Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
DYSLEXIA GLASSES LOOK TO THE FUTURE
Enya’s schoolwork back on track after optometrist’s specialised treatment
SCHOOLGIRL Enya Bradley was struggling so badly with reading, it was having a detrimental affect on her schoolwork.
Her mum Barbara said she noticed it had become an issue as she wasn’t meeting the same standard as her peers.
The Co Tyrone mum added: “It was when Enya reached P4. I really started to notice the difference in her reading and numeracy skills.”
When she was nine, an educational psychologist diagnosed Enya with dyslexia. Enya continued to attend her academic tutor who also recommended her mum contact Mccrystal Opticians in Dungannon.
This was just the start of Enya’s journey that would see her rebuild her selfesteem and confidence through the Schoolvision dyslexia programme.
Barbara added: “Enya’s academic tutor had heard of great reports about Schoolvision from other parents who had children with dyslexia and suggested I speak to Noel Mccrystal.
“After speaking to him and researching the Schoolvision programme, I felt it was worth trying.
“Following our first appointment Enya and I were immediately put at ease. As a parent I knew although the next few months would take a lot of effort, this was the right avenue to take.” Optometrist Noel is one of the few in his field in Ireland to have completed Schoolvision.
That’s a diploma which investigates muscular anomalies in the eye – and the programme has a history of success in alleviating many symptoms for customers who are dyslexic.
He said: “When Barbara first explained her symptoms, I knew the Schoolvision programme could potentially help relieve the challenges Enya was facing.
“As I suffered from dyslexia when I was younger, I understand struggling with ‘essential skills’ at an early age can have a major impact going forward academically, as well as on self-confidence.
“When Enya first attended the programme in 2018, we began with a stronger prescription, and after a few weeks, her writing and reading had already begun to show remarkable improvement.”
Barbara said: ”Enya’s reading has improved dramatically, she’s more confident in what she is writing, makes less mistakes and works at a quicker pace.”
On top of an improvement in her academic work, she has noticed a difference in her hand-eye co-ordination.
This has built Enya’s confidence and she’s now in her football team and her swimming has improved significantly. PRISONERS have produced 100 braille books for a blind child.
Eryn Kirkpatrick, eight, was born with septo-optic dysplasia which also affects her growth – but with the help of the Maghaberry inmates, feels more included at her Fivemiletown Primary School.
Her mum Evanna said: “I am delighted with the progress she has made and the range of books.”
Maghaberry Governor David Kennedy said: “Eryn’s story moved me. The men in the braille unit were also moved. I am delighted.”