Reading Difficulties and Optometry — A Review

Abstract

Changing trends in the field of learning disabilities compel occupational therapists to keep up with trends and new approaches and to be able to view these objectively and scientifically. In this perspective, it is timely that the practice of optometry with learning disabled children is reviewed, as many occupational therapists refer children to optometrists for further assessment or to compliment their own treatment regimes. A review of the literature highlights definitional problems and conflicting findings. Although there is some support for the efficacy of optometric therapy, much of the published literature lacks an empirical scientific basis. It seems that vision training programmes are useful with some children, however visual or perceptual training techniques are not applicable to all types of reading difficulties.