Vision Is a Brain Process: 20/20 Isn’t the Whole Story

What if some of what looks like distraction, fatigue, brain fog, anxiety, or low motivation is actually visual load? In this episode, Dr. Irena O’Brien and neurooptometrist Dr. Lisa Chow explore the difference between eyesight and vision, and why 20/20 vision is not the whole story, and how visual strain can quietly affect focus, regulation, and everyday functioning.In each episode of Neuroscience of Coaching, host Dr. Irena O’Brien explains the science-based insights behind a particular concept and interviews an expert to discuss how these apply in the real world. Just as she does in her professional programs, Irena “un-complicates” neuroscience and teaches practical, evidence-based tools and strategies that listeners can use in their coaching practices.“Eyesight is clarity. Vision is how well your brain is processing visual information.”  — Dr. Lisa ChowGuest Bio:Dr. Lisa Chow is a neuro-optometrist and founder of The Sight Doctor platform, where she helps people understand that vision is more than just seeing clearly; it is how the brain processes visual information to help us function, focus, perform, and navigate the world.A practicing clinician based in Ontario, Canada, Dr. Chow brings over 15 years of clinical experience and more than 30,000 patient visits to her work. Through her clinical practice, she works with patients experiencing concussion-related vision problems, visual dysfunction, eye teaming and focusing challenges, and other brain-based visual issues that can impact daily life, performance, learning, and recovery.She is passionate about translating complex neuroscience and vision concepts into practical insights that people can apply to modern life, including screen fatigue, mental clarity, cognitive endurance, stress regulation, and overall visual wellness.Dr. Chow's mission is to help people see vision differently: not just as eyesight, but as a key part of how we think, feel, learn, perform, and experience the world.Host Bio:Dr. Irena O'Brien teaches coaches and care professionals how to achieve better results for their clients through neuroscience.She is the founder of Neuroscience School, which helps practitioners understand and apply insights from cutting-edge neuroscience research. She loves seeing her students gain confidence in their ability to evaluate neuroscience findings and use them successfully in their own practices. Her Certificate Program in Neuroscience is certified by the International Coaching Federation (ICF) for Continuing Coaching Education credit.Dr. O'Brien has studied neuroscience for 25 years and holds a Ph.D. in the field from the Université du Quebec à Montréal (UQAM), where she did brain-imaging studies. She completed her postdoctoral fellowship at the Centre for Language, Mind, and Brain at McGill University.Resources mentioned in this episode:MiraseeDr. Irena O'Brien’s website: The Neuroscience SchoolLisa's Instagram: www.instagram.com/drlisachowLisa's Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlisachow/Lisa's Brain Vision community here: https://www.drlisachow.com/community Credits:Host: Dr. Irena O’BrienProducer: Michi LantzAudio Editor: Marvin del RosarioExecutive Producer: Danny InyMusic Soundscape: Chad Michael SnavelyMaking our hosts sound great: Home Brew AudioMusic credits:Track Title: Sneaker SmeakerArtist: Avocado JunkieWriter: Sander KalmeijerPublisher: A SOUNDSTRIPE PRODUCTIONTrack Title: Coo CoosArtist: Dresden, The FlamingoWriter: Matthew WigtonPublisher: A SOUNDSTRIPE PRODUCTIONTrack Title: In This LightArtist: Sounds Like SanderWriter: Sander KalmeijerPublisher: A SOUNDSTRIPE PRODUCTIONSpecial effects credits:24990513_birds-chirping_by_promission used with permission of the author and under license by AudioJungle/Envato Market.To catch the great episodes coming up on Neuroscience of Coaching, please follow us on Mirasee FM's YouTube channelor your favorite podcast player. And if you enjoyed the show, please leave us a comment or a starred review. It’s the best way to help us get these ideas to more people.Episode transcript:  Vision Is a Brain Process: 20/20 Isn’t the Whole Story coming soon.