by dr nicholas altuneg, behavioural optometrist
As parents, we want our children to thrive academically and reach their full potential. Sometimes, struggles stem from an often overlooked issue: vision problems. While routine eye exams are essential, they may not detect all vision–related learning difficulties. That’s where behavioural optometry comes in, offering a comprehensive approach to identifying and addressing visual challenges that can impact your child’s academic performance and overall wellbeing.
Recognising the Signs
Children may not express their visual difficulties verbally, so parents must watch for specific behavioural and performance cues. Some common signs to look out for include –
- frequent eye rubbing or blinking
- squinting or closing one eye
- holding reading material close to their face
- avoidance of reading or close–up tasks
- frequent loss of place while reading
- reversing letters or numbers
- poor reading comprehension
- poor hand–eye coordination
The Written Evidence
One of the most telling signs of vision problems can be found in your child’s written work. Careful examination of their handwriting and work samples can reveal clues indicating visual processing challenges. Here are some examples of what to look for:
- Reversed letters, numbers, or words
- Unequal sized print
- Words running together or appearing patchy or faded
- Words running uphill or downhill on the page
- Shaky or doubled words
- Uneven spacing between words or letters
- The Impact on Learning
Vision is crucial in various learning processes, including reading, writing, numeracy, and science. Children with vision problems may struggle with reading fluency, comprehension, tracking, and eye fatigue. They may experience difficulties with messy handwriting, spacing problems, staying on the line, and slow writing speed. Mathematics and numeracy tasks, which heavily rely on visual processing, can also be challenging, leading to issues with alignment, spatial perception, copying problems, and interpreting graphs and charts. Additionally, vision problems can hinder observational skills and the ability to accurately record and interpret scientific diagrams.
Beyond Academics
The impact of vision problems extends beyond the classroom, affecting your child’s daily life in various ways. Poor athletic performance can lead to frustration, isolation, low self–confidence, and a fear of failure. In social situations, vision issues may limit participation in playtime activities, hinder the development of peer relationships, and contribute to social isolation. Even everyday tasks can become challenging, with fatigue, safety concerns, and limitations in exploring hobbies and interests.
Behavioural Optometry: A Comprehensive Solution: Behavioural optometry takes a holistic approach to vision and learning, considering how visual skills impact a child’s academic performance and overall development. Here’s how behavioural optometrists can help:
Behavioural Eye Assessment: Behavioural optometrists are trained to diagnose more learning–related eye conditions than other eye care practitioners, comprehensively evaluating your child’s visual abilities.
Preventative Treatment: By recognising the root causes of vision problems and addressing them early, behavioural optometrists can implement preventative measures to improve function and reduce the risk of future complications.
More Treatment Options: Besides prescribing glasses, behavioural optometrists can recommend training lenses, prisms, and various forms of vision therapy to enhance visual skills and learning potential.
Team Effort: Collaborating with other healthcare professionals, doctors, and specialists, behavioural optometrists can provide a complete solution tailored to your child’s unique learning needs.
Improved Confidence: As children experience success in their learning, their confidence often grows, positively impacting their overall wellbeing.
Identifying vision issues in children can be challenging, as they may not always vocalise their struggles. However, there are tell–tale signs that parents can watch out for, indicating the need for a comprehensive vision assessment. To help determine if your child might benefit from a behavioural optometry examination, take a moment to complete this simple quiz:
Child Vision Quiz
Answer the following questions honestly to determine if your child may benefit from a behavioural optometry examination.
Do words run together when your child reads?
- Yes / No
Does your child hold the page too close when they read?
- Yes / No
Does your child skip or reread lines when reading?
- Yes / No
Does your child confuse similar appearing words?
- Yes / No
Does your child frequently rub their eyes?
- Yes / No
Does your child cover one eye, turn or tilt their head when performing tasks?
- Yes / No
Does your child reverse letters, numbers or words?
- Yes / No
Is your child clumsy or demonstrates poor hand–eye coordination?
- Yes / No
Is your child forgetful or has difficulty remembering what they have read?
- Yes / No
Has your child complained of headaches after near work?
- Yes / No
Does your child often avoid reading or other near activities?
- Yes / No
Does your child have a short attention span and easily get distracted during activities?
- Yes / No
If you answered “Yes” to 3 or more questions, then a behavioural eye assessment is strongly recommended for your child.
Please note that this quiz is not a diagnostic tool but a preliminary assessment. If you have concerns about your child’s vision or if you suspect a vision issue, it is essential to consult with a behavioural eye optometrist. Early detection and intervention can significantly impact your child’s visual health and overall wellbeing.
Vision problems can significantly impact your child’s academic performance, social interactions, and overall quality of life. By recognising the signs, paying attention to their written work, and seeking the expertise of a behavioural optometrist, you can take proactive steps to address these issues and support your child’s learning journey. Embrace the comprehensive approach of behavioural optometry and unlock your child’s full potential, both in and out of the classroom.
Dr Nicholas Altuneg is a Behavioural Optometrist who has been working on the Central Coast for almost 30 years. He is the co–founder at Eyes by Design, which is in the Kincumber Centre. Appointments can be made by phone 4369 8169 or online at www.eyesbydesign.com.au