The Role of the Ophthalmologist in the Management of Dyslexia

This is a dedicated forum to allow parents to post questions, discuss issues and to ask for, and receive advice about, any concerns they may have regarding their children and the reading instruction that they are given at school.
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Debbie_Hepplewhite
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The Role of the Ophthalmologist in the Management of Dyslexia

Post by Debbie_Hepplewhite »

Please click on the link below where you will find an excellent information article on this topic:

http://www.iferi.org/iferi_forum/viewto ... ?f=2&t=653

This information is very important to teachers and parents.

Oh - and ophthalmologists!
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Debbie_Hepplewhite
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Joined: Sat May 23, 2015 4:42 pm

Re: The Role of the Ophthalmologist in the Management of Dyslexia

Post by Debbie_Hepplewhite »

Dianne Murphy on coloured lenses:
Blurred Vision

written by thinkreadtweet

Can coloured lenses solve reading problems?
https://thinkingreadingwritings.wordpre ... ed-vision/
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Debbie_Hepplewhite
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Joined: Sat May 23, 2015 4:42 pm

Re: The Role of the Ophthalmologist in the Management of Dyslexia

Post by Debbie_Hepplewhite »

http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1 ... 12316/full
The effect of coloured overlays and lenses on reading: a systematic review of the literature

Authors

Philip G. Griffiths,
Robert H. Taylor,
Lisa M. Henderson,
Brendan T. Barrett

First published: 31 August 2016
Abstract

Purpose

There are many anecdotal claims and research reports that coloured lenses and overlays improve reading performance. Here we present the results of a systematic review of this literature and examine the quality of the evidence.

Methods

We systematically reviewed the literature concerning the effect of coloured lenses or overlays on reading performance by searching the PsychInfo, Medline and Embase databases. This revealed 51 published items (containing 54 data sets). Given that different systems are in use for issuing coloured overlays or lenses, we reviewed the evidence under four separate system headings (Intuitive, Irlen, Harris/Chromagen and Other), classifying each published item using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool.

Results

Although the different colour systems have been subjected to different amounts of scientific scrutiny, the results do not differ according to the system type, or whether the sample under investigation was classified as having visual stress (or a similarly defined condition), reading difficulty, or both. The majority of studies are subject to ‘high’ or ‘uncertain’ risk of bias in one or more key aspects of study design or outcome, with studies at lower risk from bias providing less support for the benefit of coloured lenses/overlays on reading ability. While many studies report improvements with coloured lenses, the effect size is generally small and/or similar to the improvement found with a placebo condition. We discuss the strengths and shortcomings of the published literature and, whilst acknowledging the difficulties associated with conducting trials of this type, offer some suggestions about how future trials might be conducted.

Conclusions

Consistent with previous reviews and advice from several professional bodies, we conclude that the use of coloured lenses or overlays to ameliorate reading difficulties cannot be endorsed and that any benefits reported by individuals in clinical settings are likely to be the result of placebo, practice or Hawthorne effects.
Click on the link above to read the details of the research review.
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Debbie_Hepplewhite
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Re: The Role of the Ophthalmologist in the Management of Dyslexia

Post by Debbie_Hepplewhite »

Further news on this topic:
Behavioural optometrists barred by children’s hospital
Wednesday, September 21, 2016

A children’s hospital in Queensland has indicated it will not refer its patients to behavioural optometrists for collaborative care.
http://www.insightnews.com.au/_blog/NEW ... -hospital/
The spokesperson cited a joint statement released in 2009 by the American Academy of Pediatrics, American Academy of Ophthalmology, American Association of Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus, and the American Academy of Certified Orthoptists, which stated:

“...vision problems are not the cause of primary dyslexia or learning disabilities. Scientific evidence does not support the efficacy of eye exercises, behavioural vision therapy, or special tinted filters or lenses for improving the long-term educational performance in these complex paediatric neurocognitive conditions.

“Diagnostic and treatment approaches that lack scientific evidence of efficacy, including eye exercises, behavioural vision therapy, or special tinted filters or lenses, are not endorsed and should not be recommended.”

The spokesperson added, “Further, in 2015, the American Academy of Pediatrics suggested that there is no indication to routinely refer children diagnosed with specific reading impairment to an ophthalmologist or optometrist, and that these children should have non-vision based support.

“The LCCH ophthalmology department has taken the position not to align with optometrists who practise behavioural optometry. However, we welcome optometrists who wish to join us in practising evidence-based care.”
Do read the full piece.
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