Understanding Dyslexia and Vision: A Parent's Guide
Dyslexia is a specific learning difference that affects how the brain interprets and processes written and spoken language. It can make reading, writing, and spelling more challenging, and often impacts memory, organisation, and focus. Children with dyslexia can experience frustration at school, and may struggle to meet academic expectations without the right support.
Importantly, dyslexia is not a reflection of a child's intelligence - Albert Einstein was dyslexic. Many children with dyslexia are bright and creative, and with early intervention, they can thrive. However, without the right diagnosis and tailored support, some may develop low self-esteem or confidence issues around learning.
How Dyslexia Affects Learning
Research shows that a significant proportion of children have undetected vision issues that can contribute to learning difficulties. In the UK, it’s estimated that around 1 in 5 school-aged children may have a vision problem that could impact their learning. Yet many of these issues go unnoticed, especially in the early years of education.
In England, as many as 50% of local areas do not provide school-entry vision screening delivered by trained orthoptists. There is no national requirement to provide vision screening in the Reception year (age 4–5), and although NHS England recommends orthoptic-led screening, local authorities, through their public health teams, decide whether to commission it. This contrasts with Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, where vision screening is routinely offered to all children in their first year of school.
Without early identification, children may enter formal education with undiagnosed vision problems that affect their ability to read, write, and learn.
How Common Is Dyslexia?
Dyslexia is among the most common learning differences, affecting around 10% of the UK population, and research in the US suggests up to 15%. Because as much as 80% of what a child learns in school is processed visually, unaddressed vision issues can exacerbate the challenges associated with dyslexia.
Children often begin to show signs of learning difficulties related to dyslexia during the early years of school. These can include trouble with recognising letters and sounds, difficulty copying from the board, or challenges with spelling and reading.
Early Indicators of Dyslexia
Some common early signs that may
suggest a child is struggling with dyslexia include:
- Trouble recognising letters or matching sounds to letters
- Confusing similar-looking letters (e.g. b, d, p, q)
- Difficulty learning to spell or follow spelling rules
- Reversing words or numbers
- Problems following multi-step instructions
- Slower recall of words, numbers, or sequences
Older children and teenagers may experience:
- Difficulty reading aloud
- Trouble understanding idioms or metaphors
- Struggles with time management and organisation
- Reading below expected grade level
- Avoidance of reading or writing tasks
Is It Dyslexia or a Vision Problem?
Many of the challenges associated with dyslexia overlap with symptoms of visual difficulties. This is why a full visual assessment is a critical first step in understanding the source of a child's learning struggles.
A comprehensive eye examination can detect issues such as:
- Problems with eye coordination (binocular vision)
- Difficulty focusing (known as accommodation)
- Poor eye tracking or movement control
- Visual processing delays
These issues can affect a child's ability to read, write, and retain visual information — all key areas in classroom learning. Getting the right treatment once a diagnosis takes place is key to supporting your child.
What is Vision Therapy?
Vision therapy is a structured, personalised treatment programme designed to improve the way the eyes and brain work together. It may involve:
- Eye exercises
- The use of lenses or prisms
- Activities that strengthen focusing, tracking, and coordination
For some children, vision therapy can significantly improve visual efficiency and reduce symptoms that mimic or exacerbate dyslexia.
A Multi-Disciplinary Approach
Dyslexia is best understood and supported through a collaborative approach. This may involve:
- Teachers and SENCOs (Special Educational Needs Coordinators)
- Speech and language therapists
- Educational psychologists
- Optometrists or orthoptists specialising in children's vision
What Parents Can Do:
- Monitor your child’s progress with reading and spelling
- Look out for signs of visual discomfort or avoidance
- Speak to your GP or optometrist if you have concerns
- Advocate for multi-disciplinary assessment if learning difficulties persist
Getting the right help early on can make a transformative difference in your child’s academic experience and emotional wellbeing.
Early assessment and intervention are crucial. If your child is showing signs of learning difficulties, or has a family history of dyslexia or vision problems, it’s worth talking to your GP and arranging a full eye examination — ideally with a practitioner experienced in child vision.
