The Hidden System Behind Performance: Functional Vision Training with Dr. Bryce Appelbaum

Behind every great movement is a trained visual system. Your eyes aren’t just for seeing — they’re tools for balance, reaction, and control. When they’re not working in sync with your brain and body, everything from focus to performance suffers.

In this episode of The Ready State Podcast, Dr. Bryce Appelbaum — a neuro-optometrist specializing in functional vision — joins Juliet and Kelly Starrett to break down how your visual system drives everything from reaction time to recovery. He explains how training the eyes and brain together can improve coordination, balance, and focus under pressure. Whether you’re coming back from a concussion or looking to level up your athletic edge, this episode will open your eyes to the hidden system behind performance.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode What functional vision training is (and how it differs from standard eye exams)
Why vision is a skill — not just a sense
How concussions and screen time can disrupt your visual system
The surprising ways vision affects posture, balance, and coordination
Practical tools to improve visual endurance and reaction time
How athletes can train their eyes like any other muscle Why vision issues are often misdiagnosed as ADHD

For more info, follow Dr. B on Instagram. Check out ScreenFit and learn to alleviate screen fatigue and eye strain. Dr. B. has generously offered TRS Podcast listeners $200 OFF the program with code TRS, discount automatically applied HERE.

Key Highlights: 

00:00 – Intro
01:48 – Vision Misunderstandings
05:14 – Training Eyesight Without Glasses
10:27 – Identifying Children’s Vision Problems
15:44 – Causes of Reading Fatigue
18:54 – Increasing Vision Changes Trends
23:33 – Healthy Vision Training Routine
27:35 – Sponsor: Momentous
30:29 – Sponsor: LMNT
32:45 – Duration for Effective Vision Training
38:02 – Secrets to Regular Bowel Movements
44:06 – Understanding Concussions
50:30 – Getting Help for Concussions
53:20 – Functional Vision as a Competitive Advantage
56:20 – Finding Dr. Bryce

Sponsors

This episode of The Ready State Podcast is brought to you by LMNT, our go-to electrolyte drink — now in sparkling 12oz cans! Whether you’re post-workout, need a mid-afternoon boost, or just want something refreshing, these new flavors hit the spot: Lemonade Salt, Pineapple Salt, Orange Salt, and Black Cherry.
👉 Stay hydrated, stay salty, and get a free sample pack with your order HERE.

•••

This episode of The Ready State Podcast is brought to you by Momentous, our trusted source for high-quality, NSF-certified supplements. If you’re new to supplementation or just want to cover the essentials, start with the Momentous 3 — a simple, science-backed combo of protein, creatine, and omega-3s that supports recovery, muscle health, and long-term brain function. These are the foundation of any solid nutrition routine.
👉 Use code TRS and and save up to 35% at checkout!

 

Add to favorites

View Original Article