OPTIQUE OF Southwell

Meares Irlen - Visual Dyslexia Screening

At Optique of Southwell, we provide specialist Meares–Irlen and visual dyslexia screening to help identify visual stress—a condition that can make reading or focusing on text difficult and tiring. Our experienced optometrists use structured assessments and coloured overlays to reduce visual discomfort and improve reading comfort.

WHAT IS Meares Irlen SCREENING?

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Meares Irlen - Visual Dyslexia Screening

Meares–Irlen Syndrome(also known asVisual Stress) is a perceptual processing issue, not a problem with sight itself. It can cause text to blur, shimmer, or move on the page, leading to eyestrain, headaches, and fatigue—especially during reading or study. This condition can affect both children and adults and often overlaps with dyslexia or other learning difficulties

WHO CAN BENEFIT?

  • Children struggling with reading or concentration.

  • Students who complain of text “moving” or letters “dancing”.

  • Adults experiencing headaches or glare when reading screens or print.

  • People previously diagnosed with dyslexia, ADHD, or visual stress.

BOOK A VISUAL DYSLEXIA SCREENING

If you or your child experience visual difficulties when reading, contact Optique of Southwell to book a visual dyslexia or Meares–Irlen screening. We’ll help uncover the cause and create a plan for more comfortable, confident reading.

  • During your visual dyslexia screening, we assess visual performance, reading fluency, and sensitivity to patterns and light. Using coloured overlays or testing lenses, we identify which tint helps ease visual strain and improve clarity. If beneficial, we can provide precision tinted lenses or refer for further visual therapy. Many patients notice immediate relief and improved reading speed after identifying their optimal colour.

    • Specialist Meares–Irlen and visual dyslexia assessments.

    • Friendly, child-focused approach.

    • Comprehensive screening and aftercare.

    • Convenient Southwell location with experienced optical team.

  • Meares–Irlen Syndrome(sometimes calledVisual Stress) is a condition where the brain struggles to process visual information correctly. It can make reading uncomfortable—words may appear to blur, move, or shine on the page—and often causes headaches or eye strain.Screening helps identify whether coloured overlays or lenses can relieve these symptoms.

  • Visual dyslexia describes reading difficulties caused by visual distortion, not by language processing. People with traditional dyslexia may still benefit from visual screening, but Meares–Irlen testing focuses on easing optical stress through visual aids rather than phonetic reading strategies.

  • Our optometrist will evaluate your visual comfort and reading response using coloured overlays or precision tinted lenses. You’ll read text samples under different tints to identify which colour reduces symptoms. The test is non-invasive, gentle, and suitable for both children and adults.

  • Screening is recommended for anyone who:

    • Experiences headaches or fatigue when reading.

    • Sees letters moving or blurring.

    • Reads slowly or loses their place on the page.

    • Has been diagnosed with dyslexia but still struggles with print.

  • No—they don’t treat dyslexia itself, but they can reduce visual stress that makes reading more difficult. Many patients report improved comfort, focus, and reading speed when using colour overlays or precision tinted lenses identified during screening

  • Yes. We can supply suitable coloured overlays and, if necessary, arrange follow-up sessions for precision tinted lenses after initial screening. Ongoing support ensures your colouring treatment remains effective over time.

  • You can book by calling Optique of Southwell, visiting our practice, or using our website’s contact form. We’ll schedule a convenient time for your assessment and explain each step of the process.