Learning Problems: Key Insights Every Parent Needs

When a child experiences challenges with reading, writing, or attention in an educational context, the immediate assumption often points towards a learning disorder. However, what if the underlying issue is not cognitive but rather visual? Recognising this critical distinction can be vital for implementing effective interventions tailored to the child's specific needs.

At Eyes by Design, we frequently encounter children who possess intelligence, curiosity, and capability, yet their visual systems are inadequately supporting their learning processes. These bright young learners may not require tutoring or a barrage of assessments; instead, they need a detailed vision evaluation to uncover potential visual complications that significantly impede their learning journey.

This leads us to the notion of visually related learning problems. Such issues are common yet often neglected within educational settings, severely affecting a child's ability to read, maintain concentration, and retain information effectively.

Discover How Visual Skills Impact Your Child’s Academic Success

Reading involves much more than simply having clear vision; it requires the eyes to move, focus, and work together in a coordinated manner. Remarkably, over 80% of what a child learns is absorbed through visual means, underscoring the essential role of strong visual skills in the learning process.

For your child to read smoothly and learn effectively, they must develop a comprehensive array of visual skills, which include:

• Clear near vision, which is vital for reading
• Precise eye movements that allow for smooth tracking across text
• Good focusing flexibility to shift focus between a board and a book
• Strong visual memory and recognition abilities
• Efficient eye teaming where both eyes work in harmony

When any of these essential skills are not fully developed, the process of learning can become significantly more arduous than necessary, even if the child's eyesight appears “normal” during a standard vision screening. A thorough understanding of these skills is crucial for effective educational support.

Recognise the Early Symptoms of Visually Related Learning Problems

These visual challenges are frequently misinterpreted as signs of inattention, dyslexia, or a lack of motivation. However, if your child displays any of the following symptoms, it may indicate an underlying visual problem rather than a cognitive issue:

• Blurred or double vision, especially after prolonged reading activities
• Frequent blinking, squinting, or rubbing their eyes
• Short attention span when reading or completing homework assignments
• Avoidance of close work or quick fatigue while focusing
• Using a finger to track text or frequently losing their place while reading
• Reversing letters or facing difficulties when copying from the board
• Head tilting, covering one eye, or getting too close to the page
• Difficulty remembering what they just read or learned
• Poor hand-eye coordination or clumsiness, particularly during sports or crafts

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

Distinguish 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 incorrectly diagnosed with conditions such as dyslexia or attention-deficit disorder when the actual cause is an overlooked visual issue that requires attention.

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

By addressing the visual issue, you can greatly alleviate frustration, restore self-confidence, and facilitate smoother academic progress without the need for unnecessary testing or medication that might not address the root cause.

Meet the Expert 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 in overcoming visual barriers that impede learning and achieving success in their academic journeys.

Dr Nick excels at identifying visual conditions that standard eye tests frequently overlook. His approach is both warm and supportive, aimed at providing parents and children with a clear understanding of their visual health, along with effective solutions tailored to meet their specific needs.

What Should You Expect from Treatment for Visual Learning Issues?

At Eyes by Design, we initiate our process with a comprehensive behavioural vision assessment specifically designed for your child. These detailed evaluations extend far beyond a basic school screening or a standard eye chart check.

We meticulously examine:

• Eye teaming and tracking abilities
• Focusing capabilities across various distances
• Visual memory and perceptual skills necessary for learning
• The functionality of binocular vision for depth perception
• Eye-hand coordination for better engagement in activities

Our Tailored Support Includes:

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

Our objective is not merely to correct vision; we strive to restore confidence in learning and eliminate the visual challenges that may have previously hindered your child's academic potential and overall growth.

Take Action Now Before Visual Symptoms Escalate

Many children facing visually related learning challenges may not realise their vision differs from their peers, as this is the only way they have ever perceived the world. Therefore, early detection is crucial for effective intervention that can help them thrive.

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

Frequently Asked Questions About Visually Related Learning Problems

What distinguishes a vision screening from a behavioural vision assessment?

Standard screenings primarily assess visual clarity (20/20 vision). In contrast, behavioural assessments focus on how the eyes function together, process information, and track movement — all critical skills essential for effective learning in a classroom environment.

Can visually related learning problems be mistaken for dyslexia?

Absolutely. Many symptoms overlap between these two conditions. However, the underlying causes are fundamentally different — visual issues are often correctable, while dyslexia typically requires long-term management strategies for success.

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 faces difficulties with basic reading skills or engagement in school activities. Early intervention can lead to better outcomes.

Will my child need glasses?

Not necessarily. While some children benefit from glasses, others may see improvements through vision therapy or targeted exercises designed to enhance their visual skills and processing abilities.

Is treatment covered by Medicare or private health insurance?

The initial consultation is typically covered by Medicare, and additional services such as vision therapy may be claimable under specific extras health insurance policies depending on the coverage.