From Surviving Strabismus to Building Awareness: Michael Lievens’ Vision Therapy Journey

Denise introduces Michael Lievens, whose website strabismusworld.com was one of the very few blogs available when she began her own vision therapy journey. Following Michael’s experience helped her feel less alone as she navigated vision therapy herself.Michael shares how he developed accommodative strabismus at age three due to undetected farsightedness. Despite having “20/20 vision,” he struggled functionally and ultimately underwent three eye surgeries, which left him with constant double vision. With no resources available in his native Dutch, Michael began searching English-language materials and eventually discovered vision therapy (and Susan Barry's book, Fixing My Gaze), marking a turning point in his journey.In 2017, Michael founded a Belgian nonprofit organization focused on strabismus awareness and education. One of its major projects was translating Fixing My Gaze into Dutch. He also created the Dutch-language website scheelzien.org, a Dutch YouTube channel, and Facebook communities in both Dutch and English. His organization hosts annual patient meetups, inviting VTODs (vision therapy optometrists) to share information and connect directly with patients.Proceeds from the Dutch translation are now being rolled forward into Michael’s latest project: translating Fixing My Gaze into French. He is also developing a French chapter of his organization to serve the French-speaking regions of Belgium, France, and other French-speaking territories. Michael is deeply passionate about sharing accurate, hopeful information about strabismus and available treatment options.This episode is an honest and thoughtful look at long-term vision challenges, informed choice in care, and the power of patient-led advocacy.Content note: This episode includes discussion of mental health struggles and a past suicide attempt.Support the French translation of Fixing My Gaze https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/help-to-translate-fixing-my-gaze-into-frenchWebsite https://strabismusworld.comFacebook Communityhttps://www.facebook.com/search/top/?q=strabismus%20worldConnect with Denise Allen:Website: https://healingmysight.comHealing our Sight Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063570817348If you liked this episode, click here to send me a message. I also appreciate guest and topic suggestions.I'd love to hear from you! Click the "If you liked this episode, CLICK HERE" link above to send me a message. Your comments, questions, guest suggestions, and topic ideas come directly to me as Fan Mail, and I read every message.