Visual disturbances?

My son, age 6 1/2, has asked me several times in the past few months about "floats" (his word) that he sees.  He described them to me as black and white spots that take the shape of people or objects, usually scary.  He knows they are not real, and he can't tell me a particular time or place that he sees them.  He tells me about them matter-of-factly and at first assumed I knew what they were.

Medical background is that he has sensory integration disorder and had eye surgery over a year ago to correct strabismus.  He has also seen a licensed play therapist off and on for the past three years due to mild anxiety.  The therapist does not believe these floats are a symptom of a psychological issue, but it is chilling to hear him describe the floats.

Also, my dad and sister have migraines in which they have visual disturbances.  However, my son does not report headaches, dizziness, etc. with or without the floats.  What health-care professional would be best to consult in this situation?

Thanks for your reply!

[Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D.]

I agree with the therapist that this symptoms is not psychological in nature. A pediatric ophthalmologist would be the logical first choice to consult.

[mbtay]

Go to an optometrist that specializes in vision therapy. Have them do a screening. This will cost you around $100. They test about 10 different things.
You might be surprised with what they find.