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Visual correlates of specific learning difficulties (SpLD) include: binocular instability, low amplitude of accommodation, and Meares-Irlen Syndrome. Meares-Irlen Syndrome describes asthenopia and perceptual distortions which are alleviated by using individually prescribed coloured filters. Data from 323 consecutive patients seen over a 15 month period in an optometric clinic specialising in SpLD are reviewed. Visual symptoms and headaches were common. 48% of patients were given a conventional optometric intervention (spectacles, orthoptic exercises) and 50% were issued with coloured filters, usually for a trial period. 40% of those who were given orthoptic exercises were later issued with coloured overlays. 32% of those who were issued with coloured overlays were ultimately prescribed Precision Tinted lenses. Approximately half the sample were telephoned more than a year after the last clinical appointment. More than 70% of those who were prescribed Precision Tints were still wearing them daily, and results for this intervention compared favourably with data for non-tinted spectacles. The data suggest that many people with SpLD need optometric care and that the optometrist needs to be skilled in orthoptic techniques and cognisant of recent research on coloured filters.

The retranslation method for rating scale development was used to develop a scale to evaluate an educational television series designed to teach basal reading skills. This extension of the method, outside the context of job performance rating, was evaluated using both developmental and actual field use data. The results during the developmental stage of the method are generally supportive of the use of the technique in this situation; the results from the field test yielded mixed support.

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Summary Visual correlates of specific learning difficulties (SpLD) include: binocular instability, low amplitude of accommodation, and Meares–Irlen Syndrome. Meares–Irlen Syndrome describes asthenopia and perceptual distortions which are alleviated by using individually prescribed coloured filters. Data from 323 consecutive patients seen over a 15 month period in an optometric clinic specialising in SpLD are reviewed. Visual symptoms and headaches were common. 48% of patients were given a conventional optometric intervention (spectacles, orthoptic exercises) and 50% were issued with coloured filters, usually for a trial period. 40% of those who were given orthoptic exercises were later issued with coloured overlays. 32% of those who were issued with coloured overlays were ultimately prescribed Precision Tinted lenses. Approximately half the sample were telephoned more than a year after the last clinical appointment. More than 70% of those who were prescribed Precision Tints were still wearing them daily, and results for this intervention compared favourably with data for non‐tinted spectacles. The data suggest that many people with SpLD need optometric care and that the optometrist needs to be skilled in orthoptic techniques and cognisant of recent research on coloured filters.