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SEEING DYSLEXIA IN A NEW LIGHT
Keith
Murphy Opticians in Kenilworth is helping the people of Warwickshire
overcome the problems and frustrations of Dyslexia with the installation
of a new 'Intuitive Colorimeter’. This machine tailors tinted
lenses to the needs of the individual enabling them to read quicker
and with improved accuracy.
“The
words on the page were strange and wobbly but now they’re still”
William, an excited 7 year old, explains whilst showing off his new
yellow tinted glasses which have, in a few short months, changed his
life – and given him and his parents new hope for the future.
William
is dyslexic and like 4% of the population who suffer from the condition
he finds himself debilitated and exasperated – dyslexics are known
to be of high or above average intelligence. It is a difficult condition
to diagnose and also to treat and as Keith Murphy explains “it
is often the case that parents have to fight to get anything done for
their kids”.
Keith
Murphy, who trained at Aston University and now lives locally, was very
keen to help adults and children in the area with Reading Dysfunction
problems and Dyslexia and has introduced treatments for both conditions
at his practice.
“Parents
had asked me about the colorimeter apparatus and so I looked into it
for them. I found there was nowhere locally that could service the people
of Warwickshire so I decided to invest in the machine at my own practice
and have recently undergone extensive training,” Keith explains.
Now, thanks to his interest in the condition, adults and children can
be treated in Kenilworth rather than having to travel to Birmingham
or Cheltenham.
The
Intuitive Colorimeter allows Keith to prescribe a specific lens tint
for the patient. Initially clear colored plastic sheets, known as Cerium
overlays are placed over written work, reducing the perceptual distortions
of text. Research has shown that when these overlays are used the majority
of people with dyslexia read quicker and better than before.
If
the overlays have been a success and a 15-20% improvement in reading
has been noted, the Colorimeter is then used to determine the specific
‘tint’ of colour for that individual.
Adults
and children benefit from the treatment and it is a welcome relief for
all involved, especially parents - William’s mother is overjoyed
with the changes seen in William since he has been wearing the lenses.
“He struggled before but now he reads lots of books. He loves
the ‘Horrible History’ series. These glasses have already
made such a difference to his life and the school have noticed a distinct
improvement in his work”.
Ends
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count: 532
Enquiries
:
Wayne
Asher – 01926 748004
wayne@marketingman.co.uk
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