Dyslexia
(New Delphi definition – May 2024)
Dyslexia is a set of processing difficulties that affect the acquisition of reading and spelling. The most commonly observed cognitive impairment in dyslexia is a difficulty in phonological processing (i.e. in phonological awareness, phonological processing speed or phonological memory). However, phonological difficulties do not fully explain the variability that is observed. Working memory, processing speed and orthographic skills can contribute to the impact of dyslexia.
Our Consultant Behavioural Optometrist has a specialist interest in Dyslexia, ADHD, ASD, Visual Stress, etc
Common indicators of dyslexia include:
- Slow or effortful reading and writing
- Difficulties with spelling and phonics
- Reduced reading fluency and challenges with structured written expression
- Trouble understanding complex or unfamiliar vocabulary
- Avoidance of reading and writing tasks
It’s important to remember that dyslexia presents differently in every individual. A formal assessment by an educational psychologist or specialist assessor is required for accurate diagnosis.
Colorimetry:
Some individuals may also experience visual discomfort or perceptual distortions when reading. This is known as Visual Stress and may be alleviated by the use of coloured overlays or precision tinted lenses, through a process known as Colorimetry.
While some people experience benefit, these tools do not treat dyslexia itself or improve core reading skills, and not all individuals respond to colour interventions.
Do you have any of these symptoms?
Contact us to find out how we can help?
Visual Stress
Visual stress is sometimes associated with terms like Irlen Syndrome or Scotopic Sensitivity Syndrome. It is associated with visual perceptual distortions and discomfort when viewing text or patterns.
Common symptoms of visual stress may include:
- Movement, blurring, or distortion of print
- Letters appearing to change shape, size, or fade
- Illusions of colour or patterns (e.g., “rivers” of white space, coloured tints, or flickering)
- Difficulty maintaining attention when reading
- Headaches or fatigue associated with reading
- Skipping words or lines
Behavioural Optometry
A Behavioural Optometrist (also known as a Neuro-developmental Optometrist) is a fully qualified optometrist with additional postgraduate training in assessing and managing how visual function affects learning, development, and daily performance.
A standard eye exam primarily focuses on eye health and visual acuity. It is important to have an eye examination prior to or as part of this assessment. Behavioural Optometry examines how effectively the eyes and brain work together especially in dynamic and learning-related environments such as reading, writing, movement, and attention.
A Behavioural Optometry assessment typically includes:
- Comprehensive vision and eye health examination
- Detailed evaluation of visual skills and visual processing, including:
- Eye tracking – How well the eyes follow text or moving targets
- Focusing (accommodation) – The ability to shift focus quickly and accurately between distances
- Eye teaming (binocular vision) – How well the eyes coordinate to maintain single, clear vision
- Visual perception and processing – How the brain interprets and responds to visual information
- Visual memory and attention – The ability to retain and manage visual details
- Directionality and spatial awareness – Understanding left/right, orientation, and position in space
- Hand-eye coordination – Integration of visual input with motor control
Behavioural Optometrists often work with:
- Children or adults with visual processing difficulties, visual stress, or delayed visual development
- Individuals with concussion, traumatic brain injury, or stroke-related visual dysfunction
- Case managers and multidisciplinary teams involved in rehabilitation planning
- People experiencing eye strain, light sensitivity, or unexplained visual discomfort
Following assessment your Behavioural Optometrist may recommend:
- Vision therapy – to improve specific visual skills, particularly in individuals with diagnosed visual processing or coordination issues. A personalised programme of exercises. Vision therapy can help improve visual efficiency (e.g., tracking, focusing, eye coordination), especially where those skills are underdeveloped or impaired. However, it is not a treatment for dyslexia or other language-based learning disorders.
- Prescription lenses – to support focusing, reduce visual effort, or improve binocular function
- Coloured overlays or precision tinted lenses – for individuals with visual stress or perceptual distortions
- Postural, environmental, or ergonomic advice – to reduce visual demand
Do you have any of these symptoms?
Contact us to find out how we can help?