Is Your Child’s Reading Affected By Vision Problems?

Turning 9 this month, Eliote celebrates his big day with great vision and a bright future. Even as a vibrant, confident young boy, Eliote suffered from vision problems that were affecting his learning severely, with focus and tracking problems.

With focus and tracking problems, Eliote’s mother, Celine, noted his vision problems “when they were discovered by his second grade teacher last year who noticed he had problems with his writing, reading and spelling.” With two French parents, Eliote would also often “miss and swap words and letters, also mixing up English and French.”

“His school days were exhausting and his vision problems made it hard for him to keep focused in the classroom”, Celine continued. “Eliote’s vision problems did not prevent him from reading or writing but made everything much more complicated and slower for him at school.”

Growing increasingly concerned over her child’s learning challenges, Celine was recommended vision therapy by a speech therapist who tested Eliote to find out “what was wrong with him.”

As an enthusiastic young boy, Eliote was very happy to be offered a solution, as were his parents.

Commenting on his progress after less than a year, Eliote’s mother concludes “he is now happy to say that his eyes can focus and track letters and numbers normally.”

“His results at school have improved dramatically. He is a much happier child, much more able to keep focused. He can read normally, he loves reading and he doesn’t miss words or letters any longer when reading! His spelling is also much better”, Celine continued.

With 1 in 5 Australian children susceptible to vision complications early in their development, it is important to note the signs your child may be suffering from impaired sight. Optometrist and owner of Eyecare Kids, Soojin Nam flags, “frequent blinking, red or watery eyes, difficulty concentrating, squinting, headaches and complaints of blurred vision” are key signs that child is suffering from a vision impairment.

Nam continued, “Often children are unaware their vision is not normal and try to adapt accordingly. This can have devastating effects on their development, academic performance, social interactions and health if not corrected early.”

Celine commented, “After just 6 months of therapy, we are amazed at the results”

Optometry Australia recommends that children have a full eye examination with an optometrist before starting school and at least every two years thereafter. Eye examinations usually attract a Medicare rebate and no referral is required.