Vision & Learning
The Link between Vision and Learning
- 4 out of 5 children with reading difficulties also have a vision problem.
- 1 in 5 children have a vision problem that impacts on efficient learning.
- Some vision problems don't appear until after 7 years old when a child has begun to read for meaning or comprehension.
"No matter how good the quality of the education or how dedicated the teacher, no matter if they use phonics or whole language or a mixed approach, if the child can't keep it clear and single (to look at), and if they can't move their eyes from place to place across the page accurately and efficiently, they will not perform up to their potential at school". OEPF Clinical Curriculum VT2
When a bright child has trouble learning...
Underacheivement is a slippery concept. You have the feeling that your child isn't doing as well as they ought to. Maybe it's the teacher? Maybe it's their age, or a stage? Or maybe you’re asking too much? Maybe they'll do better next year? These doubts make it difficult for parents to know when and how to act.
Unfortunately, there are no simple routine school tests that will detect many vision problems. A sight screening will only test your child’s ability to see the blackboard from the back of the room (sight or visual acuity), and that's about all! But this measurement has nothing to do with their ability to learn at a closer distance.
Terrific Sight - Poor Vision
A large part of learning is done visually. Reading, spelling, writing and computer work are tackled all day, every day at school. Each task requires sustained visual attention at a close distance (30-40cm). Many students' vision just isn't up to the level required in a classroom. The following table shows the important visual skills for learning, and indicates how a Behavioural Optometry check at Harmony Vision Care differs from most other standard "eye checks".
| Tests & Checks | Harmony Vision Care | Standard Eye Check | School sight screening | Correlation to learning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sight | YES | YES | YES | LOW |
| Prescription (longsight, shortsight, astigmatism etc) | YES | YES | NO | MILD |
| Eye health | YES | YES | NO | LOW |
| Thorough check of Focusing | YES | NO | NO | HIGH |
| Thorough check of Eye Teaming | YES | NO | NO | HIGH |
| Eye Movements (eg. Tracking) | YES | NO | NO | HIGH |
| Visual Processing | YES | NO | NO | HIGH |
What are the signs of a hidden vision problem?
Many parents do not realise that their child's struggles in the classroom are in no way linked to their intelligence or how hard they are trying. Instead many children are not able to visually process the information put before them.
Any child who is not working to potential, suffers difficulty reading or learning, or attention problems should have a full functional vision assessment.
Click here to take our symptom test.
Why choose Harmony Vision Care?
At Harmony Vision Care, we specialise in the testing and treatment of:
- Children with reading & learning difficulties or concentration problems
- Vision problems associated with ADD/ADHD Click here to learn more
- Vision problems associated with Autism & Asperges syndrome
- Eye turns and "lazy eyes" Click here to learn more
- Myopia or "short sight" treatment options Click here to learn more
Our Optometrists practice modern Optometry with a Behavioural Vision Care philosophy. They have extensively studied the effects of stress on vision, and the impact that poor vision has on learning, reduced concentration and performance.
Click here to read more about treatments for vision problems.
Ph: 07 5520 5900