v1.0 · Beta Release · Grounded in Doctoral Research
A shared framework for the visual performance gap.
Teachers, occupational therapists, and vision professionals all share responsibility for identifying visual performance impairments — yet each role brings different training and different words. The Visual Performance Assessment (VPA™) is a five-level, observation-based framework that gives every discipline a common language.
Built by Jeff Foster, OTR/L from 25 years of clinical practice and an active line of doctoral research (Foster, in progress) on teacher and OT competencies in inclusive classrooms. Read the research →
Shipped in v1.0
VPA™ Manual v1.0, Quick Guide, VML Mini, and the FAST SCREEN — used in Jeff's practice and taught in his live courses.
In Active Refinement
Terminology consistency, citation pass, pilot data on the FAST SCREEN, and a second-reviewer clinical read. Targeting v1.1 in 2026.
On the Roadmap
Interactive web version of the FAST SCREEN, VPA™ Foundations course, and a practitioner certification track.
A note on scope. VPA™ is a clinical reasoning framework and screening tool — not a diagnostic instrument. It's designed to help OTs connect visual performance to real-world function and to structure referrals to developmental optometry when indicated.
Three ways to assess
From a 5-minute flag to a full clinical battery.
One shared five-level framework — three depths of assessment. Start with the free screener, upgrade to Mini for unlimited use, or run the Full VPA™ for comprehensive evaluation with optional standardized-score entry.
Free · Fast Screener
VPA™ Fast Screener
5–10 min · 8 tasks · PASS / FLAG
- • Performance-based screening tasks
- • On-screen worksheets + printable packet
- • Referral triggers per Manual v1.0
- • Great for classroom or intake use
Mini VPA™
Mini VPA™
8–12 min · 12 tasks · Clear / Monitor / Refer
- • 12-task performance battery, Levels 1–4
- • Interactive tablet worksheets + printable packet
- • Branded PDF reports
- • Unlimited assessments on subscription
Full VPA™ · Recommended
Full VPA™
25–35 min · 20 subtests · Levels 0–4
- • 20 original performance subtests across all five levels
- • Auto-referral triggers (NPC, diplopia, near acuity)
- • Optional manual entry for MVPT-4, Beery VMI, TVPS-4, DEM from your own licensed kits
- • Clinical-grade branded PDF reports
A note on standardized instruments. MVPT-4, Beery VMI, TVPS-4, and DEM are copyrighted, Level-B assessments. The Full VPA™ does not reproduce their stimuli, items, or norms — it provides an optional section for clinicians to enter scores from their own licensed kits into the same report.
The Philosophy
Vision is more than 20/20.
Children can pass a screening and still struggle to read, write, catch a ball, or attend to instruction. VPA™ helps clinicians connect the dots — from ocular mechanics to classroom performance — so intervention actually targets the underlying skill.
The Four Domains
A framework that spans mechanics to occupation.
Visual Efficiency
How the eyes work together to gather information — acuity, accommodation, binocularity, and ocular motor control.
Visual Processing
How the brain interprets visual input — attention, discrimination, memory, and spatial reasoning.
Visual Motor Integration
How visual input translates into coordinated movement — handwriting, copying, and motor tasks.
Functional Integration
How visual performance shows up in real occupations — classroom, community, self-care, and play.
Who We're Looking For
Building the VPA™ with the people who will use it.
The next 12 months of VPA™ are being shaped in partnership with the field — not in isolation. If any of these describe you, we want to hear from you.
Practicing Clinicians
OTs and OTAs willing to pilot the framework on their caseload and share what works and what doesn't.
University Faculty
OT/OTA programs interested in integrating VPA™ concepts into a course, lab, or fieldwork experience.
Research Partners
Faculty and clinicians interested in co-authoring on validation, outcomes, and clinical use cases.
v1.0 Feedback Loop
Help shape v1.1.
If you've read the manual, used the FAST SCREEN with a real kid, or spotted something that could be sharper — tell us. Every piece of practitioner feedback is logged and considered for the next revision.
Manual notes
Unclear language, missing citations, or a section that didn't land in practice.
FAST SCREEN pilots
Cases where it flagged something useful — or missed something it shouldn't have.
Framework gaps
A population, setting, or scenario the four domains don't yet account for.
VPA™ Updates
Get updates as the VPA™ grows.
VPA™ v1.0 is already available. Join the updates list for pilot cohorts, the framework guide, VPA™ Foundations course, and v1.1 release notes.