Dyslexia & Visual Stress

Cacoullis Opticians are an official accredited test centre for the world-renowned ReadEZ Visual Stress/Dyslexia Screening System.

We have primarily chosen this system as it more simple, as effective and more affordable than conventional Colorimetry and Cerium Precision Tinted Lenses.

What Is Visual Stress?

Visual stress, also known as Irlen syndrome or Meares-Irlen syndrome, is a condition in which the brain struggles to process visual information, often causing difficulties when reading or viewing patterns. It is not an issue with the eyes themselves, but thought to result from overactivity in specific areas of the brain.

Individuals with visual stress may experience symptoms such as:

• Text that appears to move, flicker, or blur while reading
• Headaches or eye strain during or after reading
• Words that seem to jump, swirl, or change position
• Difficulty keeping track of lines of text
• Reduced concentration when reading
• Sensitivity to light or glare

These symptoms can make reading uncomfortable or even distressing. For children in particular, visual stress may impact reading fluency, comprehension, and overall confidence with reading tasks.

Visual stress affects approximately 15–20% of the population and is more commonly seen in individuals with:

• Dyslexia
• ADHD
• Autism spectrum conditions
• Migraines or photosensitivity

However, it’s important to note that not everyone with visual stress has one of these conditions, and not everyone with these conditions will experience visual stress.

Who Can Benefit from a Visual Stress Assessment?

A Visual Stress Assessment may be helpful for:

• Children who struggle with reading despite having normal eyesight
• Adults who experience eye strain, migraines, or difficulty concentrating when reading
• Individuals diagnosed with dyslexia or other processing difficulties
• Anyone experiencing symptoms of visual stress, such as those listed above

Who is Suitable for a ReadEZ Appointment?

• Children aged 6 and above, as they need to be able to engage with and understand the assessment
• Adults of any age
• A recent eye examination (within the past six months) is required before attending the appointment

What to Expect at Your ReadEZ Appointment

Your assessment will include:

• A detailed discussion of your symptoms and any reading difficulties
• Screening for signs of visual stress
• The Wilkins Rate of Reading Test
• Testing with ReadEZ coloured overlays and filters using the ReadEZ screening system, allowing us to diagnose, manage and monitor visual stress.
• A trial overlay in your recommended colour to take home
• A written report for teachers, SENCOs, or managers to support adjustments at school or in the workplace

Appointments typically last around 30 minutes. At the end of your appointment, you will be given a coloured overlay to take away and try out. This trial period allows you to see whether it helps reduce symptoms and improves reading comfort in real life settings such as school, work, or at home.

If the overlay proves beneficial, a follow up appointment with a Dispensing Optician can be arranged to explore the option of having a tinted clip-on to use over the top of existing spectacles, or have the colour incorporated into affordable spectacle lenses. Coloured lenses offer a more convenient, hands-free solution, especially for activities like using screens, writing, or reading for extended periods.

 

Coloured Overlays

 

Coloured Clip-ons

 

Please call us on 0121 422 3356, submit an enquiry via the website/WhatsApp, or simply book an appointment online!