Does Your Child Struggle with Reading?

If you notice that your child is struggling to read, this can be due to a problem with their vision. Many children suffer with problems of discomfort and disturbance of text when they read.

In order for Feltham Eyecare Centre to offer visual solutions to children and adults with reading difficulties, Mohamed Kasmani gained the qualification required and now has the Schoolvision diploma and is a member of the Association of Schoolvision Practitioners. This has enabled us to see first-hand the difference it has made to several children’s reading fluency and learning.

Our Schoolvision assessments examine the way your eyes work together as you read; in particular the relationship between vision and dyslexia. Although the name indicates that the programme is specific to children it is also fully adaptable to adults with dyslexia or who struggle with reading. The in-depth reading tests and binocular vision analysis establish whether your child could benefit from therapeutic lenses to read.

When you read, just one dominant eye should take over the job of aiming at the words. But if both eyes try to do this job, the words and letters will appear to shift out of order sending confused messages to your brain which can cause difficulties in reading and spelling. If this takes place while a child is learning to read the effect on their confidence, enjoyment of reading and often behaviour can be profound.

Typically, our Schoolvision patients will be assessed every 4-12 weeks over the first few months and at least 6-monthly on-going. There is a strong possibility that the lens type/strength will need more regular changes than usual as your child’s eyes change as a result of the therapeutic lenses. As these on-going appointments are privately funded we’ve established an Eyeplan scheme for all Schoolvision patients to help reduce costs. Any on-going consultation fees are included in a small monthly direct debit, making the programme accessible to all.

We give our Schoolvision patients who join Eyeplan 30% reduction on their Schoolvision spectacles for as long as they are on the scheme.

For more information on Schoolvision or to book an appointment, get in contact with us today.

How can a Schoolvision Assessment Help?

Using established sight tests and corrective spectacles, as a specialist Schoolvision practice we work with children to reinforce the dominant eye and improve their ability to read fluently and interpret words.

Early identification of difficulties and prompt intervention enable children to achieve their full potential, both in education and ultimately in their future.

If therapeutic lenses are found to help your child, they may incorporate some/all of the following features:

• A lens with 2 different strengths to help your child see better both far away and close up
• A prescription to specifically help the eyes focus better at a reading distance
• A lens to help a muscle imbalance between the eyes
• A special tint

The benefits for your child are likely to be a combination of the following:

• Increased reading fluency and speed
• Better performance at school
• Increased confidence
• Better concentration for schoolwork
• Less headaches and discomfort when reading
• Less disruptive behaviour

What is a Schoolvision Assessment?

A Schoolvision assessment is a programme of diagnostic and screening tests which are carried out in addition to a standard NHS eye exam. The tests are designed to go much further and deeper into understanding the way your eyes work together, and to monitor improvements over time. The same principles can also be applied to adults, but the ideal time to identify and address these issues is during childhood.

In addition to the full eye test, the Schoolvision assessment checks :

• Detailed history & symptoms – difficulties at school or in the workplace
• Detailed muscle balance
• The stability of the dominant eye
• The ability for eyes to track a moving object
• That both eyes can focus clearly for distance and reading
• Reading speed
• Colour preference and light sensitivity

The Schoolvision assessment may result in a new prescription for spectacles or contact lenses. The patient will normally require a series of follow-up visits to adjust the prescription as the eyes adapt.

How does it help

• Better school/workplace performance
• Increased reading speed and accuracy
• Better at arithmetic
• Increased self esteem / confidence
• Clearer writing
• Increased concentration
• Decreased tiredness & anxiety
• Reduced incidence of headaches/migraines
• Calming effect
• Better coordination and balance

We are one of a number of Practices who are members of the Schoolvision association. To book your Schoolvision appointment, please call us on 020 8867 0476.