A quiet day in the apartment. Doing visual programs, epsom salt foot bath and working on making our daily routines work smoothly. No sleeping during treatment today, quite some struggling instead.. well done both Olav and Simen!
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Unlocking Vision Potential: Gentle Exercises for Persons with Limited Mobility
When a person faces vision challenges due to cortical visual impairment (CVI), brain injury, or strabismus, parents and helpers often wonder: How can I help this person improve their vision when movement is limited? The good news is that the brain has an amazing ability to adapt and rewire—and with gentle, assisted exercises, you can help anyone strengthen their vision in a way that feels safe, engaging, and even fun!
The Power of Passive Vision Training
Many vision therapy exercises are designed for persons who can actively move their bodies. But for anyone with limited mobility, we simply adapt the approach—shifting from active exercises to gentle, guided movements that stimulate the brain’s visual pathways.
Whether the person you want to help can move their head and eyes freely or needs full assistance, there are creative and meaningful ways to integrate vision training into daily life.
These are some simple, effective strategies we have done with our favourite vision consultant Sal Billing from Canada, and are doing again now when we are here in Mexico:
1. Guided Eye Movement: “Follow the Object”
When Simen has difficulty moving his eyes smoothly, you can help train his tracking abilities by gently guiding his focus.
How to do it:
• Use i.e one coloured sheet of paper or a marker
• Hold the object about 30 cm away from his face and slowly move it left to right, up and down, and diagonally.
• If he struggles to follow, move more slowly and wiggle the object a little bit.
• Keep it fun and pressure-free—if he looks away, simply wait until he is ready again and keep going.
⭐ Why it works: This helps strengthen the brain’s ability to coordinate eye movements, an essential skill for tracking objects, reading, and interacting with the world.
2. Stimulating Visual Awareness: “Exploring the World”
For persons with CVI or reduced visual field awareness, helping them engage with their surroundings can make a huge difference.
How to do it:
• Slowly turn his head to help him scan different parts of the room.
• Try talking about what you see: “Look, there’s a black bird on your left!”
⭐ Why it works: This encourages the brain to process and react to new visual stimuli, improving attention and visual field awareness over time.
3. Hand-Eye Coordination: “Point and Play”
Even if Simen has very limited hand movement, he can still practice visual coordination in small but meaningful ways.
How to do it:
• Hold two pictures, or objects at different distances and encourage him to look or point at them.
• Guide his hand towards an object so he associate movement with what he sees.
⭐ Why it works: This strengthens connections between vision and movement, even if the movement is assisted.
4. Strengthening Depth Perception: “The Magic String”
For persons with strabismus (crossed eyes) or depth perception challenges, simple binocular vision exercises can help their brain learn to use both eyes together.
How to do it:
• Use the markers with different colores and hold them at different distances.
• Encourage him to focus on near vs. far objects while describing them.
• If he struggles, use contrast and movement to draw attention.
⭐ Why it works: This trains the brain to coordinate both eyes, helping with focus, depth perception, and eye alignment.
5. Passive Vestibular Stimulation: “Seeing in Motion”
The balance system and vision are deeply connected. Even gentle movement can help train visual stability.
How to do it:
• If safe, gently tilt his head or reposition them to introduce different perspectives.
• Wiggle him when sitting in a soft cushion to encourage balance-related vision processing.
• Play calming music and use slow, rhythmic movements to keep it comfortable.
⭐ Why it works: This strengthens the brain’s ability to stabilize vision, which helps with focus and visual-spatial awareness.
Making It Part of Everyday Life
The key to success? Consistency, patience, and playfulness! Vision training doesn’t have to feel like therapy—it can be part of daily routines.
Hope, Growth, and Possibility
As a helper and friend you are Simen´s greatest advocate—and even small, daily efforts can create big changes in his vision development. The brain is adaptable, and with love, patience, and the right strategies, he can build stronger visual connections at his own pace.
❤️ Our potential is limitless—one small step at a time. ❤️
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Epsom Salt Foot Baths: Benefits and How They Work
Epsom salt foot baths have been used for centuries as a natural remedy for relaxation and various health benefits. Epsom salt, or magnesium sulfate, dissolves in warm water, allowing magnesium to be absorbed through the skin. But what exactly can an Epsom salt foot soak do for you?
1. Soothes Sore Muscles and Reduces Pain
Magnesium plays a key role in muscle function and relaxation. An Epsom salt foot bath may help relieve sore, achy feet, making it especially beneficial for those who easily get cramps, stand for long hours, athletes, or individuals with conditions like plantar fasciitis.
2. Reduces Stress and Promotes Relaxation
Magnesium is known to support nervous system function and reduce stress. Soaking your feet in warm water with Epsom salt can promote a sense of calm and help you unwind after a long day.
3. Improves Circulatio
The warmth of the foot bath itself encourages blood flow, which can help reduce swelling and improve overall circulation. This is particularly beneficial for people with cold feet or mild circulatory issues.
4. Helps with Foot Odor and Skin Health
Epsom salt has mild antibacterial and antifungal properties, making it a great addition to foot care routines. It can help reduce foot odor and soften rough skin, making it easier to remove calluses.
5. May Support Detoxification
Some proponents suggest that Epsom salt baths help draw out toxins through the skin. While scientific evidence is limited, many people report feeling refreshed and revitalized after a soak.
How to Make an Epsom Salt Foot Bath
1. Fill a basin or tub with warm water (enough to cover your feet).
2. Add ½ to 1 cup of Epsom salt and stir to dissolve.
3. Soak your feet for 15–30 minutes.
4. Pat dry and apply moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated.
Who Should Be Cautious?
While Epsom salt foot baths are generally safe, people with diabetes, open wounds, or severe circulation issues should consult a doctor before using them.