At the age of 10, I was diagnosed with accommodative insufficiency (AI). I remember how relieved I was to finally get an explanation as to why reading and focusing on classroom boards left me frustrated and fatigued with blurry text and strained eyes, often leading to headaches.

AI brought many challenges, to say the least, but when my ophthalmologist developed strategies to reduce the impacts, I worked very hard to embrace them and I was willing to do whatever was necessary to conquer this condition. Prescription glasses, specialized reading aids, months of vision therapy to strengthen my eye muscles, and ergonomic adjustments in my study environment greatly enhanced my academic experience--and my self-esteem.

The AI tools and methods I have mastered over the years are still essential to my study routine.

Children are often mistakenly diagnosed with ADHD when, in fact, they have AI. With the Accommodative Insufficiency (AI) Foundation, I am committed to raising public awareness and understanding of this condition. My goal is to help as many people as possible overcome the challenges of AI.