Common vision symptoms caused by Visual Stress: 

 

• Sensitivities to fluorescent lights, computer screens and the glare of white paper or whiteboards lead to a preference for low light/sunglasses indoors, avoiding reading and difficulty in class and working on computers. 

• Sensitivity to patterns in text and the environment leading to perception problems: words or letters move, flash, blur or shimmer causing difficulties with reading, tracking, attention and balance. 

 

Testing for Visual Stress:  

 

• When patients report visual discomfort, reading difficulties, perceptual distortions, or vision issues that go unresolved with detailed optometric intervention, it is important to check for the presence of Visual Stress

 

• Contact us to:

  • Learn more about Visual Stress and to start referring patients

  • Set up Visual Stress testing in your practice - contact us for more information

  • Train your team about Visual Stress, its symptoms and solutions

  • See below for more information...

​

Prescribing assistive tools and technologies:

​

Once colours are selected, there are many assistive tools and technologies that can be provided to patients and clients on-site, or if you don’t wish to stock the items, refer them to the online Opticalm store. While certain coloured tools may improve reading from paper or the computer screen, the optimal colour of these tools cannot be used as a guide for lens colour as it is not going to be the optimal colour for lenses. Formal studies by optometry researchers and extensive experience at the Opticalm Clinic, consistently show that overlay colour does not indicate lens colour. Human physiology is such that the colours required when "looking through" are very different than what is required to "look at."  Incorrectly tinted lenses can lead to more problems than initially diagnosed.  

 

Precision tinting is necessary for optimal effect, and the tint needs to be determined using a much higher number of options than that available with paper or overlays. This is because the visual system is adapted to white light when using paper or an overlay, but the visual system is adapted to coloured light when tested using the Intuitive Colorimeter and subsequently wearing tinted lenses. Testing for precision coloured filter lenses using a very high number of options is recommended. 

 

Referring for precision tinted lenses:

 

Opticalm works with and receives referrals from specialists in:

• Optometry

• Neurology

• Rehabilitation

• Psychology

• General Medicine

 

These specialists see patients with conditions that are often co-morbid with Visual Stress:

• Migraines

• Epilepsy

• Autism

• Post-Concussion Syndrome

• ADHD

• Dyslexia

• Vestibular disorders

• Visual tracking difficulties, etc

 

These patients present with symptoms typical of their primary condition but that could also be attributed to Visual Stress. When Visual Stress is suspected, and the pre-referral questions indicate a strong likelihood that colour filters might help, we ask that a referral form is completed and submitted to our clinic.  Contact us for the soft copy or referral pad or click here to submit the referral online. 

 

We perform an assessment using the Intuitive Colorimeter™ Medical device that uses a full range of colours (100,000) to achieve optimum relief from symptoms. 

 

While we do accept clients without a referral, we will always contact their primary eye care professional to ensure their vision has been appropriately tested and that they are wearing their most recent prescription.

 

As part of our fulfillment service, our optician provides advice to clients on the best frame option for their lenses.  We sell fitover frames and custom or stock clip ons for clients to wear their precision tinted lenses over their existing prescription glasses. If no prescription is required, or they would prefer a combination tint and prescription, we ask our clients to purchase their ophthalmic frames from their local eye care professional.  If the client is undergoing vision therapy, we consult with their neuro-optometrist and follow their recommendation.