Primary Schools Vision Issues: Kildare Expert Says
- Teachers are often the first to notice learning difficulties in children, but lack the specific training to identify underlying vision problems.
- Kennedy's book launch, held at Woodbine Books in Kilcullen, highlighted the crucial link between good vision and academic performance.
- Many parents and educators are unaware of the extent to which vision impacts a child's ability to learn.
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Optometrist’s Book Aims to Improve Learning Through vision care
Teachers are often the first to notice learning difficulties in children, but lack the specific training to identify underlying vision problems. However, the recent publication of “See The Change” by Kilcullen-based optician Nichola Kennedy could significantly improve the diagnosis and treatment of these often-overlooked issues.
Kennedy’s book launch, held at Woodbine Books in Kilcullen, highlighted the crucial link between good vision and academic performance. She has already assisted over 80 patients with learning impairments stemming from undiagnosed vision issues, utilizing specialized eyewear and vision therapy techniques.
The Connection Between Vision and Learning
Many parents and educators are unaware of the extent to which vision impacts a child’s ability to learn. Standard vision screenings frequently enough only assess visual acuity (20/20 vision), failing to detect more subtle binocular vision problems – difficulties with how the eyes work *together*. These issues can manifest as difficulties with reading, comprehension, and attention. A study published in the Journal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics found that children with binocular vision disorders were significantly more likely to experience reading difficulties.
Neurodevelopmental Optometry: A Specialized Approach
Nichola Kennedy is one of only three certified neurodevelopmental and behavioural optometrists in Ireland. This specialization focuses on how vision impacts a person’s progress and learning. Unlike conventional optometry, which primarily corrects refractive errors (nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism), neurodevelopmental optometry addresses the visual skills needed for efficient reading, writing, and overall cognitive function. These skills include eye tracking, focusing, and binocular vision. The College of Optometrists in Vision Development (COVD) provides further information on this specialized field.
During the book launch Q&A session with business coach Mary Grant, Kennedy shared examples of accomplished treatments, with patients referred from counties as distant as cork and Kerry, demonstrating the demand for this specialized care.
