The Hart chart can be utilized for a variety of activities. It can be beneficial for skills such as saccades, tracking, and accommodation.
The first, most simple activity would be to have the patient read the chart row by row. This method will work on tracking. The patient must keep their spot the same way they would if they were reading a book. This can be done patched or unpatched, depending on the goal for that specific patient.
Another activity option using the Hart chart is column jumping. This activity combines different visual skills into one activity. The patient reads two columns at a time, having their eyes bounce between them. The bouncing back-and-forth action is helpful with saccadic eye movements. The component of this activity that involves keeping track of what letter and column they are on is helpful with tracking. Column jumping can be performed starting with the two outside columns of the heart chart and working your way into the innermost columns, or it can be done the opposite way of starting with the innermost columns and working your way out to the outermost columns.
Hart Chart can be used for accommodation with an activity called near far Hart chart. The patient holds a small letter chart in their hand and places a large letter chart a few feet away in front of them. They complete this activity by first reading the top row on the small chart and then shifting their focus to the larger chart farther away and reading the first row. They will continue down the chart, going back and forth between charts. The changing of focus is what plays a role in the accommodation aspect.
There are many other ways to use Hart charts to benefit patients undergoing vision therapy. These are the big three. Hart charts are very useful for patients of all ages and capabilities.
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