Learning Problems: Key Insights Every Parent Should Know

When a child encounters challenges with reading, writing, or attention in the educational context, the immediate assumption often leans towards a learning disorder. However, what if the underlying issue is not cognitive but rather visual? Understanding this critical distinction can be pivotal for implementing effective interventions that truly address the root of the problem.

At Eyes by Design, we frequently encounter children who are not only intelligent but also curious and capable. Despite their potential, their visual systems may not be adequately supporting their learning processes. These bright children may not require tutoring or various assessments; instead, they need a thorough vision evaluation to uncover potential visual complications that impede their learning experience and academic success.

This leads us to the concept of visually related learning problems. These issues are prevalent yet often overlooked within educational environments, significantly impacting a child's ability to read, concentrate, and effectively retain information. The implications of such challenges can be profound, affecting not only academic performance but also overall confidence and self-esteem.

Discover How Visual Skills Are Essential for Academic Achievement

Reading involves far more than simply having clear vision; it requires that the eyes move, focus, and work together in unison. Surprisingly, over 80% of what a child learns is absorbed visually, underscoring the vital importance of robust visual skills in the overall learning process. Without these skills, even the most intelligent children can struggle.

For your child to read fluidly and learn effectively, they require a comprehensive array of visual skills, which encompass:

• Clear near vision essential for reading tasks
• Precise eye movements that enable smooth tracking across text
• Good focusing flexibility for shifting focus between a board and a book
• Strong visual memory and recognition capabilities
• Efficient eye teaming where both eyes function in harmony

When any of these essential skills are not fully developed, learning can become significantly more challenging than necessary. This is particularly true even if the child's eyesight appears “normal” during a standard vision screening, as these screenings often do not assess the visual skills critical for successful learning.

Recognise the Symptoms of Visually Related Learning Problems Early

Often, these visual issues are misinterpreted as signs of inattention, dyslexia, or a lack of motivation. However, if your child displays any of the following symptoms, it may indicate a visual problem that requires attention:

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

These signs can sometimes be subtle and may often go unnoticed without a comprehensive visual assessment. Such an assessment is crucial for identifying any underlying issues that could significantly impact your child's learning journey.

Differentiate Between Visually Related Learning Problems and Learning Disabilities

It is essential to understand that visually related learning problems are distinct from learning disabilities. A child may be misdiagnosed with conditions such as dyslexia or attention-deficit disorder when the true cause lies in an unnoticed visual issue. Recognising this distinction can be transformative.

While dyslexia involves neurological challenges associated with language processing, visually related learning problems arise from insufficient visual function. These issues are frequently very treatable, and addressing them can lead to significant improvements in a child's learning experience.

By focusing on resolving the visual issue, you can markedly reduce frustration, restore self-confidence, and facilitate smoother academic progress without resorting to unnecessary testing or medication interventions that may not address the core problem.

Meet the Specialist in Children's Vision on the Central Coast

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

Dr Nick possesses a keen ability to identify visual conditions that standard eye tests often overlook. His approach is both warm and supportive, dedicated to providing parents and children with a clear understanding of their visual health, coupled with effective solutions tailored to their specific needs.

What to Anticipate from Treatment for Visual Learning Issues

At Eyes by Design, we commence our process with a comprehensive behavioural vision assessment specifically tailored for your child. These evaluations extend well beyond a simple school screening or basic eye chart check, offering a thorough examination of visual function.

We closely scrutinise:

• Eye teaming and eye tracking abilities, essential for reading
• Focusing capabilities, crucial for shifting between tasks
• Visual memory and perceptual skills, impacting comprehension
• Function of binocular vision, necessary for depth perception
• Eye-hand coordination, vital for writing and physical activities

Our Tailored Support Includes:

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

Our goal is not solely to correct vision; we strive to restore confidence in learning and eliminate the visual challenges that may have previously obstructed your child's academic potential. By doing so, we aim to ensure a more fruitful and enjoyable learning experience.

Take Action Before Visual Symptoms Escalate

Numerous children with visually related learning challenges may not be aware that their vision differs from that of their peers, as this is the only way they have ever perceived the world. Therefore, early detection is vital for effective intervention and support.

If your child has been struggling academically or exhibiting signs of discomfort while reading, a behavioural eye assessment could be the crucial step needed to unlock their full potential and significantly enhance their overall learning experience.

Common Inquiries Regarding Visually Related Learning Problems

What distinguishes a vision screening from a behavioural vision assessment?

Standard screenings mainly assess clarity (20/20 vision). In contrast, behavioural assessments delve into how the eyes function together, process information, and track movement — all essential skills necessary for effective learning and academic success.

Can visually related learning problems be misdiagnosed as dyslexia?

Definitely. Many symptoms overlap significantly. However, the foundational causes are distinct — visual issues are often correctable, whereas dyslexia typically necessitates long-term management strategies that are more complex.

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

Testing can commence as early as age 5 or 6, particularly if your child experiences challenges with fundamental reading skills or engagement in school activities that require visual processing.

Will my child require glasses?

Not always. Some children find success with glasses, while others may see improvement through vision therapy or specific exercises designed to enhance their visual skills and capabilities.

Is treatment covered by Medicare or private health insurance?

The initial consultation is generally covered by Medicare. Additional services such as vision therapy may be claimable under certain extras health insurance policies, ensuring that families receive the support they need.