assumptions assigned to different parts allows our brain to take different perspectives on the same image. This is known as visual information processing.


We are able to test these abilities and measure them on age, grade or developmental scales. This additional testing is ordered when one struggles with higher level cognitive thinking such as remembering sequences of directions/events, recalling complex shapes (letters) or poor comprehension. This gives developmental optometry a key role in evaluating those with academic struggles, as well as post-concussion care.


 

Brought to you by:

David A. Hackett, OD, FCOVD

Lifetime Eye Care a division of Sterling Vision

4765 Village Plaza Loop Eugene, Oregon

(541) 342-3100 or 866-4EYELUV sterlingvision.com







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