Vision and Learning

Children (and adults) with specific learning difficulties or dyslexia may have problems with their visual system and/or their binocular system. While each case is unique, the resolution of either of these problems may assist in the improvement of the patients overall condition. Simon Rose specialises in optometric investigation of children and people with learning difficulties. He has an MSc specialising in paediatric optometry and dyslexia.

Issues may include: Visual Stress (also know as Irlen Syndrome), Scotopic Sensitivity Syndrome, Colour Stress or Colour Sensitivity.

All of the above may be improved with the specialist knowledge and proactive solutions that Rose Opticians offer. The most common visual anomalies are a reduced ability to focus on close work and poor, or unstable co-ordination of the two eyes (also known as binocular instability). These problems can cause eyestrain, visual distortions, or headaches. These can slow down reading which in turn may actively discourage the child from learning. Approximately 5% of the population is adversely affected by visual stress and 20% to a lesser degree.

Children with dyslexia often have poor spelling and have trouble with the written language, despite having little or no issues with verbal communication. The visual problems described can also be present in children or adults who have other non-dyslexic difficulties and a person does not have to be diagnosed as dyslexic in order to benefit from an examination.

Children or adults who show only a mild learning difficulty may also have these visual problems, which usually can be treated with simple eye exercises, and in some cases glasses will be prescribed. These visual problems are not normally detected in a child’s school screening test.

Rose Opticians offer bespoke, industry-leading screenings, designed to highlight any of the aforementioned issues and we offer proactive solutions to suit individual needs. These screenings include a report into the investigations made, results and any recommendations. Our opticians are also able to discuss with the patient, or their parent or guardian, any further concerns.