Published: 18 December 2018 | Updated: 30 September 2026 | Author: Smart Vision Optometry
Editorial and clinical update — 30 September 2026: The original article/interview below is preserved, including its attributed quotations and editorial structure. Current evidence and guidance below should be relied on where older wording differs.
Three behaviours generally associated with a diagnosis of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). However, did you know that these same three behaviours are very commonly the results of a vision problem?
Impulsivity. Hyperactivity. Distractibility.
Research tells us children with a vision problem like convergence insufficiency (CI) are a whopping three times more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD than children without CI. In fact, 15 of the 18 symptoms of ADHD listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders are also symptoms of a functional vision problem.
Functional vision problems generally branch out of three main areas: eye tracking, eye teaming, and eye focusing. These skills are outlined below alongside the difficulties that they are associated with. Notice the overlap with ADHD symptoms.
- Poor eye tracking skills relate to inefficiency in the ability of the eyes to fixate track and jump from object to object. This includes jumping the eyes from word to word on the page when reading. Poor eye tracking skills lead decreased fluency when reading, frequent loss of place, skipping lines when reading and writing, increased distractibility when reading and failure to attend to finer details when reading and writing.
- Poor eye teaming skills relate to the inability to use the two eyes together well as a coordinated team. Depth perception, avoidance of close work tasks, difficulty completing work in class, difficulty sitting still and maintaining steady posture and viewing distances often result from poor eye teaming skills.
- Poor eye focusing skills make it difficult for the child to maintain clear vision at varying distances. It makes learning, reading, writing and sports more difficult and can lead to reduced comprehension levels along with avoidance of concentrated tasks.
So if your child has problems paying close attention to details, avoids near work tasks requiring mental effort (like homework) and has difficulty completing school work and following instructions, don’t risk a misdiagnosis. A comprehensive vision skills assessment with one of our behavioural optometrists will only take you an hour and could end up being the difference between a label and a cure. Don’t let your child become another statistic.
Feel free to contact us if you have any questions about the connection between vision and learning difficulties.
Current evidence and clinical context
The American Academy of Pediatrics’ ADHD guidance describes coordinated medical, family and school care and does not recommend optometric vision training as an ADHD treatment.
An association between ADHD and convergence insufficiency is not evidence that one causes the other. The historical article’s “label and a cure” wording should not be used to change an ADHD diagnosis or stop prescribed medication. Near-vision problems can be assessed and managed alongside other care.
Related Smart Vision reading
Convergence insufficiency · Learning concerns and eye assessment
Frequently asked questions
Does a visual problem mean an ADHD diagnosis is wrong?
No. The conditions may coexist and diagnosis needs the relevant medical assessment.
Is vision therapy a proven cure for ADHD?
No. Eye treatment should address a diagnosed visual need.
Should prescribed ADHD medication be stopped for eye treatment?
No. Discuss medication decisions with the treating medical professional.
