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What is Vision therapy

A Guide for SENCOs

How behavioural optometry can help sencos dealing with students with dyslexia, dspraxia, dyscalcula, adhd and autism

What is Vision Therapy?

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Vision therapy is a structured, personalized program designed to improve the way the brain and eyes work together. While many think of vision as simply having clear eyesight (20/20 vision), the reality is that visual function involves a wide range of skills essential for learning, including eye tracking, focusing, visual memory, and hand-eye coordination. These skills are crucial for tasks such as reading, writing, and following instructions in the classroom. 

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For SENCOs, identifying and addressing all factors that contribute to a child’s learning difficulties is key. Often, visual processing problems are an overlooked piece of the puzzle. Students with SEN, including those with dyslexia, ADHD, autism, or developmental delays, may struggle with their schoolwork due to visual dysfunctions that impact how they process information. Vision therapy can address these issues, helping students engage more fully in their education and achieve better outcomes.

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Here’s how vision therapy connects with the work of SENCOs:

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Supporting Individual Education Plans (IEPs) 

For many students, undiagnosed visual issues can be a significant barrier to learning. Visual problems may affect a child’s ability to read, follow instructions, or complete tasks that involve hand-eye coordination, such as writing or using classroom tools. Vision therapy helps build these foundational skills, making it easier for students to follow their IEPs. By improving visual processing, vision therapy supports SENCOs’ goals of helping students meet their academic and developmental milestones.

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Improving Classroom Engagement 

Children with visual processing difficulties often appear to have attention issues or behavioral problems in the classroom. A child who cannot focus on close-up work, like reading or writing, may appear inattentive or easily distracted. Vision therapy strengthens the visual skills needed to sustain attention and focus on classroom tasks. For SENCOs, this means that students are better able to engage in lessons and participate actively, leading to more effective classroom learning.

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Reducing Barriers to Learning 

Many children referred for SEN support struggle with reading, writing, or math, often due to undiagnosed visual challenges. Issues like poor eye tracking, weak visual memory, or difficulty shifting focus between tasks can make schoolwork frustrating and overwhelming. Vision therapy targets these visual skills, helping students overcome barriers to learning and making academic tasks more manageable. This directly supports SENCOs in their mission to remove obstacles to education and ensure that every student can access the curriculum.

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Complementing Other Interventions 

Vision therapy works alongside other educational and therapeutic interventions that SENCOs coordinate. Whether a student is receiving speech therapy, occupational therapy, or behavioral support, vision therapy addresses the visual skills that are often foundational to success in these areas. For example, improving eye-hand coordination can enhance fine motor tasks in occupational therapy, while better visual memory can support progress in speech and language therapy. By addressing visual processing issues, vision therapy complements the multi-disciplinary approach that SENCOs manage.

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Enhancing SEN Identification and Support 

SENCOs are often at the forefront of identifying students who may have special educational needs, and vision therapy can play a key role in this process. Students who struggle academically or behaviorally may actually have underlying visual issues that contribute to their difficulties. By understanding how vision therapy can address these challenges, SENCOs can make more informed referrals and ensure that students receive the most appropriate support.

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Collaborative Approach 

Vision therapy fits into a collaborative framework, working closely with SENCOs, teachers, and other professionals involved in a child’s education. Regular progress reports and communication ensure that vision therapy is integrated into the broader support system designed to help each student succeed. This coordinated care ensures that students with visual challenges are not left behind and that all aspects of their learning needs are addressed.

 

In conclusion, vision therapy provides an effective solution for students who may be struggling due to undiagnosed visual processing issues. By improving core visual skills that are essential for learning, it supports SENCOs in their efforts to create an inclusive, supportive learning environment. Referring students to vision therapy can help remove unseen barriers to learning, giving students the tools they need to thrive in school and beyond.

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