Irlen Syndrome Assessment for Children & Adults
Irlen Syndrome Screening Assessments for Children and Adults
Lycali provides Irlen Syndrome screening assessments for children, young people and adults who experience visual stress, reading discomfort, light sensitivity, headaches, fatigue, tracking difficulties or visual overload.
Irlen-related visual processing difficulties can affect reading, learning, screen use, concentration and everyday functioning. Screening can help identify whether coloured overlays or further Irlen assessment may be beneficial.
Is an Irlen Screening Assessment Right for Me or My Child?
Irlen Syndrome is associated with differences in visual processing. This means the brain may experience discomfort or distortion when processing visual information, particularly text, bright light, screens or visually busy environments.
Children and Young People
May avoid reading, lose their place, complain of headaches, become tired quickly, struggle with copying, dislike bright lights or say words move, blur or disappear.
Adults
May experience eye strain, headaches, screen fatigue, reading discomfort, light sensitivity, visual overload or lifelong difficulty reading for sustained periods.
Not Sure?
The Irlen pre-screening questionnaire can help you consider whether an Irlen screening appointment may be helpful.
What We Explore
Visual Stress
Discomfort, distortions, blurring, movement of text, visual overload or difficulty looking at busy visual information.
Reading Comfort
Reading fatigue, losing place, skipping lines, slow reading, rereading, poor stamina or avoidance of reading tasks.
Light Sensitivity
Discomfort under fluorescent lights, bright sunlight, white backgrounds, glare, screens or visually intense environments.
Headaches and Fatigue
Eye strain, headaches, tiredness, nausea, concentration difficulties or discomfort after reading or screen use.
Educational or Work Impact
How visual stress affects school, college, university, work tasks, reading, writing, copying, concentration or daily functioning.
Response to Colour
Whether coloured overlays may improve comfort, stability, reading fluency or visual processing during tasks.
Irlen Screening Options
Child Irlen Screening
- Review of Irlen pre-assessment questionnaire
- Discussion with parent or carer
- Screening tasks with the child or young person
- Exploration of visual comfort and reading symptoms
- Coloured overlay screening where appropriate
- Summary of findings and recommendations
Adult Irlen Screening
- Review of Irlen pre-assessment questionnaire
- Discussion of visual symptoms and history
- Screening tasks exploring reading and visual comfort
- Consideration of screen-related difficulties
- Coloured overlay screening where appropriate
- Summary of findings and recommendations
Further Support
- Recommendations for overlays where appropriate
- Educational or workplace suggestions
- Environmental adjustments
- Signposting to the Irlen Institute for further assessment
- Referral to other assessment pathways where relevant
What Happens During the Screening?
This gives us information about symptoms, reading comfort, light sensitivity, headaches, screen use and visual stress.
The clinician explores visual comfort, reading experiences, fatigue, tracking, light sensitivity and how symptoms affect everyday life.
Where appropriate, the clinician may explore whether coloured overlays appear to improve reading comfort, visual stability or task engagement.
The clinician discusses findings, recommendations and whether further Irlen assessment may be beneficial.
If specialist Irlen Spectral Filters are being considered, families or adults will be signposted to the Irlen Institute or an authorised Irlen Centre.
Important Information About Irlen Spectral Filters
Lycali provides Irlen screening assessments only. We do not prescribe, supply, fit or provide Irlen Spectral Filters, tinted glasses, coloured lenses or Irlen spectacles.
If screening suggests that you or your child may benefit from further Irlen assessment, we will discuss this with you and provide information regarding appropriate next steps.
For further information regarding Irlen Syndrome, Irlen Spectral Filters and authorised Irlen assessment centres, please visit the Irlen Institute website.
Visit the Irlen Institute
Irlen Syndrome and Other Learning Differences
Irlen Syndrome is not the same as dyslexia, ADHD, autism or dyscalculia. However, visual processing difficulties can sometimes occur alongside other learning, sensory or neurodevelopmental differences.
Dyslexia
Some people with dyslexia also experience visual stress, but dyslexia and Irlen Syndrome are different areas of need.
ADHD
Visual discomfort and fatigue can affect concentration and attention during reading or screen-based tasks.
Autism
Sensory sensitivities, light sensitivity and visual overload may overlap with Irlen-related symptoms.
Dyscalculia
Visual processing difficulties may affect how numerical information, worksheets or visual layouts are processed.
Common Questions
Does Lycali provide Irlen glasses?
No. Lycali provides Irlen screening only. We do not prescribe, supply or fit Irlen Spectral Filters, tinted glasses or coloured lenses.
Is Irlen Syndrome the same as dyslexia?
No. Irlen Syndrome relates to visual processing and visual stress. Dyslexia is a specific learning difficulty affecting literacy development and related processing skills. A person may experience both.
Should I have an eye test first?
Where there are concerns about eyesight, headaches, visual changes or eye health, it is advisable to seek advice from an optometrist or relevant healthcare professional.
Can Irlen screening be completed online?
Irlen screening may require direct observation and exploration of visual comfort using specific materials. Please contact Lycali to discuss whether the pathway is suitable and what appointment format is available.
After Screening: Support That Makes Sense
Following screening, Lycali will provide a summary of findings and recommendations. These may include coloured overlays, environmental adjustments, educational or workplace strategies, or signposting for further Irlen assessment where appropriate.
Why Lycali?
Specialist Screening
We explore Irlen-related visual processing symptoms and how these may affect reading, learning, screen use and daily life.
Clear Recommendations
We provide practical recommendations and signposting based on the screening findings.
Whole-Person Approach
We consider visual comfort, learning profile, neurodivergence, confidence, education, work and everyday functioning.
Honest Scope of Service
We clearly explain that Lycali provides screening only and does not provide Irlen glasses or spectral filters.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Complete the Irlen Pre-Assessment Questionnaire or contact our team to discuss whether Irlen screening may be appropriate.
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The fees are an accurate guide, but can vary depending on the service required. Please contact us for an individualised quotation.
*When applicable, we can provide means-tested discounts. If you're experiencing financial difficulties, please inform us, and we'll assess whether we can assist in covering part of the service expenses.
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We accept payments via BACS Transfer.
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We accept credit and debit card payments via Stripe for your convenience.
Please note that card payments are subject to a 2.99% processing fee, which will be added to the invoice total to cover transaction costs.
All payments are processed securely through Stripe, a trusted global payment provider.
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For assessment services, we offer the option to pay in two instalments. The total fee can be split into two payments of 50%:
50% is payable at the time of booking to secure your assessment appointment.
The remaining 50% is due upon completion of the assessment, prior to the release of the final report.
There is no additional fee if paying via BACS.
Please note that any applicable card or Buy Now, Pay Later processing fees will be added if these payment methods are used.
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If your assessment or therapy expenses are set to be covered by your private medical insurance, kindly provide us with your insurer details for seamless payment coordination between you and your insurance provider. Our affiliation encompasses registration with Aviva, AXA, BUPA and Vitality Health, facilitating a streamlined process for your convenience.
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We are pleased to offer flexible payment options to make accessing our services easier. Clients can choose to pay via Klarna or PayPal “Buy Now, Pay Later”, subject to approval by the payment provider.
Please note that payments made using Klarna or PayPal Pay Later will incur an additional 4.99% processing fee, which will be added to the invoice total to cover transaction costs.
Availability of these payment options is subject to eligibility and approval by Klarna or PayPal, and we are unable to influence or guarantee approval decisions.
Our Payment Options
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Struggling to read comfortably, experiencing discomfort, or experiencing visual distortions when reading printed text, such as words moving or blurring.
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Being particularly sensitive to light, which can lead to discomfort in brightly lit environments or under fluorescent lights.
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Finding it difficult to concentrate on tasks, particularly those that involve reading or focusing on visual information.
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Frequently experiencing eye strain, headaches, or physical discomfort when reading or looking at screens for extended periods.
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Reading at a slower pace than expected for their age or grade level due to the need to reread text or process it slowly.
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Struggling with patterns or colours, especially when they are in high contrast or involve certain colour combinations.
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Difficulty understanding and retaining information from printed materials, which can hinder learning and academic performance.
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Experiencing behavioural patterns related to reading or visual tasks, such as avoidance of reading or resistance to engaging in visual activities.
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Expressing discomfort or unease when exposed to certain lighting conditions, such as bright sunlight or fluorescent lights.
Irlen Syndrome Indicators
Reviews
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"Lycali provided a thorough and compassionate autism assessment. Everything was explained clearly, and I finally feel understood. I wish I’d done this sooner."
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"I’ve worked with other services before, but Lycali stands out for their professionalism and empathy. My therapist helped me navigate some really difficult times with sensitivity and skill."
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I just wanted to say thank you to Dr Isobel Robb and Stephanie for making the assessment comfortable for both me and my parents to conduct. It was very thorough and the outcome will definitely help me in my future. I'm really thankful for receiving the results so quickly
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“Thank you so much for all your help, support and care. You have explained everything we needed and thank you for saying I can get in touch if we need any more help.”
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“You were very patient with our son and always gave us ideas so that we could support him between therapy sessions. Thank you so much!”
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“After our daughter's Speech and language assessment, you offered great feedback and your report was very detailed. This was a huge help towards the EHCP process.”
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"My daughter’s speech has improved so much in just a few months. Our speech therapist at Lycali was kind, engaging, and always kept us involved with providing follow up activities. I highly recommend them."
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“Heidi was very engaging and really listened to the needs of my son. She explained her methods and gave us tips to try at home. We are really pleased with the service.”
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“The calls have helped me to find more space and given me a safe space to discuss and release emotions. Tim's nature and communication is comforting and supportive, he adds thoughts and questions which offer space to analyse and to help growth.”
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"Heidi was very enthusiastic and knowledgeable. She gave our son room to explore and enjoyable targets".
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"Heidi was very patient with my child and has made him confident to use his voice"
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"I can’t thank you enough for your help and support with my son. I will most certainly be coming back to your services again for an autism assessment".
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"The ADHD assessment process was seamless, evidence-based, and respectful. I felt listened to throughout, and the diagnosis has helped me finally understand myself."
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Everything has been amazing so thanks to you, Isobel and Stephanie. You have made things really easy with clear and quick communication and they really created a safe environment instantly.
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Thank you so much. It was a pleasure working with your staff. They were really kind and helpful and made the process easier for both me and Matilda.
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"We had a brilliant experience with Lycali. The assessment process was clear, kind, and professional from start to finish. My son felt at ease, and we finally have a clear plan for supporting his needs."
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"I was nervous about starting therapy, but the team at Lycali made me feel heard and respected from day one. Their care was outstanding, and the progress I’ve made is life-changing."
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Lycali offers a professional and friendly service where time and attention can be taken to ensure the service received is of the highest standard and there is minimal waiting time. Our specialist team will always take the time to provide expert advice so you are aware of all the pre-and post-diagnostic and therapy services available. Our clinics are suitable for children and adults, and based in Thanet and surrounding areas. We provide online or in-person therapy sessions.
About Lycali
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