1 out of 4 kids have a vision problem that affects academics

"While not all children or adults with dyslexia have visual processing problems, many - at least two-thirds in

some studies - do. This makes sense from a neurological standpoint because several of the structural

features associated with dyslexia appear to predispose to visual difficulties. Not surprisingly, several types of

visual difficulties are more common in dyslexic than non-dyslexic children. In spite of the very positive

research findings validating the role vision plays in learning, some are still claiming visual dysfunction plays

little or no role in the reading challenges that dyslexics face. This is a shame. When we look specifically at

results of studies performed to address specific visual issues, the evidence supporting visual therapy is quite

strong."

        - Dr. Brock Eide, M.D., M.A., leading clinician and writer on learning disabilities and former consultant

          to the President's Council on Bioethics

Improving Visual Skills Improves Academics

"The bottom line is that visual problems are common, though not universal, in

children who struggle to read; and optometric vision therapy can help address

visual problems in children with significant visual dysfunction. A good visual

examination is an important part of the workup of every struggling reader."

- Dr. Fernette Eide, M.D., clinician and writer on learning disabilities

Improve Reading

Why A Kid Eye Exam May Not Be Enough

There are multiple possible reasons as to why a child may struggle at school.  Vision is commonly investigated when a student struggles.  However, a typical routine eye exam only checks for the ability to see 20/20 and the general health of the eyes.  The ability to see 20/20, though, is just one aspect of vision that can affect academics.  The correction of nearsightedness, farsightedness or astigmatism can help a child see the board and books better.  However, many children who can see 20/20 still struggle to “see”.  Visual skills such as eye teaming, eye focusing, fine eye movements, tracking, visual perception and others also affect reading, writing and learning.  A deficit in these skills can even lead to symptoms that mimic ADHD behaviors .​

Clues That A Child's Vision and Eyes Are Affecting Schooling

Various factors can affect a child's ability to read, write and learn.  Hearing problems, allergies, dyslexia and visual skills are some of the factors that can adversely impact reading, writing, and learning.  Below is a list of symptoms that may indicate that visual skills are a contributing factor to a child's struggles with academics.  If your child has four or more of the symptoms listed below and is currently struggling with school, then schedule a visual skills examination at our Appointments page.  

​O Frequent reversal errors when reading or writing past the age of 8 years

O Mistakes words with similar beginnings or endings

O Difficulty recognizing the alphabet

O Overgeneralizes when classifying objects

O Confuses similarities and differences

O Sloppy writing or drawing skills compared to peers

O Poor spacing and inability to stay on lines when writing

O Can respond orally but has difficulty producing answers on paper

O Enjoys being read to but dislikes reading

O Comprehends well when being read to but does not comprehend well when reading

O Difficulty sitting or standing still

O Clumsy; falls and bumps into things often

O Poor athletic performance

O Works slowly compared with peers

O Eyes hurt, burn or tire quickly while reading

O Excessive rubbing, blinking or tearing eyes when reading

O Headaches or fatigue with near work

O Re-reads the same line of words

O Difficulty aligning columns of numbers

O Letters or words appear to jump, float or move around when reading

O Frequent loss of place when reading

O Omission of words or skipping of lines when reading

O Use of a finger to maintain place when reading

O Decreased reading comprehension as the length of time spent reading increases

O Difficulty copying from the board

O Distractibility or short attention span

O Not performing up to academic potential even though the child seems bright

O Unable to finish written work in time allotted

​O Ignores details of written work

O Reads excessively slowly compared to peers

​O Difficulty remembering what has just been read