Visual Stress Clinic

The Optical Factor Hamilton facilitates a Visual Stress Clinic run by Janice Waterson.

Visual Stress, also known as Meares-Irlen Syndrome, is difficulty with reading with the print distorting or jumping, or light sensitivity. It can lead to headaches and beginning tired quickly with close-work. Your vision may be normal but you might notice some or all the following: 

• Patterns running through print, like squiggly lines
• Struggling with close-work because the print seems to move, fade, blur or change shape
• Skipping words or lines, or having to use a marker to keep your place
• Illusions of colour surrounding letters or words
• Having to move the page around to see better
• Eyestrain, that may develop into headache
• Not being able to read for long because you tire quickly
• Excessive blinking, or having to rub eyes a lot
• Becoming restless if you try to read

Visual stress can also lead to low self esteem. Symptoms of visual stress are not always immediately obvious- as individuals think everyone experiences the same difficulties. So if you – or your child is struggling with reading and it is becoming an issue then book an appointment for Visual Stress Assessment.  It’s amazing what colour can do.

This is a private clinic

When you make the appointment we will pass your details to Janice who will send you a questionnaire about your, or you child’s vision.  

We would suggest an up to date eye exam to ensure visual correction where necessary. 

Coloured Overlay

These are tried in the test-room, after a number of checks on vision and eye movements have been done. There is likely to be a colour that improves the visual comfort and rate of reading.  

This is given for you to try for a number of weeks to monitor the improvement. 

Cerium Precision Tinted Glasses

Based on the results from the overlay tests you may be tested with Cerium Intuitive Lenses to determine what colour would work best for you in spectacles. Surprisingly this might be totally different from the overlay.  

This precise tint can be incorporated into your prescription. 

When colour is not the answer

Coloured overlays and Precision Tinted Lenses do not work for everyone.  

In these cases eye exercises are often beneficial and you would be asked to do these for a number of weeks and come back for re-assessment. 

It may be that further referral is required. 

Reports

You can ask for a report on the Visual Stress. This can be useful to give to teachers or to access additional help at school, further education or in the workplace.