Can ADHD and Dyslexia REALLY Be Cured with Vision Training? How Retraining the Eye-Brain Connection Transforms Reading, Focus, Concussion Recovery & Peak Performance — with Dr. Bryce Appelbaum

Ben Greenfield

Sep 18, 2025

Episode description

In this episode with Dr. Bryce Appelbaum, you'll get to explore how hidden vision problems often masquerade as dyslexia, ADD, or ADHD—and how his vision therapy retrains the eye-brain connection to transform reading, focus, coordination, and even recovery from concussions. You'll also discover how his testing and training methods, from intensives to at-home programs, not only restore confidence in struggling readers like my wife Jessa but also sharpen performance for athletes and optimizers seeking a competitive edge.

Dr. Bryce Appelbaum is a board-certified neuro-optometrist and recognized leader in vision therapy, specializing in retraining the eye-brain connection to unlock human potential. Through his practice, MyVisionFirst (you can use code BGL to save 10% off selected products), and his groundbreaking online program ScreenFit (you can use code BGL to save $200), he helps patients overcome post-concussion visual challenges, developmental delays tied to dyslexia and ADHD, and the visual stress created by modern screen habits. His work goes beyond restoring function—he equips individuals with the visual tools to read, learn, and focus with confidence.

Dr. Appelbaum has also become a sought-after expert in performance vision training, working with hundreds of professional and Olympic athletes in the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, MLS, and more. From golfers, tennis players, and race car drivers to Olympic fencers,

Mindsip insights from this episode:

Utilize exogenous ketones to support eye health

Because the eyes are an extension of the brain, anything good for the brain, like exogenous ketones, is also great for the eyes.

#eyes

#supplement

Reverse age-related farsightedness with intensive training

Contrary to common belief, age-related farsightedness (presbyopia) can be stopped or even reversed with intensive training protocols that reboot the brain's connection with the eyes.

#aging

#vision

Implement at-home vision training with ScreenFit program

The ScreenFit program is a do-it-yourself, at-home vision training course designed to teach the specific visual skills needed for reading, learning, and life.

#DIY

#vision

Rule out vision issues before diagnosing ADD or ADHD

A diagnosis of ADD, ADHD, or dyslexia should not be made without first ruling out or addressing functional vision problems, which can present with the exact same symptoms.

#ADHD

#vision

Address vision issues to improve dyslexia outcomes

Dyslexia is often not a brain language processing issue but a functional vision problem where the eyes don't work together as a team.

#vision

Recognize vision impact in all head injuries

In 100% of head injury cases, from concussions to TBIs, vision is involved because more of the brain is dedicated to processing vision than all other senses combined.

#concussion

#vision

Develop vision skills through life experiences

The ability to use our eyes to track, focus, converge, or see in 3D is not innate but is developed through life experiences and developmental milestones.

#vision

Reduce screen time to combat vision problems in children

The modern increase in screen time is a primary driver of functional vision problems, with one in four children now having an issue significant enough to impact learning.

#screen-time

#vision

Utilize Digital Performance Lenses to enhance eye synergy

Digital Performance Lenses (DPLs) are therapeutic glasses that relax the focusing system to improve synergy, acting as training wheels for your eyes rather than a crutch.