Vision and Learning
Simon Rose specialises in optometric investigation of children and people with learning difficulties. He has a Master of Science specialising in paediatric optometry and dyslexia.
Children ( and Adults ) with specific learning difficulties or Dyslexia may have problems with their visual system and/or their binocular system. Both issues may contribute to their overall issues. Broadly those with issues may have:
Visual Stress, also know as Irlen Syndrome, Scotopic Sensitivity Syndrome, Colour Stress or Colour Sensitivity.
Dyslexic children are quite often poor at spelling and have trouble with the written language, though many seem intelligent in conversation. 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.
Approximately 5% of the population is adversely affected by visual stress and 20% to a lesser degree.
These visual problems are not normally detected in a child’s school screening test. Many schools now no longer even do this now out dated form of screening. 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. This can slow down reading and actively discourage the child from learning. 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 spectacles will be prescribed.
At Rose Optometrists we are able to carry out a full examination with specific additional tests to look for the visual defects that may be associated with these problems. These tests include a report into the investigations made, results and any recommendations. The initial appointment usually takes about an hour. Please contact your local branch for more details and prices. Fees range from £50 per session, normally we would expect up to 3 session to be needed.
