21/09/2025
Are you or your child struggling with reading, writing, and learning? If so, have you ever heard of visual stress?
**Check out the GIF in the comments for what visual stress can look like to people who experience it**
Visual stress, also known as Meares-Irlen Syndrome, is a common symptom of dyslexia. However, not everyone with dyslexia experiences visual stress, and many who do not have dyslexia, do. The condition is estimated to be present in about 40% of struggling readers and in 20% of the general population in varying degrees. Visual stress is also a symptom of a range of other associated learning difficulties, disabilities, and illnesses that include attention deficit disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorders (ASD), headaches and migraines, and traumatic brain injuries. Visual stress is a perceptual processing disorder thought to be caused by the way some brains process certain frequencies of light.
To aid us on our journey of understanding visual stress, the Plumstead Road Library Friends are delighted to announce that retired optometrist Keith Waring will enlighten us on this ever-developing area with a talk on Wednesday, 24th September, at 2:30pm in Plumstead Road Library. We caught up with Keith to find out more about his journey and what we can expect from the talk.
Keith worked as an optometrist at his own practice in Sheringham from 1976 to 2001, when he was supposed to retire. He then moved to Yorkshire and worked as a locum, before moving back and properly retiring in 2020. During his working career, Keith was one of the first in the UK to fully embrace colourimetry - a science that uses coloured optical filters to alleviate patient symptoms of visual discomfort that can occur in both adults and children when reading. Because he was so passionate about helping people with the undiagnosed condition of visual stress, the retirement for Keith didn't last long, as he set up his own company in 2023 called Colour My Words. His vast experience in this field has already helped many children and adults achieve success in education and their working careers.
During the talk, Keith will be delving deeper into his life as an optometrist and will be explaining the visual stress assessment process and tools that he uses. At the end of the talk, Keith will be taking questions about visual stress and any other questions relating to optometry. If you have that question inside you that you’ve always wanted to ask an optometrist, now is the time!
This is certainly going to be an interesting talk on Wednesday, the 24th of September, at 2:30pm in Plumstead Road Library. Too many children and adults have lost their reading confidence and feel ashamed that they can’t do what other people can do. This needs to change.
Our talks are always free with no need for tickets. Plenty of parking and refreshments. We will see you there!
**Check out the GIF in the comments for what visual stress can look like to people who experience it**
