Can you read this?

Gladys, I’m the Head of Profession for Orthoptic Services.

NHS Lanarkshire is working with North and South Lanarkshire Councils as part of the National Screening Service to offer all children a free eyesight check in the year before they start school.

These tests pick up eye problems, which can be corrected with glasses (spectacles) and/or an eye patch.

We strongly recommend that all children are checked at nursery as this allows time to correct any eyesight problems before they start school.

We are also forging closer links with education services. This is to ensure that children identified with a reading difficulty, are referred appropriately for assessment and treatment of visual problems in line with the Scottish Government “Get it Right for Every Child” approach. www.gov.scot

Some children who have difficulty reading are affected by a condition known as Meares Irlen Syndrome (MIS). This is a visual perception condition which can cause visual symptoms when reading such as print appearing to move; it can also cause eye discomfort whilst reading. A small proportion of the population suffer these symptoms. In most cases of MIS, the use of coloured sheets over printed words can assist with reading and in some cases tinted lenses can also help to alleviate symptoms.

However, it is important to note that whilst these interventions can assist the child they do not always result in improved reading. Likewise, if a child benefits from using coloured sheets they may not require tinted lenses.

Quite often your child’s teacher will identify if your child is having difficulty reading and discuss this with you before referring to the Orthoptic Service. If you think your child might be affected you should discuss this with their teacher.

   

Reproduced with permission courtesy of NHS Photolibrary

We have recently introduced Orthoptic Reading Clinics in each of the Acute Hospitals in Lanarkshire. Children are assessed to see if colour has an effect on their reading speed and visual tracking.

The results of the assessment are shared with the child’s teacher who is able to monitor the effectiveness of any interventions on the child’s reading performance in school.

We hope that this collaboration between health and local authorities will enhance the service provided for young children.

If you have an experience of Orthoptic Services you would like to share, please speak to a member of staff, respond on Patient Opinion, or visit the “Your Feedback” Section of the NHS Lanarkshire website to see the other ways to get in touch www.nhslanarkshire.org.uk