By Jonathan Gaspar, COVT
I often work with patients who have been involved in some of accident or injury that may have impaired their quality of life. While there will always be exceptions to the rule, I have noticed that people usually fall into two categories: those with a positive outlook and those with a negative one. Sure, both can make progress in a vision therapy program, but their mindset often dictates how we go about it.
Having a positive outlook on after a major setback isn’t an easy thing to do. After doing things a certain way for X amount of years and suddenly that routine not being feasible anymore would take its toll on anyone. Getting back behind the wheel of a car, for instance, is a goal of many of our adult patients. Along the way, however, we have to overcome obstacles like bumping into things while walking around the house, being able to comfortably scan for that favorite cereal at the grocery store or being able to read their favorite books without getting lost on the page. The patient with the positive mindset will see this checklist of things we have to tackle and be elated every time we cross an item off the list. They see where they started vs. where they are now and are content with their progress. They may not be where they are and depending on the severity of their diagnoses (along with other factors) may not be able to reach that end goal. They see where they started vs. where they are now and are content with their progress. The patient with the negative mindset may see the list being checked off but still unhappy because they haven’t reached their end goal of driving again despite their progress.
The point of this is that it is important to keep that positive mindset. It allows one to see the growth and progress one makes throughout their vision therapy program. It gives one the opportunity to appreciate their hard work and the support of those around them. Having that negative mindset ignores all that. I think it makes all the difference in the world in a person’s quality of life post accident/injury. It’s not about the destination, it’s about the journey.