Signs of Learning-Related Vision Problems

Teachers and parents are in the best positions to take note of any signs of a learning-related vision problem.

Take our Vision Quiz to learn whether you should explore Vision Therapy

A Wide Variety of Problems

There are many different learning-related vision problems that can impact a child’s academic performance. Skills like hand-eye coordination, reading ability, and ability to focus are all tied, in no small part, to vision.

These issues can only be formally diagnosed by an eye care professional, but there are numerous noticeable signs that can indicate there is a problem, and it is important for both parents and teachers to recognize these so that if noticed, the child can receive proper diagnosis and treatment.

If an issue is recognized and dealt with quickly, it can prevent a small problem from becoming something bigger.

Why This Matters

Experts say that approximately 80 percent of what a child learns in school is done visually. Good vision is essential if a child is to reach their full academic potential.

In addition to the obvious academic difficulties these problems can cause, they can also harm a child’s self esteem at a critical point in their life.

Signs to Watch For

Here is a non-exhaustive list of signs that may indicate a child is suffering from a learning-related vision problem.

Frequent squinting
Difficulty reading for long periods
Complaints about eyes “feeling tired”
Frequent rubbing of the eyes
Difficulty keeping the place while reading, or relying on using a finger to mark their place
Poor reading comprehension
Trouble focusing or paying attention, especially for extended periods of time
Frequent covering or closing of one eye
Complaints of blurred or double vision
Regular headaches, especially while reading
Difficulty visualizing or recalling things based on something that was read
Trouble learning basic math concepts such as size, position, and magnitude
Sloppy handwriting and drawing, difficulty staying on or within lines, or difficulty copying notes from the board
Having little to no difficulty responding orally while struggling with responding in writing
Reversal of letters or words while reading or writing

What To Do

If any of these symptoms appear, the child’s parents should be informed both about the problem and of the fact that it might be a vision issue (as opposed to a learning disability.) The parents’ responsibility is then to bring their child to an eye care professional so their vision can properly be examined, and any issues treated. To schedule a comprehensive eye exam, please call (562) 925-6591. Patients looking for a comprehensive eye exam visit our clinic from all over California, and we are proud to be a leading provider of medical eye care services for patients from Bellflower, Long Beach, Lakewood, and Los Angeles.

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Testimonials

I haven't actually used the optometrist side, so my review is limited to the vision therapy offered. This office was recommended by my occupational therapist for the treatment of my double vision following a stroke.

Claire A.

Love this location. I had a brain injury accident from day one one. All the team make you feel you still important and hope in the horizon after when the medical system fell you miserably. Dr. Ikeda very professional and very understanding about your issue. Two tombs up.

Jim K.

My husband and I were immediately impressed with Dr Ikeda. I was hit by a car while cycling which caused broken bones and three brain injuries. The brain injuries caused double vision. Dr. Ikeda examined my eyes and got me started on vision therapy with his occupational therapist who specializes in vision therapy. She (Chris) is absolutely great. I am impressed with the array of tools used to help recover my binocular vision. I am doing things I never thought were possible (balance boards etc). Chris pushes me and keeps me motivated. I really enjoy my sessions with her. The office staff is always friendly and they have a wonderful appointment reminder tool that makes it easy to keep my calendar up to date. I am happy the rehab center at Little Co. of Mary recommended them!!

Teresa S.

The Vision Therapy is handled in a separate office through a different door from the shared waiting room. Chris, the vision therapist, has a wide and varied assortment of tools, equipment and resources to best evaluate and treat most vision issues. After just a few visits, my double vision became easier to control, using exercises developed during the therapy process. It was time well-spent.

Joe M.

I have been coming here since I can remember. I love it here. The staff is so amazing and nice. They explain everything they gonna do and never make you feel rushed. Dr. Ikeda has always been my doctor and I would never want another one. He is the doctor for my whole family and is always asking how everyone is doing. I am also so crazy about picking out my frames and have to try so many and each person who helps me take the time and lets me try them all on. I would never want to go anywhere else! I definitely would recommend this office to anyone looking for a great eye doctor.

Kayla W.

This is not for the eye exam but for the frames selection portion. I brought my prescription from Kaiser here with my VSP insurance. The reception staff was very polite and professional. Manny helped me to pick out frames and explain my coverage. Very helpful and patient not like the individual at the other place I rated here on Yelp. I was running late and he still helped me and was not bothered at all. I am so glad I came here ..........very pleased.

Very professional staff and pleasant.