Dyslexia and Learning Disorders

Pediatric ophthalmologists can be contacted to evaluate if a vision problem contributes to dyslexia or a learning disorder. They will determine if there are any vision problems requiring eyeglasses. They will also assess eye muscle imbalances including convergence difficulties or ocular health issues.

If the examination by a pediatric ophthalmologist is normal, the appropriate remedy will then be prescribed requiring either a private reading tutor or a dedicated room at your child’s school providing “evidence based” remediation. They are quick to point out to parents to be wary of non-evidence based remediation such as various “vision therapy” programs and prism glasses.

Parents with children suffering from dyslexia or learning disorders are advised to read the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Academy of Ophthalmology statement denouncing vision therapy for learning disabilities:

http://www.pedseye.com/LD_Dyslexia_Vision_2009.pdf