How to Support Children with Vision and Learning Difficulties

Vision and learning go hand in hand, yet for some children, difficulties with their vision can pose unique challenges in both academic and personal settings. These challenges can impact a child’s ability to fully engage with their environment, from struggling to read a textbook to missing subtle social cues. However, with the right approach, parents, educators, and specialists can create an environment where these children can thrive and reach their potential.

If you’ve noticed signs that a child in your care may have trouble with their vision, or if they’re navigating learning difficulties that seem tied to how they process visual information, this guide will outline actionable strategies to support them.

From early detection through having a comprehensive behavioural vision assessment to building their confidence, here’s how you can help children overcome the barriers vision and learning issues often create.

Spotting the Signs and the Value of Professional Assessment

What’s the first step to helping a child with vision challenges? Observing and acknowledging the signs. Early detection is vital—waiting too long can allow the issue to snowball, leading to larger academic and emotional setbacks.

Children who struggle with vision-related issues may exhibit behaviours such as:

Complaining of frequent headaches or tired eyes
Difficulty focusing on text during reading
Avoiding activities that demand sustained attention, like reading or puzzles
Losing their place while reading or skipping lines of text

When these symptoms arise, it’s a good idea to consult an optometrist specialising in children’s vision. Professionals can go beyond the standard eye test to perform behavioural vision assessments, which evaluate how a child’s entire visual system interacts with their environment. Sometimes, issues such as convergence insufficiency (difficulty focusing both eyes on a single point) or tracking problems (trouble following text across a page) may be uncovered. The earlier any conditions are identified, the earlier intervention can begin.

Equip Them with the Right Tools

Children with vision and learning difficulties often benefit greatly from tailored tools and resources that reduce their frustration and give them greater independence in learning tasks. Here are some options worth exploring:

Text-to-Speech Software

Technology like text-to-speech software can be a game-changer for learners with vision difficulties, transforming written words into spoken ones to ease the strain on a child’s eyes while maintaining their engagement with content.

Large-Print Materials

Using large-print books, worksheets, and even flashcards can reduce eye strain while helping learners read and absorb information more easily.

Coloured Overlays or Lenses

Some children experience improved processing and focus when using tinted overlays or glasses, particularly those with Irlen Syndrome or other visual processing challenges.

Providing these tools doesn’t just help a child with their academic results; it signals to them that they and their learning experience matters. When equipped with resources that meet their specific needs, children often feel more capable and less stigmatised.

Create a Supportive Learning Environment

The environment in which a child learns plays a major role in determining how well they can manage vision issues. Small adjustments can make a big difference to their comfort and capacity to focus.

Make sure that rooms are well-lit, but avoid harsh glare from windows or overhead lighting.
Adjust the seating arrangement in classrooms or study areas so the child doesn’t strain their eyes unnecessarily—place them closer to the board or screen, wherever possible and with little fuss so they don’t feel singled out.
Plan for frequent breaks during tasks that require intensive focus, such as reading or screen work, to reduce visual fatigue.

Communication is key in maintaining a supportive environment. Teachers, parents, and caregivers need to communicate openly about what’s working and continuously adapt to the child’s evolving needs.

Teach Practical Coping Skills

For many children with vision and learning issues, frustration can often feel like a constant companion. Equipping them with coping strategies doesn’t just help academically—it can also ease the emotional toll.

Encourage techniques to keep their place while reading, like using a ruler or their finger to follow lines of text.
Introduce mindfulness exercises to help them manage stress and refocus attention when they feel overwhelmed.

Simple strategies like these enable children to face challenges head-on, promoting resilience and building their confidence in their ability to succeed.

Build an Individualised Education Plan (IEP)

Every child’s needs are unique, and one-size-fits-all approaches rarely work. Collaborating with parents, educators, and specialists to create an Individualised Education Plan (IEP) ensures that the child has a tailored roadmap for academic and social success.

An effective IEP might include:

Accommodations such as extended time to complete tests or the use of assistive technologies.
Flexible assessment formats, like allowing oral responses instead of written ones.
Seating arrangements that minimise distractions or cater to their needs, such as being positioned away from bright light sources.

An IEP isn’t a set-and-forget strategy. Commit to ongoing reviews and adjustments—it’s all about keeping the plan relevant as the child grows and their needs evolve.

Nurture Emotional and Social Confidence

Vision difficulties don’t just affect academic performance—they can also impact how a child feels about themselves. Focusing on support for emotional well-being can make a world of difference in their overall happiness and development.

Celebrate even the smallest milestones to help build their self-esteem.
Encourage group activities where they feel included and can develop friendships.
Connect them with peer support groups or counselling, where they can share their experiences in a supportive setting.

Positive reinforcement, empathy, and opportunities to succeed socially are powerful tools for helping children see their own potential.

Stay Connected to Resources and Community

You don’t have to shoulder everything alone, as there’s a wealth of resources and communities dedicated to supporting children with vision and learning issues.

A number of online platforms exist and provide a treasure trove of information and ideas for both educators and parents. Joining forums, attending workshops, or engaging with local organisations can also keep you updated on the latest tools and research to better support the vision of children in your care.

Patience and Positivity Make the Difference

Helping a child with vision and learning difficulties is not a sprint; it’s a marathon. The road can be unpredictable, but maintaining patience and focusing on the positives will set the tone for success. Celebrate each step forward, no matter how small, and encourage the child to see obstacles as challenges they can overcome with effort and support.

By fostering a growth mindset, you not only help the child adapt to their difficulties but also equip them with a lifelong tool to face new challenges with optimism.

Take the First Step Towards Better Support

Seeing a child you care for thrive is one of the most rewarding feelings. By identifying vision issues early, providing the right tools, and nurturing their academic, emotional, and social development, you can empower them to reach their full potential.

Want to make an immediate impact? Schedule a behavioural vision assessment with Optometry at Cooroy today. With the right support system in place, the possibilities for success are endless.