Orthoscopics

Orthoscopics is a treatment using computerized assessment and colored lenses to treat migraines and vision-related reading problems. The system was developed by Ian Jordan, a British optician who has promoted his program widely as a way of treating a condition he has labeled visual dyslexia. Jordan's theories and work appears to parallel that of Helen Irlen and the use of colored lenses to treat Scotopic sensitivity syndrome; and the TintaVision program of colored overlays to treat asfedia. It should be noted that these are each competing commercial systems for dispensing optometric products and services, and are based on theories and diagnostic labels that are unique to each system.

Jordon considers "visual dyslexia" to be as much a physical condition as myopia and hyperopia. Treatment to address the physical symptoms may also include eye exercises or corrective lenses.

The child with vision problems may underachieve in academic work or in social environments. Self-esteem is lowered and antisocial behaviour is common. At school, reading and comprehension tests will cause problems and psychometric testing may not be reliable unless visual perceptual problems have also been considered and addressed.

Jordon's use of the phrase "visual dyslexia" has a different meaning than the more common usage of the phrase to refer to a subtype of developmental dyslexia, which is considered to be a disorder of neurological origin rather than a problem with vision.