Your child can have 20/20 vision
and still struggle to read.
Most eye tests only check clarity. At Eyes by Design, Dr Nick tests how the eyes and brain work together because that is where reading, concentration and learning actually happen.
Signs your child’s visual system may need a closer look
These are easy to miss because the child’s eyesight often appears fine on a standard test.
Loses their place when reading, skips words or lines, reverses letters, numbers or words.
Headaches or tired eyes after reading or screen time
Avoids reading, homework, or anything close-up
Messy handwriting or struggles to copy from the board
Short attention span or easily distracted during schoolwork
Bright child who is underperforming at school
Difficulty with ball sports or hand-eye coordination
Previously assessed for dyslexia, ADHD, or learning difficulties
Clear vision and comfortable vision are not the same thing.
A standard eye test checks how clearly the eyes can see. A children’s vision assessment looks at how the eyes work together and how they interact with the rest of the body. Just because a child can see the letters on the chart clearly doesn’t necessarily mean their visual system is working efficiently for learning.
It is estimated that up to 80% of classroom learning depends on vision. If the visual system is not working efficiently, no amount of tutoring will fully close the gap.
A behavioural assessment looks at the whole picture. Not just clarity, but tracking, focusing, teaming and visual processing. Many parents are surprised to learn that a child can pass a standard eye test and still have vision problems affecting reading and learning. That’s because seeing clearly is only one part of how the visual system works.
What a behavioural assessment with Dr Nick includes
A thorough 45-minute assessment covering every dimension of how your child’s visual system supports reading, learning and daily life.
How well both eyes work together. When this is off, words can appear to move, blur or double, making reading exhausting even when sight seems clear.
Whether the eyes move smoothly across a line of text or jump and skip. One of the most common causes of losing place when reading.
The ability to shift focus from board to page and back. Essential for classroom learning and easily missed in a standard test.
How the brain interprets and stores what the eyes see, including letter recognition, spatial awareness and reading fluency.
Whether the eyes can pull in close together for near work without straining. A common but invisible problem that makes close work tiring.
A complete check of overall eye health, ruling out any underlying conditions at the same time. Nothing is left unchecked.
What a behavioural assessment actually looks at
| We assess | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Clear vision | Helps your child see the board, books and digital devices clearly. |
| Eye teaming | Supports comfortable reading and sustained visual attention. |
| Eye tracking | Helps your child follow words across a page and keep their place while reading. |
| Focusing | Allows the eyes to change focus efficiently between near and distance tasks. |
| Visual processing | Assesses how the brain interprets and uses visual information where clinically indicated. |
| Your child’s symptoms and concerns | Gives us a better understanding of how vision may be affecting learning, reading and everyday activities. |
as an optometrist
from our patients
in Kincumber
Trusted by families across the Central Coast
I founded Eyes by Design because I believe no child’s potential should be limited by their vision. For nearly three decades I have worked with children and families across the Central Coast, including children with Autism, ADHD, learning difficulties and those who have simply been told they are not trying hard enough.
My approach starts with listening. We take the time to understand your child, not just their eyes.
Book a behavioural assessment today.
A 45-minute assessment gives you a clear picture of how your child’s visual system is functioning and what, if anything, would be worth addressing next.
Your questions answered
No referral is needed. You can book directly online or by calling our Kincumber practice.
A comprehensive behavioural assessment takes approximately 45 minutes. We do not rush, this is an in-depth evaluation, not a standard sight test.
Medicare rebates may apply for children’s eye examinations. Most private health funds provide cover for optical services. Bring your health fund card and we will process it on the day.
We assess children from pre-school age through to university. If you have any concerns about your child’s vision, it is worth booking sooner rather than later, visual skills can be more responsive to support during childhood.
A standard school eye test or GP vision check does not assess behavioural vision function. Many patients at Eyes by Design have been told their eyes are perfect, and they are, for distance clarity. That is not the whole picture.
Dr Nick will discuss the findings with you and explain any recommendations clearly. This may include corrective lenses, a structured Vision Therapy programme, or both. You will leave with a clear understanding of next steps.
Take the first step today.
Book a Behavioural AssessmentEyes by Design · Shop 6 Kincumber Centre, 39 Avoca Drive, Kincumber NSW 2251 · enquire@eyesbydesign.com.au
This page provides general information only. It is not a substitute for professional optometric advice. For clinical guidance specific to your child, please book a consultation with Dr Nicholas Altuneg at Eyes by Design.
Privacy Policy · © 2026 Eyes by Design. All rights reserved.
Book your child’s behavioural assessment · Kincumber, Central Coast
Book Online Now