Vision therapy for homeschool students, with FES-UA.
You see your child read every day. If lessons stall, words seem to swim, or a short reading assignment ends in tears, a hidden vision problem may be part of the reason. Hope Vision is an approved FES-UA provider through Step Up For Students.
You're often the first to notice.
As your child's teacher, you watch them read up close, lesson after lesson. You may see things a school screening never would: losing their place, rereading the same line, rubbing their eyes, or a bright child who suddenly "can't" focus once the book comes out.
A child can pass a vision screening, or already wear glasses, and still have an eye teaming, focusing, or tracking problem that makes reading hard work. Most children assume everyone sees the way they do, so they don't think to complain.
Signs to watch for during lessons
If several of these sound familiar, a Binocular Vision Evaluation will tell you whether vision is part of the picture.
Common signs
- Loses their place or skips lines during read-alouds
- Rereads, or understands less the longer they read
- A short lesson takes far longer than it should
- Headaches or tired eyes after bookwork
- Copies slowly or makes careless errors on worksheets
- Covers or closes one eye to read
- Avoids reading, even books they’re interested in
- Reverses letters or numbers past the expected age
How FES-UA works for homeschool students
The Family Empowerment Scholarship for Students with Unique Abilities (FES-UA) is managed by Step Up For Students. Here's how it typically fits together with care at Hope Vision.
Confirm eligibility
FES-UA is for Florida students with an IEP or a qualifying diagnosis. Home-educated students need a home education program with a letter of intent filed with their school district.
Request an evaluation
Tell us you're using FES-UA when you request your Binocular Vision Evaluation, and our patient coordinator will explain how payment works.
Doctor conference
Dr. Toler reviews the results and a written plan with you. Included in our fees.
Start therapy, if needed
Our In-Office Training program is an approved service with your FES-UA funds through Step Up For Students.
Scholarship rules, dates, and eligibility are set by Step Up For Students and Florida law, and can change each year. Check the current details on the Step Up For Students FES-UA page.
Therapy that fits your homeschool
Homeschooling gives you flexibility. Vision therapy can use it.
Weekday daytime visits
One-on-one sessions with a trained vision therapist during the school day, when many homeschool families find it easiest to come in.
At-Home Training program
Guided activities you do together at home, monitored by our doctor, with fewer trips to the office.
Doctor progress exams
Dr. Toler re-checks your child's visual skills along the way, so you can see what's improving.
Our evaluation fees
We're a fee-for-service practice and don't bill insurance. FES-UA funds can be used through Step Up For Students. See all programs and fees.
"I have found that a symptom checklist is one of the best tools to uncover if visual skills are adversely impacting academic performance."
Questions from homeschool families
Can homeschool students use FES-UA for vision therapy at Hope Vision?
Yes. Hope Vision is an approved FES-UA provider through Step Up For Students. Home-educated students can use FES-UA when they're enrolled in a home education program with a letter of intent filed with their school district. Step Up For Students decides scholarship eligibility, so check your child's status with them.
Does my child need a diagnosis to get FES-UA?
FES-UA requires an IEP or a diagnosis from a qualifying licensed professional, such as a physician or psychologist, under Step Up For Students' rules. Our Binocular Vision Evaluation is separate from that scholarship requirement. It tells you whether a vision problem is affecting reading and learning.
When can we apply for FES-UA?
For the 2026–27 school year, Step Up For Students accepts new applications February 1 through November 15, 2026, and renewals February 1 through April 30, 2026. Dates can change each year, so confirm on the Step Up For Students website.
How do we pay with FES-UA funds?
Payments run through Step Up For Students, either as a direct payment to an approved provider after services are given or as a reimbursement to you. Let us know you're using FES-UA when you request your evaluation, and our patient coordinator will walk you through it.
Can vision therapy fit our homeschool schedule?
Yes. We see patients on weekdays during the day, which often works well for homeschool families, and our At-Home Training program, monitored by our doctor, lets much of the practice happen at home between visits.
How long does vision therapy take?
Therapy runs in units of 11 weekly sessions followed by a progress exam with the doctor. Most patients complete two units or 22 sessions over six months. Your plan is based on your evaluation findings.
Make reading easier at your kitchen table.
Request an evaluation and let us know you're using FES-UA. Our patient coordinator will call you within one business day to schedule.