Visual Stress & Processing Assessments

A Specialist Assessment for Reading, Comfort & Visual Processing

At Chase Meadow Opticians, our Visual Stress & Processing Assessments are designed for individuals who experience ongoing difficulty with reading, visual comfort, or concentration — despite having “normal” eyesight.

Many patients come to us after struggling for some time without clear answers.
Our role is to identify whether visual processing is contributing to these difficulties and to provide practical, tailored solutions.

 Visual Stress (also known as Meares-Irlen Syndrome) affects how the brain processes visual information, particularly when reading black text on a white background. 

This can cause text to appear distorted, blurred, or unstable, making reading more effortful than it should be. It is often not detected in a standard eye test, which is why symptoms can go unrecognised for long periods. 

Visual stress can present differently in each individual, but common symptoms include:

• Words appearing to move, blur, or distort 
• Headaches or eye strain when reading 
• Difficulty concentrating on text 
• Sensitivity to light, glare, or patterns 
• Skipping lines or losing place when reading 

These symptoms can affect both children and adults and may impact confidence, learning, and day-to-day tasks.

This assessment is suitable for:

• Children struggling with reading or schoolwork 
• Students experiencing visual fatigue or reduced concentration 
• Adults who find reading uncomfortable or tiring 
• Individuals previously told their eyes are “normal” but still experiencing symptoms

Our assessments are structured, thorough, and tailored to each individual.

They typically include:

• Initial Eye Check
  To rule out any underlying vision or eye health concerns 
• Visual Stress Screening
  Assessing how the eyes respond to text, patterns, and contrast 
• Overlay Trial
  Testing different coloured overlays to determine whether reading comfort improves 
• Recommendations
  Based on findings, we may recommend overlays, tinted lenses, or practical adjustments for reading and screen use for the School or Employer to help understand what measures are required. Additionally a EHCP statement can also be provided if required for the school board.

Each step is explained clearly, ensuring you understand both the findings and the next steps.

For suitable patients, this assessment can:

• Improve reading comfort and fluency 
• Reduce headaches and visual fatigue 
• Support better concentration 
• Provide clarity and understanding of ongoing symptoms 

Every individual is different, and recommendations are always tailored accordingly.

Where appropriate, we provide written reports outlining findings and recommendations.

These can be used to support:

• schools and SENCOs 
• exam arrangements 
• workplace adjustments

If you suspect that visual stress may be affecting reading or concentration, our team at Chase Meadow Opticians is here to help.  We provide Visual Stress & Processing Assessments for patients in Warwick, Leamington Spa, and across Warwickshire. 

To arrange an assessment or to learn more, please contact the practice.

01926 494400
3 Chase Meadow Square, Warwick CV34 6BT or email us on info@chasemeadowopticians.co.uk 

 Please contact the practice for assessment fees and availability. 

 If you suspect that you or your child may be affected by visual stress, book a Visual Stress & Processing Assessment contact us today.

No. Visual stress can occur alongside dyslexia but it is a separate visual processing issue.

Yes. Many adults only realise later in life that visual stress has been affecting their reading comfort.

No. They help reduce visual stress, which can make reading more comfortable.

If your child feels unsure during the process. The trial can be paused and resumed within 4 months.

If not continued, the assessment can still be resumed within this time. 

After 4 months, a new assessment may be required.

As this is a structured process, partial refunds are not available.