Learning Problems: Key Insights Every Parent Should Know

When a child faces challenges with reading, writings, or attention in an educational environment, the common assumption tends to lean towards a potential learning disorder. However, what if the underlying issue is not cognitive but rather visual? Recognising this difference can be crucial for implementing effective interventions that truly address the root cause of the difficulties.

At Eyes by Design, we frequently encounter children who are intelligent, inquisitive, and capable, yet their visual systems are failing to adequately support their learning. These bright young individuals might not require tutoring or various assessments; instead, they need a thorough vision evaluation to reveal any visual complications that could be impeding their learning experience.

This brings us to the topic of visually related learning problems. These issues are common yet often neglected in educational settings, significantly influencing a child’s capacity to read, concentrate, and effectively retain information.

Discover the Vital Importance of Visual Skills for Academic Achievement

Reading involves much more than merely having clear vision; it requires the eyes to move, focus, and work together in perfect synchrony. Remarkably, over 80% of what a child learns is acquired visually, underscoring the critical importance of strong visual skills in the overall learning process.

For your child to read smoothly and learn efficiently, they must possess a comprehensive array of visual skills, which include:

• Clear near vision that is essential for reading
• Precise eye movements for smooth tracking across text
• Good focusing flexibility to shift focus between a classroom board and a book
• Strong visual memory and recognition capabilities
• Efficient eye teaming, where both eyes work harmoniously

When any of these vital skills remain underdeveloped, the learning process can become significantly more challenging than necessary, even if the child’s eyesight appears “normal” during routine vision screenings.

Recognise the Symptoms of Visually Related Learning Problems Early

Frequently, these visual issues are misinterpreted as indications of inattention, dyslexia, or a lack of motivation. However, if your child displays any of the following symptoms, it could signify a visual issue instead:

• Blurred or double vision, particularly after reading activities
• Frequent blinking, squinting, or rubbing their eyes
• Short attention span while reading or completing homework assignments
• Avoidance of close work or rapid fatigue during tasks
• Using a finger to track text or frequently losing their place
• Reversing letters or struggling to copy from the board
• Head tilting, covering one eye, or getting too close to the page
• Difficulty remembering what they just read
• Poor hand-eye coordination or clumsiness, especially during sports and crafts

These signs can sometimes be subtle and may often remain unnoticed without a comprehensive visual assessment to uncover any underlying issues that need addressing.

Distinguish Between Visually Related Learning Problems and Learning Disabilities

It is essential to understand that visually related learning problems are distinctly different from learning disabilities. A child may be incorrectly diagnosed with conditions like dyslexia or attention-deficit disorder when the actual cause is an unnoticed visual issue that has gone undetected.

While dyslexia involves neurological difficulties related to language processing, visually related learning problems arise from inadequate visual function and are often highly treatable.

By addressing the visual challenge at hand, you can significantly alleviate frustration, restore self-confidence, and encourage smoother academic progress without the need for unnecessary testing or medication.

Meet the Leading Expert in Children’s Vision on the Central Coast

Dr Nicholas Altuneg, affectionately known as Dr Nick, brings over 30 years of experience as a Behavioural Optometrist. He has assisted countless children across the Central Coast, helping them to overcome visual barriers to learning and achieve success in their academic pursuits.

Dr Nick excels at identifying visual conditions that standard eye tests often miss. His approach is warm and supportive, dedicated to providing both parents and children with a clear understanding of their visual health, along with effective solutions tailored to their specific needs.

What Can Be Expected from Treatment for Visual Learning Issues

At Eyes by Design, our process commences with a comprehensive behavioural vision assessment designed specifically for your child. These evaluations extend far beyond a simple school screening or basic eye chart check, incorporating a detailed analysis of various visual functions.

We meticulously examine:

• Eye teaming and eye tracking capabilities
• Focusing efficiency
• Visual memory and perceptual skill levels
• Functionality of binocular vision
• Eye-hand coordination performance

Our Tailored Support Includes:

• Custom glasses specifically designed for reading or targeted visual tasks
• Vision therapy aimed at enhancing eye coordination and visual processing skills
• Collaboration with your child’s teacher or learning support team to provide ongoing assistance and support

Our objective is not solely to correct vision; we aim to restore confidence in learning and eliminate the visual challenges that may have previously obstructed your child’s academic potential.

Take Action Now to Prevent Visual Symptoms from Worsening

Many children experiencing visually related learning challenges may not be aware that their vision differs from their peers, as this is the only way they have ever perceived the world around them. Therefore, early detection becomes vital for implementing effective interventions.

If your child has been facing academic difficulties or exhibiting signs of discomfort while reading, a behavioural eye assessment could be the key to unlocking their full potential and significantly enhancing their learning experience.

Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Visually Related Learning Problems

What distinguishes a vision screening from a behavioural vision assessment?

Standard screenings primarily focus on assessing clarity (20/20 vision). In contrast, behavioural assessments delve into how the eyes function collaboratively, process information, and track movement — all essential skills required for effective learning.

Can visually related learning problems be misdiagnosed as dyslexia?

Absolutely. Many symptoms overlap between the two. However, the underlying causes differ — visual issues are often correctable, whereas dyslexia typically requires long-term management strategies.

At what age should I consider having my child evaluated for visual learning issues?

Evaluations can commence as early as age 5 or 6, especially if your child is experiencing challenges with foundational reading skills or engagement in school activities.

Will my child need glasses?

Not necessarily. Some children benefit from glasses, while others may see improvements through vision therapy or specific exercises designed to enhance their visual skills.

Is treatment covered by Medicare or private health insurance?

The initial consultation is typically covered by Medicare. Additional services, such as vision therapy, may be claimable under specific extras health insurance policies.