While we were looking for reading intervention programs for our children, we learned that a condition called visual processing disorder can also cause difficulties with reading, among other things. Once I learned more about visual processing disorder, I wondered why children aren't being screened for this condition early on. Apparently in other countries it's standard practice. What is auditory processing? It goes beyond how clearly an eye can see or not. It is about how well (or not) the brain processes visual information it receives from the eyes. It turns out it is a fundamental function that can affect a person's learning and ability to visually take in everything around you. ** By the way, auditory processing is a related condition that operates similarly but it's an ear-to-brain connection instead. More on that under a separate review of an amazing auditory processing specialist, Dr. Bea Braun ** We found out about Dr. Beth Ballinger through a special education professional who stated she was THE absolute authority in this field, and I cannot possibly overstate how true this is. She not only has decades of experience; she can also tie it into how this presents specific challenges for someone. She also happens to be a fierce advocate for the special needs community. Dr. Ballinger has given us invaluable references to other specialists who are also advocates. Dr. Ballinger and her team have been a godsend for our family. She has a solid, experienced team that performs the visual therapy under her direction. They know their stuff, they're kind and patient, and keep the lessons as engaging as possible. Her front office staff is also fantastic and they are wonderful with scheduling and insurance claims. This is truly an amazing team! Knowing what I know now, I think it's important for all children's visual processing systems to be screened early on. Consider this my PSA for all parents, especially those with kids who have special needs/sensory processing issues. Visual processing screening should be standard practice. Thank you, Dr. Ballinger! read more

I can't even begin to fully articulate how grateful I am for Dr. Ballinger and the rest of the staff at Newport Beach Developmental Optometry Group. I have struggled with a lot of different challenges throughout my life and I've essentially been pinballed from specialist to specialist, left with little answers and usually more questions. The puzzle pieces of my life have finally been coming together after 30 years. Dr. Ballinger didn't just run tests, she took the time to help me understand what my results actually mean and how they've been affecting me and what steps can be taken next to lessen the burden and barriers these challenges have created internally and externally. For the first time, I feel seen and validated rather than dismissed. If you've been struggling and no one has been able to give you answers, I can't recommend this office enough. I feel forever indebted to everyone here read more

This review IS MANY YEARS OVERDUE! Dr. Beth Bellinger treated our son, Bernie over 25 years ago. He had just been diagnosed with dyslexia and his reading specialist, Dr. Bruno suggested eye training along with OG approach reading sessions. Having no knowledge about this field, we were willing to try anything. As has been said, Dr. Bellinger's methods were exciting and novel. Bernie was excited to work during her sessions and at home strengthening his vision. Some may say that eye therapy does not work for dyslexia, but for once he was succeeding. We were told her methods were also used for professional athletes such as baseball and golf. Bernie loved pitching, playing short stop, and enjoyed time on the golf range. So, we finally found a match. The reason I've paused today to write this review is that going through Bernie's childhood memory box was a packet from Dr. Bellinger's office of exercises to do at home and some tools to work with. I've meant to return this packet years ago, but they got stuck in his closet box. So in closing, I highly recommend Dr. Bellenger for Eye therapy. But, I will caution anyone seeking care for dyslexia to talk with her first and do your homework. Because of our son's diagnosis and care given by Dr. Bruno (deceased) and Dr. Bellinger, I returned to school to earn my EdD in Higher Education with a focus on dyslexia. THANK YOU, DR. BELLINGER and DR. BRUNO (Fountain Valley). read more

Short version: Dr. Beth Ballinger is hands down the very best Developmental Optometrist you'll ever find! What are you waiting for? Book that appointment now! More details: Dr. Beth Ballinger and the lovely ladies in her office are absolutely THE best! Everyone is so kind and welcoming. My child and I both felt so cared for. Dr. Beth is patient with her clients, and explains everything along the way in a manner that takes into account the development of the individual tested while providing the caregiver with adequate information. She is meticulous and thorough, yet all the while maintaining a nurturing, playful tone in each segment of her exams. It is very clear that Dr. Beth seeks to bring forth the most accurate assessment possible. read more

Dr. Ballinger and her staff go above and beyond for their patients. We have been doing eye therapy for years for our 11 year old daughter but we just started seeing Dr Ballinger the past 6 months and I have been so impressed with how in depth Dr. Ballinger is, and how she treats the whole child and works with them based off their individual needs. Her staff make therapy fun and engaging and my daughter actually enjoys going in for eye therapy!! I can't recommend Dr. Ballinger and her staff more. They are extremely qualified and professional and I have been so happy with our daughters progress. -Jaclyn read more

This place is all about the money! The 2nd star is for the front desk receptionist, she is wonderful (I'd give her 5 stars but it'd be misleading) and unfortunately stuck dealing with a Dr. that is money first, connection and people last. You'd be better off using a different optometrist. read more

I was very fortunate to come across Dr. Ballinger she is one of a kind. I have never met any Dr. who are so caring like her. She goes far beyond to do what is best for her patient in this case a child. My brother was been by her do to a IEE for school. Dr. Ballinger is not one doctor who will do what school district wants her only priority is what is best for the child. My brother has Down syndrome and she made sure he understood her test and try other ways if she notice he wasn't understanding the language. You normally don't see that many doctors who show that they actually care. If you are looking for someone who will only do what's best and benefits you or your kid I would strongly recommend you see her. She is the very best. Thank you Dr. Ballinger for fighting for my brothers rights at his iep. read more

Great Developmental Optometry Group. Very friendly, and helpful, taking a genuine interest in your children. I've had two children use their services and they have been there with testing, school meetings, etc. I'm very appreciative of their professional courtesy and genuine concern. read more

SPARE YOUR EYES AND DO NOT GO HERE. I made a VERY BIG mistake. It's a shady little hole in the wall with dated equipment and a very smelly office with cheap vegas-like Grecian decorations (wtf???) and a mean/bitter staff. Dr. Cohn might be knowledgeable about what he is doing, but you're lucky if you get that far after all the sales pitches and perks they try to get you to sign up for to rack up your bill (group therapy for vision??? WTF?). I walked out disgusted, $10 short and with zero knowledge of what the realy problem with my eye check-up was. Please let me spare you the visit, learn from my experience, and do not go here! There are plenty of other (decent) doctors in Newport Beach. I have to now go and do my eye exam all over. All I wanted was a pair of reading glasses. read more

Ok so I came here for an eye appointment for myself and learned about their vision training and their specializing in working with kids/ autistic/ special ed/ TBI. I made sure to make an appointment with Dr Ballinger for my 2 year old son, I did not think there was a way to do a vision check up on a kid but WOW!! She proved me wrong, my son sat there and did all of the little tests she tried which were all age appropriate and even let my son take home a couple of toy cars!! She said he had great vision and to come back in a year or when he starts preschool, when his vision becomes more demanding, he always sits in front of the TV and bangs his head on corners but she said that it is due to his being 2 and too distracted by what he is doing. WHEW! what a relief!! When I asked about ordering contacts for myself it turns out that the other Dr, Dr Cohn usually does contact lens patients but hey both see all ages and do vision training. I definitely recommend 100% especially if you have young kids, there is a train set and blocks in the lobby for the kids also, I had to pull my son away from the choo-choo when it was time for his exam! read more

I've been going to NB Developmental Optometry Group for over a year now, and I'm a huge fan! I suffered a concussion and was having major problems with reading, looking computers, driving long distances and concentrating in general. Working with their excellent team of Vision Therapists has been great. I've seen improvement across the board and would recommend them to anyone. read more

No stars. Poor communication and not very warm or personable. I felt like just another $!