Visual Difficulties

Is your child displaying visual difficulties?

Coloured Overlays

Some children with or without dyslexia may experience visual difficulties (like words moving, blurring, or headaches when reading), but this is not the same as dyslexia.

Coloured overlays are thin sheets of coloured transparent plastic that can be placed over white sheets of text.

Tools like coloured overlays, may help some children feel more comfortable when reading.

But they do not replace a full eye test and may delay the right support if used without proper assessment.

What should I do if my child presents with visual difficulties symptoms?

1. Book a routine eye test with a qualified optometrist and share your concerns.

Click here for the visual difficulties symptom checklist: Visual Difficulties Screening — MID KENT DYSLEXIA

(Routine eye tests are free on the NHS for children under 16 and for young people under 19 in full-time education)

Exploring this area before a dyslexia assessment ensures that no visual difficulties are missed before a dyslexia assessment is carried out.

(Information based on SASC Guidance – June 2025)