The 17 Visual Skills You Need to Succeed

Eye Movement Control

The ability to move both eyes together to point at a target or follow a path, like a line of text.

Simultaneous Focus at Far

Forming a clear image of something in the distance.

Sustaining Focus at Far

Keeping an image of something in the distance clear.

Simultaneous Focus at Near

Forming a clear image of something close to the eyes.

Sustaining Focus at Near

Keeping a clear image of something close to the eyes.

Simultaneous Alignment at Far

Lining up both eyes at the same point in the distance.

Sustaining Alignment at Far

Holding both eyes lined up at the same point in the distance.

Simultaneous Alignment at Near

Lining up both eyes at the same point up close.

Sustaining Alignment at Near

Holding both eyes lined up at the same point up close.

Central Vision (Visual Acuity)

This is where "20/20" vision comes in.

Peripheral Vision

Being able to see what's on either side of you while your eyes point forward.

Depth Awareness

Being able to tell things are farther or closer than each other (depth perception).

Color Perception

Being able to tell different colors apart, if not color-blind.

Gross Visual-Motor

Moving through space without bumping into things, using visual information.

Fine Visual-Motor

Writing, sewing, texting, and other close-up tasks with accuracy, using visual information.

Visual Perception

Being aware of your environment and what's happening in your visual field.

Visual Integration

Bringing together vision and your other senses to accomplish complex tasks, like reading while walking a balance beam.