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Dyslexia (School Assessment)

dyslexia

WHAT IS DYSLEXIA?

The term dyslexia is usually reserved for a severe degree of reading difficulty. Optometrists do not diagnose dyslexia, but they can detect visual problems that contribute to reading
difficulties, and can help to treat the symptoms. Dyslexia is diagnosed by an educational
psychologist or a qualified specialist teacher. A School Vision Assessment can help to aid your child’s learning.

VISION AND DYSLEXIA

The most common problems in dyslexia are reduced ability to focus close up, and poor,
unstable co-ordination of the two eyes (binocular instability), which may not normally be
detected in a school eye test using traditional examination methods.

A child with a specific learning disability, dyslexia, dyspraxia, asperger’s or autism may
benefit from being assessed for binocular instability, as restoring binocularity could aid them
when it comes to reading.

WHAT IS A SCHOOL VISION ASSESSMENT?

In addition to a full eye test, it assesses:

1) Difficulties at school – history and symptoms

2) Muscle balance – eyes working together properly

3) A child’s dominant eye – for better reading skills

4) The ability for eyes to follow a moving object – tracking

5) That both eyes can focus clearly for reading – are spectacles required?

6) Reading speed – scope for improvement

7) Colour preference and light sensitivity – tint/visual comfort

HOW DOES IT HELP?

Following the School Vision Assessment, where spectacles or contact lenses are prescribed,
and sometimes exercises recommended, the benefits for your child are:

1) Better school performance

2) Increased reading speed

3) Increased self esteem/confidence

4) Clearer writing

5) Increased concentration

6) Decreased tiredness & anxiety

7) Reduction of headaches/migraines

8) Calming effect (in children with hypersensitivity)

At Chelsea Eye Centre we carry out an extended specialist examination, looking for visual
problems that may be associated with difficulties at school. The appointment is usually one
hour long and can often lead to better educational performance from your child.

VISION THERAPY

Vision therapy is the name for a treatment plan to improve visual efficiency and visual
processing, allowing your child to be more responsive to educational instructions and to
improve confidence over all. There is no direct cure for learning disabilities or dyslexia;
however, vision therapy has be proven to produce significant educational gains.

For more information about the School Vision Assessment or to book an appointment please
give our friendly team a call on 0207 351 3847 and they will be happy to help.