Primary schools are front line in tackling vision-based learning issues, says Kildare expert

WHEN it comes to noticing if there might be a hidden vision issue for a child who doesn't seem to be learning well, teachers are well placed to notice first. But that's not part of their training.

However, the publication of a new short book on the subject by a Kilcullen optician could be a game-changer for an often under-diagnosed problem.

Raising awareness in primary schools about the importance of good vision for learning is a key next-stage strategy for Nichola Kennedy, following the launch of her book ‘See The Change’. One of only three certified neurodevelopmental and behavioural optometrists in the country, Nichola has already helped over 80 patients whose learning ability had been impaired by undiagnosed vision issues, through using suitable eyewear and eye exercises. During a Q&A session with business coach Mary Grant at the launch in Kilcullen's Woodbine Books, she shared examples of her treatments for different issues, noting that referrals had come from as far away as Cork and Kerry.

To support those who are far away, she has created a hybrid approach using 28 short videos of exercises, accessible via a hub called Brainsight. "This means they can come to the practice for assessment and a one-to-one session," she said.

"After that, we can use the videos and discuss via WhatsApp how to continue the treatment."

She said there's a 100 per cent success rate when patients do the exercises.

Nichola stresses that hidden problems often go undetected in standard eye tests. "So I delve deeper, looking at how the eye functions with the brain, how the brain processes information, and how the child perceives the world." The issues vary.

“In one case, a patient's 3D vision was faulty, causing a 'ghosting' effect of overlapping words while reading. After receiving special glasses and exercises, she's now reading happily.

“And she's reading for fun, whereas before, she avoided reading entirely. She’s delighted, and her parents are happy. And it's just taken a weight off the whole family."

Another patient had normal eyesight, but Nichola discovered difficulty refocusing from the blackboard to his book and back. "He couldn't get the words down quickly enough. We provided him with special reading glasses and exercises so that he could see the board and see the book, and he's come on by leaps and bounds."

Nichola's interest in visual issues and learning began during her optometry training, influenced by her mentor, Margaret Barrett, who had a keen interest and researched the subject. "I've also encountered it in my practice over the years — unexplained difficulties, children not thriving or achieving what they should be. I always felt there had to be an answer."

She completed a course with the British Association of Behavioural Optometrists and has been developing her expertise in this area during the last few years.

The book was inspired by a meeting with Mary Grant earlier this year. It is deliberately a short publication, designed for parents questioning why their child struggles with learning or behaviour, possibly due to vision issues. "Sometimes you can go around in circles looking for an answer, and it's in front of us, but we don’t see it. In my work with children, Special Olympics, and autistic patients, I have seen the impact on the family unit and home and every family member."

‘See The Change’ explores why children can focus on screens but not on reading, and how poor eye coordination and visual fatigue hinder learning. It provides practical tools to improve focus and reduce frustration, and guides when to seek behavioural optometric evaluation and vision therapy. The book is available at Woodbine Books in Kilcullen and as a Kindle edition on Amazon.