Learning Problems: Key Insights Every Parent Should Know

When a child faces challenges with reading, writing, or attention within the educational environment, the instinctive conclusion often veers towards a learning disorder. Yet, what if the underlying issue is not cognitive but rather visual? Recognising this critical distinction can be transformative for effective intervention strategies.

At Eyes by Design, we frequently encounter children who exhibit high levels of intelligence, curiosity, and capability; however, their visual systems are not adequately supporting their learning processes. These bright individuals might not benefit from tutoring or various assessments; instead, they necessitate an exhaustive vision evaluation to uncover potential visual complications that could be obstructing their learning journey.

This brings our focus to the concept of visually related learning problems. Such issues are common yet often neglected in educational settings, significantly affecting a child's ability to read, concentrate, and effectively retain information.

Understand the Essential Role of Visual Skills in Achieving Academic Excellence

Reading involves much more than just clear vision; it requires the eyes to move, focus, and collaborate seamlessly. Astonishingly, over 80% of what a child learns is absorbed visually, underscoring the vital importance of well-developed visual skills in the learning process.

For your child to read fluently and learn effectively, they need a comprehensive suite of visual skills, which include:

• Clear near vision, essential for reading
• Accurate eye movements (smooth tracking across text)
• Good focusing flexibility (the ability to shift focus between a board and a book)
• Strong visual memory and recognition capabilities
• Efficient eye teaming (both eyes working in harmony)

When any of these vital skills are not fully developed, the process of learning can become significantly more challenging than necessary, even if the child's eyesight appears “normal” during a standard vision screening.

Recognise the Symptoms of Visually Related Learning Problems Early

Frequently, these visual issues are misconstrued 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 rather than a cognitive one:

• Blurred or double vision, particularly after reading
• Frequent blinking, squinting, or rubbing their eyes
• Short attention span when reading or completing homework
• Avoidance of close work or quick fatigue
• Using a finger to track text or frequently losing their place while reading
• 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 have just read
• Poor hand-eye coordination or clumsiness, especially in sports and crafts

These indicators can sometimes be subtle and may often go unnoticed without a comprehensive visual assessment to identify any underlying issues that could be affecting your child's learning abilities.

Differentiate Between Visually Related Learning Problems and Learning Disabilities

It is essential to grasp 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 culprit is an unnoticed visual issue.

While dyslexia involves neurological challenges associated with language processing, visually related learning problems arise from insufficient visual function and are often highly treatable.

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

Discover the 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, empowering them to overcome visual obstacles to learning and achieve success in their academic endeavours.

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 both parents and children with a clear understanding of their visual health, along with effective solutions tailored to their individual needs.

What to Expect from Treatment for Visual Learning Issues

At Eyes by Design, our process begins with a thorough behavioural vision assessment specifically tailored for your child. These evaluations extend far beyond a simple school screening or basic eye chart check.

We meticulously examine:

• Eye teaming and eye tracking abilities
• Focusing capabilities
• Visual memory and perceptual skills
• Function of binocular vision
• Eye-hand coordination

Our Tailored Support Includes:

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

Our goal is not only to correct vision but to restore confidence in learning and eliminate the visual challenges that may have previously obstructed your child's academic potential.

Act Swiftly Before Visual Symptoms Deteriorate

Many children facing visually related learning challenges may not recognise that their vision differs from that of others, as this represents the only way they have ever perceived the world. Therefore, early detection is crucial for effective intervention.

If your child has been struggling academically or exhibiting signs of discomfort while reading, a behavioural eye assessment could be the key to unlocking their full potential and enriching their learning experience.

Frequently Asked Questions About Visually Related Learning Problems

What distinguishes a vision screening from a behavioural vision assessment?

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

Can visually related learning problems be misdiagnosed as dyslexia?

Absolutely. Many symptoms overlap. 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?

Testing can commence as early as age 5 or 6, particularly if your child is experiencing difficulties with fundamental reading skills or engaging in school activities.

Will my child require glasses?

Not necessarily. Some children find success with glasses, while others may improve 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 generally covered by Medicare. Additional services such as vision therapy may be claimable under certain extras health insurance policies.