FAQ - Irlen Central Adelaide
Many people have questions when they first learn about visual processing difficulties. These FAQ's help you make sense of Irlen Syndrome
and deciding if the assessment is right for you
Is This Real? Should I Even Try This?
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How do I know this is really Irlen and not just regular vision problems?
Start with a current eye exam to rule out optical issues. If your eyes are healthy but you still experience visual stress, light sensitivity, migraines, or reading difficulties,
An Irlen screening assessment is the next step.
You can have perfect vision and still have Irlen Syndrome because it's about brain processing, not eye function.
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Learn more:
Will this actually help, or is it just another thing to try?
The screening assessment shows immediate results.
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During the session, you'll test different coloured overlays and see right away if color makes a difference.
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If there's significant improvement, we proceed. If not, we'll discuss other possibilities.
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An Irlen screening assessment is the next step.
You don't commit to anything until you see that it helps.
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What if people think we're wasting money on something unproven?
Irlen Syndrome is backed by decades of research, including University of NSW in the 90's and more recent brain imaging studies from universities like Harvard and Cornell.
The evidence is there for those who want to dig deeper.
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Learn more:​​​​
How Does This Work With Other Support?
Is this instead of tutoring, or in addition to it?​
Irlen filters don't teach reading skills—they eliminate visual stress that prevents you from benefiting from instruction.
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If you have Irlen Syndrome AND need additional reading support, addressing the Irlen component first makes tutoring finally effective
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Think of it this way: If you're trying to learn piano but the keys keep getting stuck, you need to fix the piano before practicing helps​​​​​​​​
How is this different from what my optometrist does?​
Optometrists assess eye health and vision. Irlen assessments evaluate how your brain processes visual information—a completely different system.
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You need both. Optometry checks the "camera." Irlen checks the "computer processing."
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Learn more:​​​​​​
Practical Concerns
Will my child be teased or embarrassed by wearing coloured glasses?​
Most Irlen lenses look like regular tinted glasses or sunglasses. Many students think they look cool, and once they experience the relief and improvement -better reading, concentration and grades - they don't want to go without them.​​​​​​​
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There's also an "Irlen Passport" to show visiting teachers, explaining the need for Irlen Lenses.
How much does this cost, and is it covered by insurance or NDIS?​
Assessment costs:
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Initial screening: $180
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Tinting assessment: $250
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Combined: $350 (save $80)​
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Tinting costs vary depending on the need for a prescription or complexity of prescription
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NDIS: Unlikely to be covered unless visual processing difficulties impact daily functioning and are included in your plan. Contact your NDIS coordinator.
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Private health insurance: Some policies provide partial rebates. Check with your provider.
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Learn more:​​​​​​
How long until we see results??​
With overlays:
Immediate improvement is seen during the screening session if Irlen is present.
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With lenses:
Most people notice reading comfort within minutes of wearing them.
However, reading skill improvement takes time—lenses remove the barrier, but building fluency still requires practice.
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Improvement in academic gains become more evident over the following months.
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References:
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Kim et al., 2015 – fMRI study showing 20%+ reading speed improvement with colour-tinted lenses
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Park et al., 2012 – Reading rate improved significantly after 2 months of filter use
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Robinson & Conway – Reading comprehension and accuracy improvements measured at 3, 6 and 12 months​​​​​​​​
Who Can Benefit?
My child already wears glasses. Can they still have Irlen Syndrome?​
Absolutely. Glasses correct eye focus; Irlen filters correct brain processing. Many people need both.
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If your prescription lenses are made from the correct tintable material, Irlen tints can be added to your existing prescription.
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Is Irlen just for kids with reading problems?​
No. Irlen Syndrome affects people of all ages and impacts more than just reading.
Common in adults:
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Computer work fatigue
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Light sensitivity and migraines
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Driving difficulties (glare, depth perception)
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Fluorescent lighting discomfort
Common in students:
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Slow reading despite intelligence
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Poor comprehension and focus
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Headaches during homework
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Sports difficulties (tracking balls)
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Learn more:​​​​​​
What if we try it and it doesn't work?​
If coloured overlays don't provide clear improvement during screening, we don't recommend proceeding with tinted lenses. You'll only invest in what demonstrably helps.
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The screening assessment ($180) shows you definitively whether Irlen is a factor—that's valuable information either way.​​​​​​​​​
Need More Detailed Information?
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These FAQs focus on decision-making. For detailed information about assessment processes, costs, and technical details, see:
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Full Assessment Information - What happens, what you need, detailed pricing
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Understanding Irlen Syndrome - Symptoms, causes, what it affects
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Facts and Research - Scientific evidence and responses to criticisms
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