Visually Related Learning Problems: What Every Parent Should Know

When a child struggles with reading, writing, or attention in the classroom, the first thought is often a learning disorder. But what if the problem isn’t cognitive at all, what if it’s visual?

At Eyes by Design, we regularly see children who are bright, curious, and capable, but whose visual systems aren’t supporting their learning. These children may not need tutoring or assessments — they need their vision tested properly.

This is where visually related learning problems come in, a common yet often overlooked issue that can interfere with a child’s ability to read, concentrate, and retain information.

Why Visual Skills Matter in the Classroom

Reading isn’t just about seeing clearly, it’s about how well the eyes move, focus, and work together. In fact, over 80% of what a child learns is processed visually.

For fluent reading and efficient learning, your child needs a suite of visual skills including:

• Clear near vision
• Accurate eye movements (tracking across text)
• Good focusing flexibility (switching between board and page)
• Strong visual memory and recognition
• Efficient eye teaming (both eyes working together)

When any of these areas are underdeveloped, learning becomes harder than it should be — even if eyesight seems “fine” in a standard vision screening.

Common Symptoms of Visually Related Learning Problems

Often, these issues are misinterpreted as inattention, dyslexia, or lack of motivation. But if your child exhibits any of the following signs, it could indicate a visual issue instead:

• Blurred or double vision, especially after reading
• Frequent blinking, squinting, or rubbing of the eyes
• Short attention span for reading or homework
• Avoiding close work or becoming fatigued quickly
• Using a finger to track text or losing their place often
• Reversing letters or struggling to copy from the board
• Head tilting, covering one eye, or getting too close to the page
• Difficulty remembering what was just read
• Poor hand‑eye coordination or clumsiness with sports and crafts

These signs can often be subtle and are frequently missed without a comprehensive visual assessment.

These Are Not Learning Disabilities

Here’s a crucial distinction: visually related learning problems are not the same as learning disabilities.

A child may be misdiagnosed with conditions like dyslexia or attention-deficit disorder, when the root cause is an undiagnosed visual issue.

Whereas dyslexia involves a neurological difficulty with language processing, visually related learning problems stem from poor visual function, and are highly treatable.

Fixing the visual issue can dramatically reduce frustration, restore confidence, and support smoother progress in school without unnecessary testing or medication.

A Central Coast Expert in Children’s Vision

Dr Nicholas Altuneg, or Dr Nick, has over 30 years of experience as a Behavioural Optometrist. He has worked with hundreds of children across the Central Coast, helping them overcome visual barriers to learning and thrive in the classroom.

Dr Nick specialises in detecting the visual conditions that standard eye tests often miss. His approach is warm, encouraging, and focused on giving both parents and children clarity about what’s really going on — and how to fix it.

What Does Treatment Look Like?

At Eyes by Design, we begin with a comprehensive behavioural vision assessment tailored for your child. These evaluations go well beyond a standard school screening or eye chart check.

We assess:

• Eye teaming and eye tracking
• Focusing ability
• Visual memory and perceptual skills
• Binocular vision function
• Eye‑hand coordination

Tailored Support May Include:

• Customised glasses (for reading or specific visual tasks)
• Vision therapy to improve eye coordination and visual processing
• Ongoing collaboration with your child’s teacher or learning support team

Our goal is not just to correct vision — but to restore confidence in learning and remove the visual roadblocks that may have been holding your child back.

Don’t Wait for Symptoms to Worsen

Many children with visually related learning issues don’t realise their vision is different, because it’s the only way they’ve ever seen the world. That’s why early detection is key.

If your child has been struggling academically or showing signs of discomfort with reading, a behavioural eye assessment could be the missing link.

FAQs About Visually Related Learning Problems

What’s the difference between a vision screening and a behavioural vision assessment?

Standard screenings only test clarity (20/20 vision). Behavioural assessments check how the eyes work together, process information, and track movement — key skills for learning.

Can visually related learning problems be misdiagnosed as dyslexia?

Yes. Many symptoms overlap. But the cause is different — and visual issues can often be corrected, unlike dyslexia which requires long‑term management.

At what age should my child be tested for visual learning issues?

Testing can begin from age 5 or 6, especially if your child is struggling with early reading or school engagement.

Will my child need glasses?

Not always. Some children benefit from glasses, while others improve through vision therapy or specific exercises to build visual skills.

Is treatment covered by Medicare or private health insurance?

The initial consultation is typically covered by Medicare. Vision therapy or additional services may be claimable on some extras health insurance policies.