Fire chat Interview with Drs. Steve Ingersoll and Brad Habermehl

A Fireside Chat with Dr. Steve Ingersoll: Dr. Brad Habermehl sits down with Dr. Steve Ingersoll for an in-depth fireside chat about his remarkable life experience, groundbreaking work, and enduring passions. Join us as Dr. Ingersoll shares his personal journey and offers valuable insights and knowledge from his distinguished career.

Bio:

Dr. Steve Ingersoll, OD, is a behavioral and developmental optometrist known for promoting theories linking vision development with learning processes and neurological conditions such as autism.

Behavioral Optometry and Autism Connections

At professional events such as the OEP Foundation’s “Epigenetic Deflections” course and the Michigan Vision Therapy Study Group conference, Dr. Ingersoll has discussed the concept of “visual competence” as foundational to learning and cognitive development. He posits that ocular motor control and timing in brain development are integral to normal cognitive and language functioning and that deficits in these areas can appear in hyperactivity and autism-spectrum conditions. His lectures argue for early visual assessment by behavioral optometrists to support academic and neurological outcomes.​

In recent interviews—such as A New Lens with Dr. Ben Edwards (June 2025)—Dr. Ingersoll explores the neurological roots of autism, emphasizing how visual system development and neuroplasticity may influence sensory integration and learning differences in autistic individuals.​​

Bio:

Bradley Habermehl, OD, COEP, FOVDR

Dr. Habermehl has been a member of both the Michigan Optometric Association and the American Optometric Association since 1984. He has also been an active member of the contact lens section of the American Optometric Association since 1988.

Neuro-Developmental, Pediatric, and Neuro Sensory Rehabilitation Optometrist. He currently serves as Chief of Vision Therapy Services at Western University College of Optometry in Pomona, California
On October 25, 2003 he was Board Certified in Pediatric Visual Development, Vision Therapy and Rehabilitation by the College of Optometrists in Vision Development (FCOVD). Dr. Habermehl is a Past President of the College of Optometrists in Vision Development.

Many awards have been awarded to Dr. Habermehl. Dr. Habermehl was named Optometrist of the Year in 2011 by the Michigan Optometrist Association. He was named Rotarian of the Year for 1992-1993. He also won this same award two more times (2000-2001 and 2002-2003).

Governor John Engler appointed Bradley to the Michigan State Board of Examiners in Optometry for a term ending June, 1996. He was also reappointed two times by Engler.

Bradley served as the Chairman of the Environmental Vision Committee of the Michigan Optometric Association from 1991 – 1992.

Bradley has been married to his wife, Cindy since July 19, 1986. They have 2 children, Chad and Kylee.