Who we help

Our service assists children and adults with a number difficulties including the characteristics (listed below). If you are interested in viewing video testimonials from people with diffculties who have been in contact with the Irlen Institute, please use the following link to view our You Tube video catalogue.

We have also recently embarked on a Vision for Learning initiative which includes a study into the link between children's learning and their vision. Use the following Vision for Learning initiative link to find out more about the 270 children screened at Raureka School for FREE.

Reading Problems, Dyslexia and Learning Difficulties:

Reading is difficult and cannot use their reading skills or learn basic reading skills
Problems with flow, fluency, and comprehension
Other problems may exist and instruction or remediation may be necessary

Gifted and Average Students with Good Reading Skills:

Spend longer to complete homework
Physical complaints of headaches, strain, or tiredness when reading or at school
Avoids reading or reading for pleasure
Does poorly on timed tests or standardized tests
Unable to keep up with reading assignments
Reads beginning and summaries rather than the entire chapter
Listens in class rather than doing assigned reading
Finds it easier to learn from discussion than reading
Works hard to get grades but feels that s/he is brighter than grades indicate
Considered lazy or unmotivated. Told they could do better if tried harder

Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD/HD):

Problems concentrating when reading or writing
Easily distracted when reading or writing
Distracted when under fluorescent lights
Daydreams in class
Problems staying on task with academic work
Problems starting academic tasks

Headaches, Migraines and Other Physical Symptoms:

Discomfort in sunlight
Discomfort in bright lights or fluorescent lights
Prefer dim lighting
Bothered by headlights at night
Bothered by glare
Discomfort with computer use
Stress or strain with sustained reading
Stress or strain from visually-intensive activities
Difficulty looking at stripes or patterns
Certain colors are bright and bothersome
Snow, rain, and hazy days can appear to be glary

Light Sensitivity

Bothered by glare, fluorescent lights, bright lights, sunlight and sometimes lights at night. Some individuals experience physical symptoms and feel tired, sleepy, dizzy, anxious, or irritable. Others experience headaches, mood changes, restlessness or have difficulty staying focused, especially with bright or fluorescent lights.

Autism and Asperger Syndrome:

Looks in a series of short glances
Looks away from visual targets
Squints or looks down
Finger flicks
Sideway glances
Poor eye contact
Rubs or pushes on eyes
Mesmerized by colors, patterns, or light
Behavior changes in bright lights or sunlight
Poor spatial or body awareness
Light sensitivity
Difficulties with stairs, escalators, or catching balls
Poor small or gross motor coordination

Traumatic Brain Injuries, Head Injuries, Concussions and Whiplash:

Reading. Problems because of a change in clarity or stability of the print.
Sustained Attention and Concentration. Problems with ease and comfort reading.
Light Sensitivity. Being in bright light, and driving at night can be uncomfortable.
Physical Symptoms such as headaches, nausea, dizziness and irritability.
Depth Perception. Problems with the ability to judge depth or spatial relationships.
Fatigue. General sense of being tired and fatigued.
Neurological Problems. Light-induced seizures, tremors, or other similar problems.

Psychological, Medical and Visual Problems:

Low Vision/Visually Impaired
Light-Induced Epilepsy
Depression
Anxiety
Strokes
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Auto Immune Diseases
Multiple Sclerosis
Cerebral Palsy
Fibromyalgia
Viral Illnesses
Tourette Syndrome
Lyme Disease