some background information about vision and dyslexia
There is a wealth of scientific research published in clinical academic journals suggesting that some types of visual problem may be associated with specific learning difficulties including dyslexia and dyspraxia. There are two broad aspects of "vision" with respect to students who are underachieving because of conditions, such as dyslexia.
eye sight & eye muscles
Whilst visual problems are frequently associated with the difficulties experienced by students with such conditions as dyslexia, they are not the cause of the learning difficulties. However, they may be contributory factors and they need to be dealt with to ensure that the student's problems are not exacerbated. This means that anomalies of refraction ("sight"), focussing ability, eye-muscle balance and eye movement control need to be diagnosed and, where necessary, managed or treated. This may mean spectacles with lenses or prisms and/or eye exercises (orthoptics or visual training). If an eye muscle problem is diagnosed, you may be advised that this is treated first before proceeding to Intuitive Colorimetry assessment.
tinted lenses for dyslexia, migraine and photosensitive epilepsy
Dr Barnard and Mr Levit have been using the technique of Intuitive Colorimetery for seven years to assist some of his dyslexic patients. The rights to the Intuitive Colorimeter are owned by the Medical Research Council of Great Britain and the instrument is used, under licence, by a number of clinics in the UK for diagnosing very specific coloured tints to help some dyslexic patients.
Published research following well controlled studies show benefit for certain categories of children and adults with dyslexia when Cerium Precision tints are prescribed following Colorimetry.
More recently there have been further very interesting developments and published research does suggest that some types of migraine sufferer can be assisted by the use of these tints (Evans et al, 2002).
For a number of years it has been suggested that certain types of epilepsy can be helped by the use of tints. A recent study by Professor Arnold Wilkins, the original inventor of the Intuitive Colorimeter analysed the effects of these tints on a group of epileptics. Various beneficial effects were reported including, in some patients, reduction in seizures and improved comfort in certain light environments (Wilkins et al 1999).
Dr Barnard is able to offer advice for dyslexics, migraine sufferers and photosensitive epileptics and provide guidance as to whether Intuitive Colorimetry may be useful in individual cases. Please contact him by e-mail sb@eye-spy.co.uk or by telephone if you would like further information.
References
vans B, Patel, Wilkins A (2002) Optometric function in visually sensitive migraine before and after treatment with tinted spectacles. Ophthal Physiol Opt, 22, 130-142
Wilkins AJ, Baker A, Amin D, Smith S, Bradford J, Zaiwalla Z, Besag F, Binnie C,Fish D (1999) Treatment of photosensitive epilepsy using coloured glasses. Seizure, 8, 444-449
Documents
Assessment 31st October '07<
