At Simpson Optometrists we’re dedicated to helping every child feel confident and comfortable when reading. That’s why we now offer Visual Stress Assessments for children — a simple, gentle test that can make a big difference for young readers who struggle with words moving or blurring on the page.
What is Visual Stress?
Visual Stress (sometimes called pattern glare or Irlen Syndrome) is a condition where the brain finds it difficult to process visual information clearly. Even when eyesight is perfectly normal, certain patterns — especially lines of text — can cause discomfort or distortion.
Common signs of visual stress in children include:
- Words appearing to move, blur, or double on the page
- Headaches or sore eyes while reading
- Skipping lines or losing their place
- Difficulty concentrating or avoiding reading altogether
Our Child-Friendly Approach
Our experienced children’s Optometrists provide a relaxed and supportive environment for every child. During the assessment, we’ll gently assess your child’s vision and reading comfort, explain the results clearly, and offer tailored solutions that work best for them.
What we’ll do
- In-depth binocular vision investigation
- Rate of reading test
- Eye Tracking
- Near focussing
- Pattern glare test
- Colorimetry assessment
Fees: £189.00 first appointment. £89.00 for follow-up appointments
Book a Visual Stress Assessment Today
If your child struggles with reading or complains that the words “move on the page,” they may benefit from a visual stress assessment.
Call today or book online to arrange a friendly appointment with our children’s eye care team. Together, we can help your child enjoy reading again!
