Vision Development of WNY

Your Elma Eye Doctor

980 W Maple Ct Suite 200, Elma, NY

About Us

Vision Development of WNY exists to provide hope and healing for those with;

  • vision-related learning problems
  • traumatic brain injuries
  • strokes

If your eyes aren’t functioning as a team, you can’t focus properly, retain balance, or learn.

Vision Development of WNY focuses on restoring your visual function, learning, and quality of life throughout the Elma, Buffalo, Western New York region, and beyond.

With over four decades of experience, Dr. O’Connor​Dr. Fortuna and their well-trained, caring team utilize non-invasive therapy, education, FUN, and state-of-the-art equipment to help patients achieve their full potential and thus fulfill their dreams and goals.

  • Dry Eyes
  • Comprehensive Eye Exams
  • Contact Lens Exams
  • Emergency Eye Care
  • Myopia Management
  • Pediatric Eye Care
  • Amblyopia Treatment
  • Strabismus Treatment
  • Neuro Optometry
  • Sport Vision
  • Vision Therapy

Location & Hours

Access

  • Onsite Parking
  • Free Parking
  • Wheelchair Accessible

Reviews

  • Top Rated

Our Team

Dr. Dick O'Connor

Dr. Dick O'Connor

The dream that fostered Vision Development of WNY began many years ago, when Dr. Dick O’Connor met a little girl named Beth. Here is his story: I’m often asked why I do what I do for a living and what keeps me working... Show More

The dream that fostered Vision Development of WNY began many years ago, when Dr. Dick O’Connor met a little girl named Beth. Here is his story:

I’m often asked why I do what I do for a living and what keeps me working in Behavioral Optometry. My favorite part of Optometric Vision Therapy is the look on a parent’s face when they “get” that I understand the reason for their child’s underperformance/frustration and that we have a plan that can help.

During clinic rotation in my last year of Optometry school I met Beth. She was nine years old, in third grade for the second time, and failing badly.  We talked. She was sharp and funny, but could not keep up academically. Beth had 20/20 visual acuity, so no one thought the cause of her school problems was due to a vision problem.

My evaluation however revealed significant difficulty using her eyes together when working up close (reading), to the point that she saw double and thought that was normal.

At the end of a six-month Vision Therapy program, Beth jumped into my arms with her report card in hand. It showed two A’s and four B’s. Even more significant to me was the fact than instead of working long hours trying to keep up in school, Beth now had free time for fun and friends.

Beth was a literal ‘eye-opener’ for me. I knew I could never stop doing this work because of all the Beths in the world who deserved a better chance at life.” I’ve come to know it was God calling me to my destiny.

For over 45 years Dr. Dick O’Connor has been restoring hope and vision to families whose loved ones experience learning disabilities, developmental delays, behavioral issues or disorders, concussions or traumatic brain injuries, and strokes.

 

  • He is a 1975 graduate from The Southern College of Optometry.
  • Between 1975-1977, he worked for Dr. Joyce Adema in New Orleans in a large Behavioral Optometry practice, as well as an inner-city health clinic.
  • From 1977-1985 O’Connor operated his own Optometry practice, which offered Primary Care and Behavioral Optometry, in conjunction with his father’s practice – Dick O’Connor Optical.
  • On June 1, 1985 he joined a group practice in East Aurora which later became Aurora Optometric Group, practicing Primary Care and Behavioral Optometry. He continued to practice there until August 31, 2017.
  • On September 1, 2017 O’Connor opened Vision Development of WNY to practice full time Behavioral Optometry.
  • He is a member of the national, state and local American Optometric Associations, College of Vision Development, the Neuro-Optometric Rehabilitation Associations, and the Optometric Extension Program Foundation.
  • O’Connor has served his profession by being a past President of the WNY Optometric Association and Secretary & Fellow of the College of Syntonic Optometry.
  • He has served his community as past President of the Kiwanis of East Aurora and Past President of the Greater East Aurora Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors.
  • With the goal of educating and helping more people, Dr. O’Connor is often invited to speak to groups of physical therapists, occupational therapists, teachers, and nurses at universities, schools, and hospitals.
  • Family Friendly
  • Accepting New Patients
Dr. Alyssa Fortuna

Dr. Alyssa Fortuna

Dr. Alyssa Fortuna’s passion for Vision Therapy grew when she shadowed Dr. O’Connor before applying for Optometry School. “This passion grew even more after I was hired to work as a Vision Therapist at Dr. O’Connor’s and I began to... Show More

Dr. Alyssa Fortuna’s passion for Vision Therapy grew when she shadowed Dr. O’Connor before applying for Optometry School. “This passion grew even more after I was hired to work as a Vision Therapist at Dr. O’Connor’s and I began to see the kids lives change first hand! I remember the Moms saying Dr. O’Connor gave them answers they couldn’t find anywhere else. Their children weren’t stupid or lazy as many people had labeled them – they simply had a vision problem which could be helped. We can train the eye-brain connection to help the eyes function better as a team and to intake information more efficiently in order to be processed more effectively.

Dr. Alyssa is a proud graduate of SUNY Optometry class of 2020 where she:

  • Presided as SUNY College of Vision Development (COVD) President 2018-2019 and ran workshops for other students.

Served Internships at:

  • SUNY - Vision Rehabilitation & Head Trauma
  • NYU Langone – Ocular Disease Hospital
  • Buffalo VA – Primary Optometry
  • Received the Excellence in Vision Therapy award in May 2020 due to her contributions to the patients and the clinic.

 

  • Family Friendly
  • Accepting New Patients

Patient Reviews

We had an amazing experience with Vision Therapy of WNY! Our 10-year-old son was struggling with reading and focus, and after working with the team here, we’ve seen such a... Show More
We had an amazing experience with Vision Therapy of WNY! Our 10-year-old son was struggling with reading and focus, and after working with the team here, we’ve seen such a remarkable improvement. The therapists were so patient and made each session fun, engaging, and tailored to his needs. Not only has his reading improved, but his confidence and concentration have as well. We couldn’t be more grateful for the dedicated and compassionate staff at Vision Therapy of WNY who supported him every step of the way. Highly recommend to any parent considering vision therapy for their child!
- Carol H. 2 weeks ago
Vision Development of WNY has absolutely transformed the life of my child. Their staff are patient, kind and always adapting to the energy and needs of the child when it... Show More
Vision Development of WNY has absolutely transformed the life of my child. Their staff are patient, kind and always adapting to the energy and needs of the child when it comes to their care. They love what they do and the patients they serve. We just completed our 36 weeks and my son no longer has double vision and his behavior has improved dramatically. He is better able to focus in class and in instructional environments. Vision Therapy was what worked when all doctors could not help us or tell us what was wrong. Do not let the price scare you, it is worth every dollar and there are resources available to help if you know where to look. Through donations, grants, and help from friends, family and organizations we were able to get services covered in full. I encourage you, if you are questioning at least do yourself a favor and have the evaluation, if not only to get answers that doctors may be missing. Our eye doctor missed my son's issue completely! Overall, I can not praise this facility enough. They are not just clinicians to us anymore, we consider them family.
- D H. 2 months ago
Best place…. We recommend
- Vijaya M. 6 months ago
I can’t express enough how grateful I am for everything you did for my son. Everyone at Vision Therapy of WNY has been so supportive and kind. I will miss... Show More
I can’t express enough how grateful I am for everything you did for my son. Everyone at Vision Therapy of WNY has been so supportive and kind. I will miss you all when my son is finished. Kathy and the team has worked miracles. To hear your son say “Mom I can see that now” is priceless. He is doing better in school and I’ve seen his confidence grown these past 8 months. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart. This has been a wonderful experience!!
- Lyndsy P. 7 months ago
My son recently graduated from Vision Development, and they have completely changed his life. When he first started he was diagnosed with 5 different vision issues. He could... Show More
My son recently graduated from Vision Development, and they have completely changed his life. When he first started he was diagnosed with 5 different vision issues. He could not focus his eyes, had no depth perception, and extremely limited peripheral vision. Due to this he was unable to read, and school was a constant struggle with emotional breakdowns most mornings because he didn't want to go. After working with Dr. O'Connor, Dr. Alyssa, and Mrs. Kathy my son has gone from a kindergarten reading level to mid- 2nd grade level in 3 months (he is currently in 4th grade). He loves going to school and is now excelling in all subjects. My son was in a 12-1-1 classroom due to his struggles and is now transitioning to an ICT classroom. All of the people who work there are very kind, compassionate, and truly care about their patients. My son would walk in there for every appointment and give hugs to everyone. If your child is struggling in school do not hesitate to get a consultation at Vision Development. I never knew my son had a vision issue until extensive testing was done on him at school due to his educational struggles. In just a matter of 10 months Vision Development has completely changed my son's life. I can't imagine what his life would be like if it wasn't for the amazing work they do.
- Vanessa E. 7 months ago
Our son has been seeing Dr. O’Connor and Ms. Kathy for Optometric Vision Therapy and recently graduated from the program. We can’t say enough about the staff! They are wonderfully... Show More
Our son has been seeing Dr. O’Connor and Ms. Kathy for Optometric Vision Therapy and recently graduated from the program. We can’t say enough about the staff! They are wonderfully positive, responsive, thoughtful and knowledgeable. We were always greeted with a smile and they made us all feel welcomed. Our son has made significant and notable improvements in his vision. He once suffered from frequent headaches, fatigue and irritability after a day of school. Since receiving Optometric Vision Therapy, he has learned to retrain his brain and eyes to function properly together. His headaches are far and few between, he’s not exhausted after a normal day of school and he’s not irritable due to the headaches and exhaustion. Our family is thankful for the staff at Vision Development Of WNY. They have truly made a lifelong difference in our sons life.
- Theresa G. 7 months ago
Optometric vision therapy
- Kelly V. 8 months ago
I can't say enough good things about Vision Development of WNY. My first son started seeing Dr.O'Connor in 2001 for double vision. The experience was so wonderful and helpful we... Show More
I can't say enough good things about Vision Development of WNY. My first son started seeing Dr.O'Connor in 2001 for double vision. The experience was so wonderful and helpful we brought our second son in 2010 and he was diagnosed with a constricted visual field. The light therapy and eye therapy was so beneficial that both boys caught up and surpassed their classmates in reading and went on to make the honor roll in school. Fast forward to 2023 and we noticed our granddaughter was showing similar issues. We trust Dr.O'Connor and his staff so much we returned and she also had a constricted visual field. Before therapy we were having challenges with attention span and focus, driving in the car, closing one eye and meltdowns. Within a month she was able to sit still and color, watch TV and ride in the car.She also received the award at school for most improved.I would highly recommend Vision Development of WNY to anyone especially children before starting school. The ability to read is the best gift we can give our children.
- Katie R. 8 months ago
Dr. Richard O'Connor and Kathy Humphrey are beyond fantastic. They go above and beyond to help each patient. What they did for me was incredible ! I am forever grateful... Show More
Dr. Richard O'Connor and Kathy Humphrey are beyond fantastic. They go above and beyond to help each patient. What they did for me was incredible ! I am forever grateful for the vision therapy I received. Can't thank them enough!!
- Carrie S. 9 months ago
Wonderful kind staff who truly care about their patients. Not just their vision treatment, but a very holistic approach. Their optometric vision therapy is wonderful!
- nathan p. 9 months ago