Sports Vision

Studies have shown that the performance of an athlete is for more than 90% dependent on visual performance and that Sports Vision Training can improve performance by a factor of 24%. (Source: United States Air Force Academy) ZIEN Sports Vision Center focuses on research, evaluation and training of the visual system in order to the maximize the improvement in sports performance. Individuele aanpak: High Performance SportsVision Training (HPST) HPST of ZIEN is an individual training program developed by Sports Vision Optometrist Richard L.M. Hoctin Boes, BSc. Optometry. This program is the result of years of experience with SportsVision coaching and training in a variety of sports, such as tennis, hockey, golf, basketball and fencing. It is the only program of its kind. Our HPST offers a variety of exercises and is suitable for all athletes, from amateurs to top professionals. Following completion of the ZIEN High Performance Sports Vision Program, individuals will have a better:


We see depth particularly by making use of binocular disparity. Our eyes are at a certain distance from each other, which makes us view an object from two different angles. The brain use this information to estimate the size and distance.

The measurement of an athlete’s reflex ability. This is the time that an athlete needs between a visual stimulus and the reaction to that stimulus.

Concentration and the ability to focus are two important aspects in sport because loss of concentration can have a big impact on an athlete’s performance. Two elements of concentration are attention and focus. This means that attention is directed at only one activity at a given time. Concentration at the right time is a crucial component of a good sports performance.

Hand – eye coordination is the ability to convert a signal into the correct action. The athlete needs to estimate correctly the position of the ball horizontally, vertically as well as the depth and needs to follow the ball with his/her eyes throughout the movement. Until recently, it was assumed that hand – eye coordination movements are the same, regardless of the direction of movement. This, however, is not the case! Eye movements in the depth are much, much slower than for flat views. The eyes “walk” about 3cm ahead of the arms in order to anticipate movements. They do this in both left-right and up-down directions. The eye needs to explore future positions of the arm, though not too far ahead because one also needs to follow one’s hand.

Timing is closely linked with good hand-eye-foot coordination. The improved training, materials and innovations in pitches and courts has increased the speed of sport tremendously. The correct estimation of the reaction time required has become increasingly more difficult.

Visualization and programming can positively influence the motivation, experience and focus of the training or match. It is all about motivation, learning how to relax and supply energy properly. In addition, the basis of your performance is being able to visualize an optimum performance.

ZIEN Sports Vision optometrists and staff specialize in Sports Vision Performance and work closely with various sports unions, trainers and coaches. After evaluation of the SV Screening, every athlete receives a personal EYE SPORT profile.

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