Here are common signs of vision problems that effect learning:
Focusing (Accommodation) Problem
- Blinks eyes excessively
- Has trouble copying from the board
- Frowns, scowls, or squints to see blackboard
- Avoids close work
- Fatigues easily during visual tasks
- Rubs eyes during or after visual activity
- Complains of blur while reading or writing
Eye Tracking (Ocular Motility) Problem
- Skips or re-reads words or letters
- Re-reads lines or phrases
- Mistakes words with similar beginnings or endings
- Uses finger or marker when reading
- Loses Place often when reading
- Repeatedly omits “small” words
- Moves head excessively as reads across page
Eye Teaming (Binocularity) Problem
- Complains of seeing double
- Covers or closes one eye
- One eye turns (in, out, up, down) at any time
- Tilts or turns head to one side
- Squints, closes, or covers one eye
- Complains of letters or lines “floating”, “running together”, or “jumping around”
- Reports confusion of what is seen
Visual Information-Processing Problem
- Confuses similar words
- Fails to recognize same word in next sentence or page
- Confuses minor likenesses and differences
- Makes errors in copying from chalkboard or reference book
- Difficulty following verbal instructions
- Difficulty completing assignments in time allowed
- Poor printing or handwriting
- Short attention span, distractable
- Says words aloud or moves lips as reads
- Reverses letters, numbers, or words
- Poor ability to remember what is read
- Poor eye-hand coordination
- Repeatedly confuses right-left directions
- Poor recall of visually-presented directions
- School performance not up to potential
