Testimonials

Following are Irlen testimonials from our clients

When I was little at primary school I always struggled with my reading and writing. So I didn't get the best marks in tests or any other work. When I found Irlen Syndrome, I thought that was why I had been struggling all these years. Since I have had my purple tinted lens glasses I've found it easier to read and write, I've had higher grades and have enjoyed school a lot better.

Hannah Allen, 14 yrs, Dannevirke 

My daughter Libby who is now 15 has always had difficulty with reading text. Through various reading and support programs she has managed to maintain average marks - but it has always been a puzzle as she is a mature student who often shows above average ability. Six months ago we had her eyes tested again and as well as suggesting she could have prescription lenses we were also recommended to have her tested with tinted lenses. Consequently, she has been using her Irlen tinted glasses and has noticed a huge improvement in completing her school work. Also her recent exams results are markedly improved which Libby is delighted with. So we fully recommend Irlen as a process to follow up on if other learning processes are disappointing.

Trudi Winchcombe (mother)
Libby Winchcombe, 15 yrs, Waipukurau

Throughout my schooling life I was constantly told by teachers I was slow! I was always the last child to complete written tasks and found that I could only read for short amounts of time which made reading tedious. Despite this I would hand in work of a high standard and had been put in and out of accelerate classes as I could understand the work but not complete the tasks given by teachers on time. I was diagnosed with Irlen Syndrome at the age of 22. I made enquiries after seeing an advert for Irlen while picking up glasses for a friend and I have never looked back. I wear my Irlen glasses all the time and have found that my reading speed is 5 fold what it used to be. I now know that I was never slow I simply needed 'to view the world through rose tinted glasses'.

David Moys, 23 yrs, Hastings

Hi Maree,

Many thanks to your team for introducing me to the Irlen reading glasses.

Since changing to Irlen glasses I am now able to read without getting sore eyes and falling asleep after 10 minutes. There are many more subtle changes that makes reading a pleasure rather than the chore it used to be.

I hope this message is shared with others especially parents with children who struggle with their reading at school. It is such a simple process to rectify when we become aware.

Kind regards
Tane Cooper, 66 yrs, Dannevirke

In November 2009 our son Ben was assessed and diagnosed with Irlen Syndrome. We were very suprised that Ben had been through five years of school having to deal with these problems and had made progress, all be it slowly. It was decided that Ben needed glasses with lenses that had a colour tint in them.

Since Ben's diagonsis we and his teachers have noticed a remarkable difference in his attitude towards school and school work. He is a lot happier and confident in general. Ben would often find excuses to not doing any reading homework (e.g. leaving his book at school) but this term I went to pick him up from school at the end of the day and I found him sitting under a shady tree reading!!!!!

Since Ben has been diagnosed with Irlen Syndrome we have become aware of what Ben sees and how he processes information, it has opended up a whole new world for him. We are all very excited to see what Ben will learn next.

Leanne Heaven (Ben's Mum)
Ben Heaven, 10 yrs, Napier

I have spent my whole life getting migraines and severe headaches and I never knew why. In early 2009 mum took me to get my eyes checked and they were all over the place. She told me about Irlen and to go to the local Kip Macgrath centre to be tested where I was tested positive. I then went to Hastings to have further tests and find the glasses that I needed. At the time I was really nervous and didn't know what to expect, but I am glad that we found out because my headaches and migraines have decreased a lot since I started wearing my glasses (apparently one or two headaches a week isn't good still lol). It is so cool to not have the strain on my eyes anymore. School has been a lot easier as well I have a longer attention span and can work in the afternoons after a morning of reading. The one problem with it is other kids because they don't understand it so they joke around about it.

Ashleigh Beale, 16 yrs, Dannevirke

Lenny and Irlen Syndrome
As a young child our son loved books, pointing to pictures and copying us saying its word. By three he had a comprehensive vocabulary, being able to name a huge array of shapes, forms and pictures. Of text he showed little interest.

By the end of his first year of school he was having trouble spelling simple words; trouble spelling words from memory such as ‘the, what, how, where, this etc. He had difficulty with spelling and writing and had little sentence comprehension. Still a bright kid. What was frightening to us was the change in attitude. Sullen, brooding, silent, had low self-esteem, and showed severe agitation when asked to explain anything in detail.
Reading Recovery at school followed with some success. Next was Kip McGrath in Waipukurau and it was here Shelley Harrison suggested we place clear plastic sheets of different colours over the text before reading. One by one we tried them until blue was placed over the page. Lenny’s interest picked up instantly. Leaning forward he said “hey, the page has stopped moving, the words are still!” No-one will know the exhilarating feeling of hope I had as I watched Lenny lean forward and say those words!

Shelley suggested he be tested for Irlen Syndrome, a form of Dyslexia, which the coloured overlay sheets suggested he may have had. Back then testing was done in Rotorua, so we headed there, had him tested and he was confirmed with Irlen Syndrome. At the test, from many shades of all colours, Lenny picked one that kept the words and text still on the page. These coloured plastic lenses were then cut into a sunglass type frame which Lenny then wore whenever print was involved, classroom and home. Shelley tested Lens reading level in his first lesson at Kip McGrath which resulted in a nil result. At seven years of age, Lenny couldn’t read.

We can’t express here the frustration, despair and feeling of hopelessness we all went through as we struggled to understand Len’s situation. Not knowing why this bright kid couldn’t spell or read was unbelievably confusing. Lenny had complained at a young age that the words on the page kept moving and that the white page was too bright to see the text. These comments I passed off as excuses!

Lenny was tested again at eight years old and after a year of wearing Irlen glasses his result was a level of 7.25!! At 9 he tested 8.8. We were in awe of his progress over those two years, but the best was watching his self-esteem and sense of worth return! That was truly the best. Testing at ten years showed a 9.3 year old level. We realized we had forgotten to retest Lenny at the Diagnostic Clinic at the two year mark as advised, and returning to Rotorua, we discovered a significant color shift in his vision. Over the next 12 months with the new shade, Lenny surpassed his eleven year old level and at 12 has settled in just below his reading age.

We changed the shade again in June 09 as a retest had shown yet another shift. This time the testing was done at the new Irlen Diagnostic Clinic in Hastings and operated by Mark Eagle. Also this year Mark put Lenny through the Cellfield Program, a computer based programme designed to help the mind access memory banks more directly. Right now Lenny is an adequate reader able to tackle documents and books with an amount of confidence. His spelling is below average but we also recognize that his generation, being completely computer literate, has easy access to spell-check.

He is confident in himself knowing he can read, his self esteem is vastly improved, and he completes homework. Both Karen and I know that without identification of Irlen Syndrome, Lenny would have been one of ‘those’ kids; the dumb kid, the stupid one who can’t read, a non-achiever, “could do better if tried” boy, and ultimately a trouble maker and disrupter in class. From there, onwards into the community.

We can’t thank enough, Shelley, Mark, Helen for Reading Recovery at Pukehou School, and Mary Cubie in Rotorua for what they have done for our son, and thank you to all others unmentioned who have had influence in Len’s life. We saw the path he was on and we love the path he is now on.

So how does this all work?
Lenny hears a spoken word as a picture. His memory bank contains volumes of images and pictures that he recalls when he hears a word to spell. Drawing from memory an image for a word to spell brings the image to mind, but with few letters or only a partial spelling of the word with the picture. I personally hear the word ‘cat’ as seeing the letters ‘c’ ‘a’ ‘t’ in my mind’s eye, and can spell it as quick. Lenny hears ‘cat’ and sees in his mind’s eye a picture of a cat, with no or few supporting letters for the image.

In the first two years at school while Lenny struggled to visually pin a word down on the page to memorize and comprehend it, the MoE Curriculum, the ‘how to learn’ was not installed. He failed to learn ‘how to learn’. Added to this is his difficulty in drawing on an image for words like ‘the, what, where, there who etc when there is no instant picture in his memory for these words. What is the picture for ‘the’ and what is the picture for ‘apple’; ‘why’ and ‘dog.’?

After Cellfield finished we made hundreds of flashcards and with repetition we have improved his memory bank of non-picture words. Sounds bizarre? It is! We see Lenny around the house now reading the odd article, studying instruction books, and hear him reading words off the TV.

An interesting benefit to his Irlen Syndrome is a natural ability to think outside the square. Lenny does not think mainstream as many Irlen and Dyslexic people don’t. This puts them immediately into the square peg, round hole situation going through the Ministry of Education system which caters for mainstream thinking. There is generally an exceptional talent lurking just below the surface of each Dyslexic. Lenny talks money and finances that we hardly hear adults talk and is skilled in the handling of money. He is rapidly becoming an exceptional footballer having had three seasons at Representative level and currently training with an Under Fifteen Grade squad. As at October 2009 he is still twelve!

Watching Lenny happily start school and grow into a sullen and angry seven year old was heart wrenching. In comparison, his younger brother Sam is a perfect student; a model example of the Ministry of Education System.

There is so much not written here. For anyone who can empathize with what they read, we are happy to share with you our experiences with Irlen Syndrome. We understand the frustration of a seeing a bright child go backwards for no apparent reason. Contact us through Shelley Harrison, Kip McGrath in Waipukurau or Mark Eagle at VisionLink, Hastings.

Thanks once again to all who have helped Lenny get life back on track.

Regards,
Karen and Russell Phillips
Lenny Phillips, 12 yrs, Hastings

Hi my name is Tim. I am 12 years old. I found out I had Irlen Syndrome when I went to get my eyes tested. I have had trouble reading since primary school and I have been going to special reading classes for my whole school life. Since I got my glasses I went up two and a half reading years in just two months. They help me read for longer and help me concentrate for longer. The words on the page are clearer, not fuzzy and I don't skip lines or miss words like I use to.

Thank you Vision Link for finding my problem before I got older and my learning was a life time problem.

Timothy Walker, 12 yrs, Hastings

Finding out last year that I had Irlen Syndrome answered a lot of my questions. I had problems growing up with my reading, writing, concentration, headaches, sore eyes and not being able to take everything down properly, lines moving on the page and seeing snail trails through the paragraphs in whatever I was reading.

I thought I should get my eyes tested and found out I needed glasses but my optometrist said it will not help all my problems. Then I had my two year check up and heard about Irlen syndrome and it sounded like me. I went to the specialist in Hastings (Mark Eagle) and got told I definitely have the problem.

Throughout my school years my teachers where putting my difficulties down to having a behavioural problem. I had never heard of Irlen Syndrome until I was told I had it and went through all the tests. I never knew that having coloured lenses could help and make a big difference but they do. They have made a huge impact on my life if only we could have found out earlier it would have helped me even more.

Yes I do get asked questions when I wear my glasses like why they are tinted and no one has ever heard of it and no one has the problem. Knowing I have this syndrome and that it is easily fixed makes a huge improvement and the only way people can tell is by looking at my glasses.

I suggest getting tested for it if it sounds like you, it will really benefit your life in a very big way.

Sinead Senior, 17 yrs, Dannevirke (UCOL student)

This is written from two perspectives, mum 41 yrs old found out she was dyslexic at the age of 32, thanks to a friend giving me some information. We moved to New Zealand four years ago. I went for colour remitter testing (same as Irlen testing) in England where I am from and was diagnosed dyslexic. We did the test and found out wearing coloured lenses (mine are a mix of seven shades) helped the words on the page sit still and my brain is not over worked, this was the biggest change in my life. All through school I was told by my teachers I was stupid and no good, because I struggled with English and writing and spelling and got into trouble often. I came out of school with nil qualifications and little hope. I sat my driving test three times, sat entrance exam for nursing three times and sat my nursing exam twice. Whatever I tried was always hard to achieve but I never gave up. Working as a intensive care nurse I did a high diploma and that was hard, it took me two times to pass but I did it. Then at 32 some one told me about the colour remitter testing and I followed it up. By this time I was injecting myself with headache medicine as my migraines where so far advanced that I was getting them weekly and so bad I would pass out, not good when working in intensive care.

The day I got my lenses things changed. The migraines where less and now very infrequent. My work place environment was better, the bright lights and flashing equipment did not bother me, I could concentrate better and my skills improved. I know I will never correct the method of learning I have but I am able to live a more normal healthy life. Also, dyslexic people are GIFTED people, we think out side the box and we can accomplish amazing things. My IQ was tested and it is pretty high so the teachers where wrong! I have worked hard and my job is now clinical nurse manager of a rural hospital. I also talk to children in school about my dyslexia hoping to show them things can be different.

As a mum of two girls I started to watch them closely as the condition passes to girls easier than boys. My oldest is fine, very bright and beautiful and did well in school. Now my youngest Elle she struggles (funny but the same things I did). I asked her teachers to watch her and have extra help with reading etc and at seven years old took her to Mark Eagle to check her eye sight and was told about the Irlen testing done in NZ. Mark was having a visit for a professor from Auckland with regards to the Irlen testing and he used Elle to show Mark what to look for. Elle came away with coloured films to place over her book page to relax her retinas. This worked well and Elle was doing well - no more complaints about tummy ache which was her escape mechanism for over active brain after school. She is now eight and needs the Irlen lens tint glasses so she can do board work easier. No matter how many times I told Elle's teacher about the white wipe boards being no good for her to copy off they still wrote on the wipe boards. She now has glasses (three colour tints) which she is proud to wear and does not mind telling the other kids she is dyslexic, 'GIFTED' as her mummy says.

Elle says a big thank you, she loves her glasses and is doing well in school.

Hilary Rimmer (mum) and Elle Ratcliffe 8 yrs, Wairoa

Hi Mark

I am really stoked with my new glasses, thank you so much. The service was awesome, I enjoyed picking out my frames and getting my coloured lenses. Attached to this are some photos I said I'd send you of me with my Irlen lenses. Thank you to everyone at Shattky Optometrists for the help with picking and fitting my new frames. Thank you so much.

Sincerely
Rebekah Brown, 15 yrs, Palmerston North



My son L.B. has now had his Irlen Lenses for 4 months and I have noticed a big improvement. Before he had them he really hated going to school because he couldn’t see the board or read his books and he was going to give up. Now with the lenses he can see a lot clearer. His words are not moving around anymore and it is not blurry for him. He is also enjoying going to school now and learning. I look forward to seeing what else he can achieve in the future.

Louise Hampson - Proud Mother, Waipukurau

Since I have had my Irlen Lenses I can read and see the board at school a lot better. Before, it was really hard to concentrate and I kept losing where I was when reading. Now it is so much easier and clearer and I enjoy school now. I hope it continues and I get better and better.

Lindsey Hampson (L.B.), 11yrs, Waipukurau

Dear Vision Link

In the short time I have had my Irlen glasses the improvement has been so dramatic that even my English teacher commented on my school report.

I'm finding that I can read more easily and for longer periods of time using my Irlen glasses. This means I am no longer getting into trouble in class for not staying on task.

Regards
Karel Linley, Waipukurau

This is from Ellice McDonald. I started wearing my Irlen glasses fully at the beginning of the school year. I am in room 6 at Dannevirke South School. I have moved up a reading level and two levels in my spelling since wearing the glasses. I find them a big help in doing my school work. My teacher is happy that I am wearing my glasses in class. I like to wear my glasses to work at school. I am nearly 9 years old. My birthday is on June the 14th. 

This is from Jan, Ellice's mum. I am very pleased with the progress Ellice has made this year at school since she started wearing her glasses. So far she has achieved her term goals at school and the teacher is very happy with her work. Thank you.

Ellice Mcdonald, 8 yrs, Dannevirke

Since having my Irlen lenses, I have found I am able to read for greater periods and have much better concentration. I no longer feel reading to be a draining experience and actually enjoy it now.

Adam Gallagher, 26 yrs, Havelock North

MY NEW GLASSES ARE COOL

Before I had my new purple lenses I hated reading. It was just about as painful as having my finger jammed in the car door! I used to see rivers running down the page of a book which stopped me reading some of the words and I sometimes missed out whole lines.

Since having my glasses I now enjoy reading in class and at home. I am now reading some longer chapter books. I have improved in my maths addition and subtraction from 46% at the beginning of the year to 98% in term 3. I like wearing my new glasses, they make reading a whole lot easier and a lot more enjoyable.

Benjamin Hansen, 10 yrs, Waipukurau

Hi - I would like to say that we have noticed an improvement in Maddison's reading since she has had her (Irlen) lenses.  I feel Maddison is more confident in her reading and is reading more fluently since she has been wearing them. We are very thankful that we found out about Irlen syndrome.

Maddison says, "I like them because they have pink in them and people at school say to me that they like my glasses.

Thank you
Shelley, Sheldon and Maddison Parker, 8 yrs, Havelock North

I have had headaches daily and migraines two to three times a week for 30 years. In 2008 my daughter gave me an Irlen pamphlet from her children's school and said I would be interested in the information. After trying almost everything at enormous expense over the years, what did I have to lose in trying another alternative method? I read through the pamphlet and said "that's me". I had all the symptoms, so I rang that day and made an appointment with Prue Deighton the following week, she is an Irlen Screener in Marton. I 'ticked all the boxes' for Irlen glasses, so three weeks later off I go to see Mark Eagle in Hastings where he gave me tests with the coloured lenses. Two weeks later I had new glasses and I haven't looked back since! I do still get the odd headache and migraine, but that would also relate to Vertigo which I have. It’s so wonderful to go shopping for more than one hour and read 1/2 dozen pages. I'm even looking at a laptop which I would never have considered. I haven’t been able to do any of these activities for 30 years. It’s just a pity it’s not more recognised and advertised. Schools are the places to start. I now know that our problems start at an early age and don't get picked up. Learning was difficult for me, it’s been 50 years of not being well, one way or another. Now I'm a much happier person.

Yours Sincerely
Ann Bowater, 64 yrs, Palmerston North

My glasses help with my reading and writing. When I didn't have them it was slow now I am much better.

They help change the colours and letters like what other people see and my world does not move anymore. Without my glasses red was pink, blue green and orange was yellow.

I like being retested because the colours of my glasses change and I never know what colour I'll get next.

They help change the colours and letters like what other people see and my world does not move anymore. Without my glasses red was pink, blue green and orange was yellow.

I like being retested because the colours of my glasses change and I never know what colour I'll get next.

Danyel Holder, 9 yrs, Masterton

Our 14 year old daughter Megan has been wearing spectacles with Irlen lenses as recommended by Mark Eagle Optometrist for six months now. Megan has had difficulty with understanding and processing the written word all through her primary school education.

Following the Irlen Screening and Assessment Megan had only a little hesitation in wearing the spectacles prescribed. She firmly believes that the Irlen Lenses have been a definite aid to her and have assisted her in being able to better comprehend and process the written word.

MEGAN EXPLAINS - "When I wear my glasses with the Irlen Lenses the words don't jump around the page and I don't see lines between the words as I do when I am without my glasses. Also the page doesn't appear nearly so bright with my Irlen Lense glasses on. When I first got my glasses I thought that I would feel different from everyone else. Being a Year 9 in a new school I had enough new things to cope with without wearing glasses with tinted lenses in class.I thought people would stare at me.  But my class mates were interested and supportive of the reason why I wear my special glasses. They actually think they look 'cool'. I wear my glasses in every class and when reading at home. Over the past six months my confidence has grown and my end of year report is the best report that I have ever had."

In conclusion it only remains for me, as Megan's mother, to say that yes, I definitely believe that the Irlen Lenses have made a 'difference' as Megan has made significant progress in the area of reading and comprehension since commencing the wearing of the Irlen Lense spectacles this year. Even though Megan still does not get 'ecstatic' about all things pertaining to school work she is now happy, has a better attittude, is achieving and the elevation in her self esteem is obvious.

From
Colleen (mum) and Megan Sandford, 14 yrs, Otane

To whom it may concern,

We have just undergone Irlen testing and purchased a pair of tinted lenses for our 8 year old daughter. This testimonial is to inform others of the vast improvement we have seen in her, not only in her ability to perform better in school, but also in her behaviour and attitude.

I have always thought that Holly has had a problem of some description. She is an intelligent, articulate child but has always had a major problem with concentration and focussing. Even as a toddler she seemed unable to sit down for any length of time to perform a task, not even to watch a DVD. She flittered from activity to activity rarely completing anything. She also seemed to have no awareness of things around her - almost like she had no peripheral vision. She was the one who would walk into things, spill things, knock things over etc. If you pointed something out to her it would take her a while to discover what it was exactly you were showing her. As she grew, it got to a point where there was no way I would let her cross a road as she didn’t seem to be aware of impending cars.

When she began school, it soon became apparent that she was unable to see patterns and was struggling with maths. Although it took her a while she did teach herself to read and is quite good at that but not so good at spelling. None of the teachers were aware anything was wrong as she was managing to hold her own. At home however it was a different story. She was constantly tired, completely irrational and would fly off the handle at a moments notice about the smallest things. Her ability to follow instructions was minimal and we thought that she was a drama queen, lazy and a brat who liked having her own way and would constantly push the limits of our patience. Her self-confidence started to decrease and she began to talk negatively about herself - ‘I can’t do this, I can’t remember that, I’m no good at the other’ etc. She refused to do her ballet exams as she couldn’t remember the routines and didn’t want to go to year 3 because she was no good at maths and the maths in year 3 would be harder. She shies away from anything that is remotely competitive for fear that she won’t do very well.

Because of this confidence issue, we decided to send her to Kip McGrath for some one-on-one tutoring in maths – we felt that she couldn’t have her confidence eroded in year 3 to the point where she gave up before she started, as she has an awful lot more schooling to get through before she reaches adulthood, and we didn’t want her limiting her life in any way because she ‘would be no good at anything’. The tutor at Kip McGrath suggested that she see a behavioural optometrist and have Irlen syndrome investigated. This was the first I had heard of Irlen syndrome but when we talked to Mark Eagle about it, it just seemed to fit. Over several sessions, Mark tested Holly and for the first time we became aware of the problems she faced and were in awe of her ability to find a way round the situation. Despite her problems, she had still managed to find a way to be in the top half of the class. We were made aware that the behavioural and attitudinal problems she was exhibiting were due to her constant struggle to see and understand a world that just didn’t seem to fit with her. Unbeknownst to us she had constant headaches, which she never mentioned because I suppose she thought it was normal as it was always there. No wonder her moods swung to extremes. Her brain was working overtime just to comprehend what we were all on about.

Mark recommended glasses, which Holly was a little remiss to get at first - she didn’t want to stand out as being different - however once we got her to wear them at home and then at school for reading, writing and math, she discovered that made a huge difference to her day. She no longer has headaches. Her ability to focus has improved as she isn’t as tired and she isn’t struggling to just see what is happening. She is making huge headway with maths and is able to remember more than one instruction or sequence.

The biggest change for us is in her behaviour - she is more relaxed, you can have a joke and a laugh with her, she doesn’t fly off the handle regularly anymore and is a lovely kid to be around. She follows instructions, is helpful and is always trying to please us (something she always tried to do but didn’t quite manage it somehow - it saddens me now to think that we may have been overly critical of her, thinking poorly of her when she was always doing her damdest to please us but had obstacles in her way). She is the child we always wanted to have - laid-back and relaxed and fun to be around - and no longer feel we have to walk on egg-shells around her. Her self-esteem and confidence seem to be growing and we hope this continues. Apparently the Irlen syndrome will correct itself with the use of glasses over time, and she won’t have to wear them forever - however if we hadn’t discovered the problem til later in life glasses would be required for her entire adult life.

I recommend that if you think your child may have issues with learning and doesn’t seem to be fitting well with life, get them tested. It will cost a bit of money but you can’t put a price on the value of your child’s education or future potential - as a parent you have to do everything in your power to give them the opportunity to be the best they can be, and if a pair of glasses is all that is required that is a small price to pay.

Sincerely
Diana Chamberlain (Mother of Holly), Napier

To whom it may concern

My son was diagnosed with Irlen Eye Syndrome March 2006 (aged 9yrs). We went to Rotorua to visit Mary Cubie for the testing and my son's  test came out at scale 11 which is the highest reading.

The battles we had to read one page of a book were horrendous. He used to come home from school with bad headaches and blurred, glassy eyes. His behaviour was poor as well.

My son was retested May 2008 and the lenses were changed. His latest reading test at school November 2008 - Accuracy 99%, Comprehension 85%. Reading level 11.5 yr - 12.5 yrs.

Thank-you Irlen Eye Glasses, as we wouldn't have acheived these results. Our son is a much happier boy and progress has been very satisfying.

Linda Mackie, Waipukurau

I recently embarked on the process of obtaining Irlen tinted filters for my eight year old son James. Why? Because although I know him to be bright, he was not succeeding within the school system.  His reporting showed him to be below average in every subject, his teacher's comments have included statements such as "he is unable to stay on task", "James is slow to get started", and "he is easily distracted".

When Journal reading at home I found him to be incredibly slow, and he would often just stop mid sentence and then when he was ready he continued.  He often had headaches and did not like his desk by the window. So I had his eyes tested... Nothing, not a problem.

About a  year later I heard about Irlen Treatment and although I didn't really understand it and I wasn't sure it would work, I began the testing for my son. Did it work? Yes! James has gone up five reading levels in the eight weeks he has had his glasses, he has successfully completed Essential Spelling Lists 3 and 4, and is only four words from completing ESL5.  He is confident and his teacher has told me he "gets on with his work" now.  But the most exciting thing is that for the first time ever my eight year old son is reading for pleasure.

Mark and the team at Shattky on Russell Optometrists have been exceptional, they are incredibly helpful and take the time to answer your questions. James was instantly relaxed with Mark, in fact he actually enjoyed the testing.

Thank you Mark, the lenses really have made a difference for James.

Cherie S, Wanganui

To all who may have doubted!

My name is Mary and have struggled all my life with migraine headaches. Fortunately for me I received a blessing in disguise when my daughter trod on and broke my existing coloured lenses! Through the process that followed in replacing these, I was sent to Mark Eagle.

Mark and the team were the only optometrists that took the time to really look into the difficulties I was suffering with my eyes, not only with visual focus and through his thorough consultation provided me with coloured glasses that have been what I call miraculous! My eyes are no longer tired, I can wear these glasses inside where flourescent and bright lights previously caused me difficulties and outside where the suns brightness would cause my eyes to strain. I can drive at night now without the bother of oncoming headlights blinding me and my migraines have decreased.

I am so grateful to the time Mark took to creating the best pair of glasses for my particular needs. It has been a God send, thanks again Mark. I can sincerely recommend the team to all who need that extra care and help.

Yours faithfully
Mary Harte, Waipukurau

I started off having dizzy spells early this year (2008), they progressed to loss of sight and loss of balance. I was not able to read or concentrate looking at computers or at work. This meant I was unable to work and had to have many days off.

After seeing Mark [Eagle], and being diagnosed with 'Irlen Syndrome', I chose my glasses (with a green tint - as this colour worked best for me). It was hard at first with the coloured lenses as I felt abit self-conscious but I am now working everyday and even doing part time study work at the EIT too.

Now I can relax and I do not have to worry about having dizzy spells anymore. These glasses have changed my life and I am able to enjoy things a lot more, therefore I am no longer worried about how my glasses make me look

"I would be lost without them!!"

Thank you so much
Anneliese O , Hastings

The following are industry testimonials for the Irlen treatment method. 

"It is the single most important advance in the treatment of reading difficulties I've ever seen." John Bald, Literacy Expert, Consultant-National Curriculum Council, writer - The Mail

"After one week those that received the correct coloured transparencies gained 6.6 months in reading accuracy and 19.35 months in reading comprehension." O'Connor, Sofo, Kendall, & Olsen, "Reading Disabilities and Effects of Colored filters," Journal of Learning Disabilities

"All of us who have laboured to help dyslexics conquer reading disability have groped our way, trying to find techniques to reduce the perceptual handicap seen for more than 80 years in the dyslexic population. Irlen's colour procedure has given us a dramatic solution to this age-old problem. Seeing is believing! This method is an answer to a prayer for the dyslexic population."
Dale Jordan, Ph.D., author of Overcoming Dyslexia in Children, Adolescents, and Adults and Attention Deficit Disorder

"The relative simplicity of wearing Irlen Filters or using plastic sheets to correct colour sensitivities that interfere with reading and the dramatic effects Irlen Filters have had on some individuals have made this a popular choice of treatment."
Lorraine Hammond, author of 'When Bright Kids Fail'

"There is so much evidence that Irlen coloured filters can literally transform a child's outlook on life that it makes sense to offer Irlen overlays or glasses to every child who needs them. "Felicity Craig, author of 'Conquering Dyslexia'


(Copyright © 1998-2006 by Percpetual Development Corp/Helen Irlen. All rights reserved.)