| Stephen Wilcox Optometry
now has its own site dedicated to dyslexia and vision at www.wilcox-dyslexia.co.uk |
| Please visit this
link for further information regarding dyslexia and vision. |
| What is Dyslexia? |
|
The Intuitive
Colorimeter |
|
| People with specific learning difficulties
have problems with certain areas of academic performance, yet
do well in other subjects and are generally intelligent. The
most common type of specific learning disability is reading
difficulty, often called dyslexia. |
| Dyslexic children are usually poor
at spelling and may seem intelligent in conversation, but have
trouble with written language. Leonardo da Vinci and Einstein
are both thought to have been dyslexic. |
| Visual Factors in Dyslexia |
| Most experts agree that
problems with sight are not usually a main cause of dyslexia.
Certain visual problems, however, do occur more often in dyslexia
and these may, in some cases, contribute to the reading difficulty. |
| These visual problems
would not normally be detected in a school eye test. The most
common visual anomalies in dyslexia are a reduced ability to
focus close to and poor unstable co-ordination of the two eyes
(binocular instability). Several tests can detect binocular
instability, and a modified Dunlop Test may be used in the assessment. |
| These visual problems
can cause eyestrain, visual stress, or visual distortions. This
may slow reading and discourage children from prolonged reading. |
| Not all dyslexic people
have these problems but some have visual anomalies without realising
it. People with a mild specific learning difficulty, perhaps
not bad enough to be called dyslexia, can also have these visual
problems. The visual problems can usually be treated with simple
eye exercises. In some cases glasses may be prescribed. |
| Eyecare for Dyslexic
People |
| At 'Stephen Wilcox Optometrists',
we run a special clinic for the optometric assessment of people
with a specific learning disability. |
| In the clinic we investigate
the condition Meares Irlen Syndrome using the colorimeter to
prescribe specific tinted glasses, and carry out a full eye
examination through the NHS(if applicable), and specific additional
tests to look for the visual problems that may be associated
with dyslexia including assessment of the eye tracking and hand
- eye co-ordination (which carries a private fee). |
| We are happy to write
a report where this is thought helpful, to explain our investigations,
outcomes and recommendations to people such as Occupational
Therapists, Educational Psychologists and teachers. |
| If your thinking of coming
for an appointment fill in the questionnaire to save time on
the day by clicking here. |
