May 25, 2015

treating dyslexia – have we been getting it wrong?

Dyslexia affects around 375,000 children in the UK and can have a lifelong impact on learning. Patients and parents naturally want the best treatments possible and many turn to coloured cards and lenses which are thought to reduce visual stress. Many practitioners offer specialist eye treatments and therapies. However, there is growing evidence that this entire industry is founded on unsupported research.

Experts have now used comprehensive eye tests with thousands of children to test the role of vision in dyslexia. Based on these results and those of previous work, the researchers want charities, practitioners and support groups to reflect the latest evidence. The research is published in the journal Pediatrics.

Two of the authors came to the Science Media Centre to discuss issues such as:

• What role, if any, does vision play in dyslexia?
• How common is it for people to use coloured cards/lenses?
• Is there any evidence that coloured card/lenses are beneficial for non-dyslexia reasons?
• Are you calling for charities to change their websites and guidance? What do you want them to say?
• What is the best way for people to treat dyslexia?

Speakers:

Dr Alexandra Creavin, Academic Clinical Fellow in Ophthalmology, School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol

Dr Cathy Williams, Consultant Senior Lecturer in Ophthalmology, University of Bristol and Paediatric Ophthalmologist at Bristol Eye Hospital