Some children with learning difficulties exhibit specific behaviors of impulsivity, hyperactivity, and distractibility. A common term used to describe children who exhibit such behaviors is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Undetected and untreated vision problems can elicit some of the very same signs and symptoms that are commonly attributed to ADHD. Due to these similarities, some children with vision problems are mislabeled as having ADHD. 

COVD Fellow Dr. Erica Schulman explains how vision problems can be misdiagnosed as ADHD.

Locate a Doctor in your area who is experienced and knowledgeable in diagnosing and treating ADHD-related vision problems.

Research in Vision & ADHD

A recent study by researchers at the Children's Eye Center, University of San Diego, uncovered a relationship between a common vision disorder, convergence insufficiency, and ADHD.

"[C]hildren with convergence insufficiency are three times more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD than children without the disorder [...] patients diagnosed with ADHD should also be evaluated for convergence insufficiency and treated accordingly."
- Dr. Granet of the Children's Eye Center

No More Tummy Aches at Reading Time: Landon's Success Story Landon was first diagnosed with ADHD when he avoided reading and schoolwork, but the real problem was much more surprising.  Read how vision therapy ended up making all the difference!
Could Your Child be the 1 in 10?  This new research supports what COVD optometrists have known for some time -- a significant percentage of children with learning disabilities have some type of vision problem. One study found that 10% of children between nine and thirteen years of age suffer from moderate to marked convergence insufficiency. Locate a Doctor who can help determine whether your child has an undiagnosed or misdiagnosed vision problem affecting their learning.
How to Identify a Vision Problem Vision problems can have a huge impact on academic performance and behavior in the classroom. If you are unsure whether your child is exhibiting the symptoms of such a problem, use our Quality of Life Checklist to evaluate your child's vision. Parents who already suspect a vision problem may be contributing to their child's learning or behavior problems should arrange for a comprehensive vision examination with a qualified optometrist.