Irlen Syndrome

Disability Practitioners may come across students seeking reasonable adjustments for Irlen Syndrome, also referred to as Meares-Irlen Syndrome, Scotopic Sensitivity Syndrome or Visual Stress.

While Irlen Syndrome is currently not universally recognised by the broader medical community in Australia, organisations like the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists (RANZCO) highlight  that there is limited scientific evidence to support its existence, or the effectiveness of treatments  like Irlen lenses or filters.

According to RANZCO:

• The use of Irlen lenses in the treatment of reading difficulties remains controversial.
• There is limited scientific evidence to validate Irlen Syndrome or the effectiveness of treatments using colored lenses, overlays, or filters.
• Irlen syndrome is not recognised by the international medical community or the World Health Organisation (WHO).
• While there is no documented evidence that Irlen lenses are harmful, they may divert time and resources away from more evidence-based strategies which help with reading, such as explicit phonics instruction.

You can view the RANZCO position statement on their website.

Students diagnosed with Irlen Syndrome may find the use of coloured lenses or filters helpful in managing visual discomfort, and these perhaps should be afforded as reasonable adjustments. However, as a stand-alone diagnosis, Irlen Syndrome is not recognised as a disability that would typically warrant adjustments under existing disability support frameworks.

It is important to note that students -identified with Irlen Syndrome may also have other learning disabilities or vision impairments, such as dyslexia, for which reasonable adjustments can and should be made. These adjustments should be based on comprehensive assessments and recommendations from recognised practitioners.

There are -Irlen testers and screeners in Australia and overseas who identify and treat Irlen Syndrome, but education providers should carefully consider how to manage students presenting with Irlen Syndrome as a stand-alone diagnosis.  While some students may seek adjustments based solely on this -identification, it is important to ensure that any accommodations provided are aligned with evidence-based practices. In such cases, providers should assess whether coexisting conditions, such as dyslexia or other learning disabilities, are present, which would more appropriately warrant adjustments.  It is equally important to meet needs of students and imputed disabilities, and the use of coloured lens/filters will not impact the academic integrity of an exam for example, and such should be considered when recommending reasonable adjustments.

(1/10/2024)