Dyslexic Consultation

Our dyslexic consultation service is available to help anybody with dyslexia or any other learning difficulties (such as dyspraxia, dyscalculia or autism) and of any age group.

We have no doubt that by getting to the stage of diagnosis you are thoroughly exhausted with tests and assessments.

As with the ethos of Downes Opticians we provide this service with a lot of enthusiasm, fun and vigour.

Meares-Irlen syndrome is the name given to individuals who are helped with the use of coloured overlays.

The remarkable difference that can be seen with the use of coloured overlays can be phenomenal, with not only an increase in reading speeds but an increase in confidence and concentration resulting in a new found enjoyment of reading and learning.

Here comes the science bit..... The exact function of why a certain coloured overlay improves reading ability is not known, but it appears to be linked to the M – pathway, the more basic visual process within the brain, this ties in with research in other areas of dyslexia which have illustrated abnormalities in the more primitive responses of our brains.

In the majority of cases of people with Meares-Irlen syndrome reading speeds can be improved by up to 25% and putting statistics aside the benefit in the text being controlled and stabilised cannot be quantified.

Consultation process:

• A questionnaire is completed prior to the assessment to highlight specific areas of need.
• A comprehensive eye examination is performed to eliminate any ocular health concerns and to establish if a spectacle prescription may aid reading.
• A full binocular vision (how the two eyes work together) assessment is performed to eliminate any deficiencies which could be contributing to the instability of text when reading. In this situation it may be more valuable to undertake a series of muscle strengthening exercises.
• A specific reading test is used to establish which coloured overlay, if any, provides relief to the frustrating symptoms of dyslexia.

A detailed report of the findings is provided for you and can be sent to teachers and educational psychologists. Extra copies should they be required are available at no extra charge.

If you have any concerns about yourself or your child you will not regret having a consultation. It could well be the start of a more productive and overall more enjoyable era of reading and learning.

The cost of the consultation process is £45 which includes the initial assessment, supply of the optimum overlay(s) and a valuation assessment at the end of a trial period.

Book your consultation through the contact us page now.