24/11/2025
Coloured lenses? Will they fix my child’s learning difficulty?
A recent review examining decades of research on coloured lenses and reading difficulties provides clear guidance for families. While an eye examination is an essential first step to rule out genuine visual issues, some children are prescribed coloured overlays or tinted lenses to assist with learning difficulties. So what are the current findings?
• The findings are clear: Eye examination is an essential first step to rule out genuine visual issues; however, coloured overlays and tinted lenses do not improve reading ability. Reported improvements are typically linked to novelty or increased motivation rather than any measurable change in visual or treating the learning difficulty (Flaherty et al., 2025).
• RANZCO (Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists) also agree that coloured lenses are not supported by reliable evidence.
Why is this important?
• Investing time and resources in unproven interventions can delay access to evidence-based supports.
• Families should prioritise effective, evidence-based interventions.
• Early intervention is critical to close the learning gap. A no-wait approach is recommended.
LAB Learning Clinic has assessments available now to identify your child's learning strengths and areas of difficulty- face-to-face and online. Feel free to reach out https://lablearningclinic.com.au/contact/ to learn more.
Article: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/08164622.2025.2526082
Flaherty, M., Bhate, M., Lea, A. K., & Gole, G. A. (2025). Coloured filters and lenses for reading discomfort and difficulty: an Australian and New Zealand perspective. Clinical and Experimental Optometry, 1–8. https://doi.org/10.1080/08164622.2025.2526082
