Chris Bennett: Colouring in, or out?

Coloured overlays, tints and their use in mitigating visual stress, reading difficulties and dyslexia is a topic sure to divide the profession.

The decision to remove funding for colour filters from some students may be welcomed by those opposed to their use but where does it leave users? Unless all practices have a response to questions on overlays, parents and sufferers will be left to their own devices. This, and accompanying advice, suggesting teachers shouldn’t try overlays, could simply drive those affected to the internet for a consultation.

This week In Focus looks at the ramifications for optical practices following advice from the Specific learning difficulties (SpLDs) Assessment Standards Committee. In short, it advises Special Educational Needs Teachers not to test with overlays for fear of misdiagnosing or missing pathologies or issues with binocular vision.