If your family uses the Family Empowerment Scholarship for Students with Unique Abilities (FES-UA) through Step Up For Students, a little planning before your child’s first appointment can save you stress later. Here’s how to estimate what you’ll need, reserve your funds, and avoid an unexpected gap in your child’s care at Hope Vision Development Center.
Step 1: Know what your child’s care will cost
Every child starts with an evaluation. Some also need a second evaluation, depending on what Dr. Toler finds.
Evaluations
Binocular Vision Evaluation: $295
Visual Processing Evaluation: $195, only if Dr. Toler recommends it
Doctor conference: included
If vision therapy is recommended, the session rate depends on who provides it:
Vision therapy, per session
With a vision therapist: $175
With Dr. Toler: $225
Step 2: Estimate your total for the program
Vision therapy runs in units of 11 weekly sessions, each followed by a progress exam with the doctor. Most patients complete two units over about six months.
Therapy planWith a vision therapistWith Dr. Toler1 unit (11 sessions) + Progress Exam$2,100$2,7002 units (22 sessions) + Progress Exams$4,200$5,400
These are estimates. Your child’s plan is based on their evaluation, and our Patient Care Coordinator will confirm it with you.
Tip: add your evaluation fee to the first unit’s estimate. That’s the amount to have available before therapy starts.
Step 3: Reserve your funds in the Step Up Marketplace
Families using Step Up funds need to reserve the right amount of funding for their child’s services before appointments. Step Up For Students has a short video that walks you through it:
▶ Finding Providers & Services in the Marketplace (Families), Step Up For Students 2026–2027
Watch it once, then complete your reservation for Hope Vision Development Center before your child’s appointment(s).
Step 4: Keep an eye on your balance
Step Up funding changes as services are used, so check your available balance throughout your child’s program, especially near the end of each unit.
Step 5: Call us before funds run out
If you think your Step Up funds won’t cover your child’s upcoming sessions, contact our Patient Care Coordinator before your funds are used up. We’ll set up payment arrangements so your child’s scheduled care isn’t interrupted. Consistency matters in vision therapy, and missed weeks can slow progress.
Quick checklist
☐ Review your Step Up account balance
☐ Estimate your total using the table above
☐ Watch the Step Up Marketplace video
☐ Reserve funds for Hope Vision before your first appointment
☐ Check your balance as each unit ends
☐ Call us early if your funds may run short
Questions?
Our Patient Care Coordinator is happy to help:
Phone: 352-243-4673
Email: pcc@hopevdc.com
Hours: Mon–Thu 8:30 am – 5:00 pm, Fri 8:30 am – 12:00 pm
For all the details in one place, see our How to Reserve Your FES-UA Funds page. New to FES-UA? Start with our Homeschool & FES-UA page.
Ready to begin? Request an evaluation and let us know you’re using FES-UA.
Fees and Step Up For Students steps can change each school year. Contact our office for current details.