From a childhood experience with broken glasses to becoming a leading neuro optometrist, Dr. Alex Conley’s journey is one of empathy, expertise, and a profound commitment to enhancing lives through vision care. Dr. Conley, OD, FOVDRA, is a board-certified therapeutic optometrist and optometric glaucoma specialist in Texas. His affiliations include the American Optometric Association, the Texas Optometric Association, and the InfantSee Public Health Program. He is also a Fellow of the Optometric Vision Development and Rehabilitation Association, showcasing his dedication to the field.
The Spark: An Early Understanding of Vision Needs
Dr. Conley’s path to optometry was uniquely paved by a childhood incident that instilled in him a deep understanding of the importance of clear vision and the challenges faced by those reliant on corrective eyewear. He recounts his first day of high school, a daunting experience made worse by being the smallest in his class and newly fitted with glasses. An encounter with a classmate, which resulted in his first pair of glasses being broken, wasn’t just a moment of youthful conflict, but a formative experience. “I didn’t know it then, but this experience made me develop a new empathy for people that are dependent on glasses,” Dr. Conley reflects. This early realization of the vulnerability and dependence associated with vision correction subtly guided him towards his future profession.
College and the Discovery of Vision Therapy
Entering Wichita State University as a Biology major with a focus on BioMedical technology in 2006, Dr. Conley was on a pre-med track, but still searching for his specific calling. Upon graduating in 2010, he explored various career paths through shadowing experiences. It was during this period of exploration that he encountered Dr. Patrick Pirotte, an optometrist specializing in Vision Therapy at Child and Family Eyecare in Wichita, KS. This introduction to vision therapy was transformative.
Dr. Conley vividly remembers shadowing Dr. Pirotte with a young patient, a 10-year-old boy recently diagnosed with ADHD. The boy’s parents sought a second opinion, concerned about the diagnosis due to his classroom disruptions, reading avoidance, and behavioral issues. Dr. Pirotte’s comprehensive examination revealed a vision problem as the root cause of the boy’s struggles. “The biggest impact was he took the time to show and explain what was wrong with his vision and how his vision could have such a strong negative impact on the boy’s life,” Dr. Conley recalls. Witnessing the boy’s remarkable improvement after vision therapy – enhanced reading skills, improved grades, and a complete turnaround in classroom behavior – solidified Dr. Conley’s career path. He found his passion in optometry, specifically in helping patients overcome vision-related challenges that significantly impacted their lives.
Optometry School and Specialization in Neuro-Optometry
Driven by a desire for a unique educational experience, Dr. Conley chose Interamerican University of Puerto Rico for his optometry studies in 2012. He embraced the challenge of learning Spanish while pursuing his doctorate, graduating with his OD degree in 2016. His commitment to specialized knowledge led him to complete a residency at North Eastern State University, Oklahoma College of Optometry, focusing on family practice with an emphasis on ocular disease and vision therapy.
Following his residency in 2017, Dr. Conley moved to North Fort Worth to dedicate his career to neuro-optometry. Working part-time at multiple vision rehabilitation practices exposed him to a diverse range of patients and diagnoses. He observed a significant gap in care for individuals with neurological conditions affecting vision, particularly stroke and concussion patients. Initially associating vision therapy primarily with children, Dr. Conley realized the profound need for neuro-optometric care across all ages. He found fulfillment in working with a diverse patient population, from young children to the elderly, tailoring his approach to each age group’s unique needs and experiences.
Current Dedication to Neuro-Vision Rehabilitation
Today, Dr. Conley is a passionate advocate for neuro-vision rehabilitation. He emphasizes addressing the often-overlooked visual needs of patients with neurological and binocular vision disorders. In partnership with like-minded professionals, his practice is committed to providing accessible and effective vision therapy options. Understanding the investment involved in vision therapy, they strive to offer various solutions to ease the burden on patients and their families. Dr. Conley is also pursuing a fellowship certification with the College of Optometrists and Vision Development, further solidifying his expertise in the field. His driving motivation remains constant: “helping you see and enjoy the world!” As a dedicated Neuro Doctor, Dr. Conley combines personal experience, extensive training, and genuine compassion to provide exceptional vision care and improve the quality of life for his patients.
