The College of Optometrists

I wonder what other people tihnk of Prof Wilkins article page 43 Optometry Today this week on Dyslexia fact or fiction.

I tihnk he is trying to refute the Times E S article which debunks the 'myth' of visual impairment causing dyslexia.

I am reminded of a book on dyslexia by OU which said that dyslexia only occurs in countries where there is a grant to pay for it.

Coudnt agree more

RIGHT LISTEN YOU LOT!

5 years ago I felt that Dyslexia was one of those conditions that you invented & then provided a cure for which cost your clients a lot of cash, was particularly a middle class disease for people with thick kids.

I then underwent the CONVERSION. Dipped a toe in the water, talked to people involved, educationists, psychologists,parents, dyslexics, adult dyslexics & because I also had a personal interest, one of my kids is dyslexic, & another family member was involved in the educational processes related I took the plunge using a variety of practical colorimeter. The practice now has a data base of 400+ patients with visual components of Dyslexia in its various forms, 80% of whom (recent practice survey) have benefitted from a combination of treatments including tinted reading Rx.

My great regret is that the PCT's will NOT sanction tints for Px with reading difficulties associated with this problem. I can think of no greater clinical requirement than assisting a kid with pattern glare to read in comfort by the use of a carefully selected & appropriate tint in spec form. So if you could you dispense for free under NHS voucher you can't ever be accused of profiting from it! Controversial, yes, heartfelt, yes but when it works, heartwarming.

PS to above:

We do not use exotic tints provided by the colorimeter suppliers, but our own recipe concocted in our lab from a cocktail of CR39 tint dyes. Inexpensively produced, very much appreciated by the recipients.

but what about omega 3 oils, oh wise one, and what about the Brain Gym? I can't believe that its all down to colour.

The snag with the impirical method (if it works - its good for you), is that no one has yet found out how filters work. As you say - the NHS regard them as very wrong.

Rather than pay out for colorimetry - a good dose of fish oils (smelly but got a good write up) - would save the poor parents loads.

I was diagnosed dyslexic during optom degree but had known myself for years. Thought all the coloured filter stuff was rubbish - why on earth would they work etc etc... Then got involved in some research the clinic was doing - results were amazing!! I am still slightly suspisious when my patients say they help coz it has been drummed into my head that it must be psychosomatic - and i suspect that in many cases - especially kids, it may be. But the difference it makes to myself has turned me from a cynic into a strong believer! The problem is, i think, that it is so difficult to explain what difference it makes and how it makes the difference, but it does show in reading speed etc trials, if only we could always tell when out patients our lieing, our job would be so easy.

A subject dear to my heart - we have arounbd 10,000 dyslexic patients in the practice (not all at once), so feel fairly confident to talk about this. I also did two major MRC studies on coloured lenses with Arnold Wilkins. I feel strongly that colour Can help some dyslexics, but it only masks the symptoms, and does not really offer a long term solution - that is where a visual training programme comes in, and does have permanant benefits.

what makes you think this is a visual problem, Keith - even blind people read and write. Value for money comes into this somewhere and some fish oil capsules could work out cheaper.

What is the exercises? Convert me!

Ah Palfi, Fish for yer brains. BUT too much fish oil gives you gout so you get rid of your dyslexia but you can't walk!!!

Would like to know more about this visual training program. Im no longer really involved with dyslexic patients apart from the routine ones, but am interested for myself.

I thought fish oils were good for your joints. Where did you get the info about gout???

I can get a motorised scooter and read the signs ! Aslo good for hair and brains - not very good for the fish though.

Which reminds me - -- i had a magistrate in the other day and I asked what standard of vision you needed for a bike. She said that basically, if your transport is wheeled then you have to pass the driving test standard. But if it is a horse or a pony or something - then you can have any vision you like. Is this right?

don't think there is a legal standard for a push bike. Once a motor is attached you must have driving standard, but don, t tell your arthritic amd px.....?

When I was at uni, we had a clinic of partially sighted patient for us to practice on. My friends patient i think was about HM/CF or possibly 6/120 - cant remember. But at the end of the clinic, the patient asked if someone could help her to unlock her bike as she couldnt see too well. She then got on it and peddled off.... 'Mind the buses!'

Those who want rewsearch go to www.oep.org and browse the site for around 250 papers on eficacy of VT, then tell me you aren't convinced. Britain has about the worst record for dealing with this kind of problkem in the civilised world, partly because British optometry is still very much in the dark ages. Now, that is being provocative....