The critical link between vision & learning.
How the brain and eyes work together – vision has a great impact on the learning process for children. Imagine sitting in a classroom taking notes and fighting a focusing problem that won’t allow you to change your focus from your desk to the black board and back again quickly enough to keep up with the teacher.
Imagine reading a paragraph and having the letters or words appear to move and jump as you are trying to comprehend what you are reading.
20/20 Vision Isn’t Enough
The student having the vision problem often has 20/20 eyesight either with or without glasses. Most school screenings check for clearness at distance only and not for visual performance skills like tracking, focusing, eye teaming or visual perceptual skills. Many teachers and parents do not realize that their students’ struggles in the classroom are in no way linked to intelligence or how hard they are trying. They frequently are not able to visually process the information put before them.
Is a vision problem affecting your student’s performance?
You may be surprised that the following signs/symptoms may indicate a vision problem that affects learning and school performance:
- Avoids reading or doesn’t read for fun
- Trouble staying on task while reading
- Excessive fatigue at the end of the day
- Concerns with letter reversals
- Poor handwriting
- Loss of place while reading
- ADD and/or ADHD diagnosis
- Dyslexia diagnosis
- Average performer with higher potential
- Homework is a battle
- Clumsy, knocks things over
- Reduced performance following a concussion
- Poor sports performance
Complimentary Vision Screening
Highline Center for Vision Performance offers a complimentary screening to check for vision disorders that interfere with reading. The screening includes a computerized assessment that evaluates visual tracking and reading comprehension. This screening is an excellent opportunity for a parent to observe how a child’s vision may be interfering with reading performance.
Not knowing the underlying cause of learning difficulties can have a detrimental effect on self-esteem and behavior. Since 1983 we have successfully treated vision problems related to these symptoms. With proper diagnosis and treatment, reading levels improve significantly, comprehension increases, and even sports performance can improve. Every day, we see children overcoming obstacles and achieving goals. The ability to read and comprehend not only builds confidence, it opens doors and allows the student to reach their full potential.
Call us now to schedule your complimentary Vision Performance Screening. 720-870-2828
Vision samples adapted from ©Carolanne Roach, OD.
Seeing with a vision disorder
unrelated to 20/20 eyesight!
Eye charts used for vision screenings at the pediatrician or at school check for clearness at distance but do not check for learning related visual performance skills.
So, is it any wonder your student can’t sit still for 20 minutes to do desk work or homework?