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Colorimetry & Visual Stress Testing
Supporting adults and children across Earl Shilton, Hinckley, Stoney Stanton, and the wider Leicestershire area to read more comfortably. Sometimes, the right colour can make all the difference.
What Is Visual Stress?
Visual stress refers to difficulty processing certain high-contrast patterns, most commonly black text on a white background. For some individuals, this can make reading more tiring or uncomfortable than it needs to be, even when eyesight is otherwise normal.
It is not the same as dyslexia, although the two can co-occur. In children, visual stress is sometimes misunderstood as a lack of focus or effort, when in reality, they may be working much harder than others to keep up.
Although it’s often first identified in school-age children, visual stress can affect people of any age. Teenagers and adults can also experience symptoms, sometimes without realising the cause.
Common Signs
- Text that flickers, moves, or blurs
- Headaches or tired eyes after reading
- Losing place or skipping lines
- Page looks too bright
- Avoids reading despite trying
- Re-reading lines repeatedly
How Can Colour Help?
Many people with visual stress find that coloured overlays or precision-tinted lenses can reduce symptoms. Tinted lenses are worn like standard glasses and are matched to the colour that feels most comfortable for your eyes.
- Fewer headaches or less eye strain
- Clearer, more stable text
- Better comfort and concentration
- Longer reading sessions without fatigue
Every recommendation is personalised. No assumptions and no guesswork.
What to Expect at Your Appointment
Your assessment will follow a clear, step-by-step process:
Step 1
Full Eye Exam
Step 2
Overlay Assessment
Step 3
Colorimetry Assessment
Step 4
Report Writing
Assessment Fees
Appointments are one-to-one and tailored to the person we’re seeing, whether that’s a child, teenager or adult. We always take our time to make sure the experience feels calm and comfortable, especially for younger children or anyone feeling a bit unsure.
Before we begin, you’ll need to have a full eye test. This can be booked as either an NHS-funded or private appointment, depending on your eligibility.
After that, the visual stress assessment includes two steps:
- Overlay Assessment – £50
We try different coloured overlays to see if reading feels more comfortable or easier to focus on. - Colorimetry Assessment – £75
If overlays are helpful, we carry out a detailed colour test to find the tint that works best for you in glasses.
If a written report is needed for school, work or other support, we can usually provide one on request. Just mention it during your appointment.
Is Colorimetry Right for You or Your Child?
You may benefit if you or your child:
- Reading feels more difficult than expected
- You get tired eyes or headaches from screens or reading
- You’re sensitive to glare or high-contrast pages
- You experience ongoing visual discomfort
- You’re neurodivergent and often feel visually overloaded
- You’ve noticed that colour seems to help when reading
We’re proud to support families across Earl Shilton, Stoney Stanton, Hinckley, Barwell, Burbage, and surrounding areas in Leicestershire.
Colorimetry FAQs
Not sure if this is right for you or your child? Give us a call, we’re happy to talk it through.
Yes. You don’t need a diagnosis to benefit from a colorimetry assessment. Many people we see simply find reading harder than expected, and colour can sometimes make a noticeable difference.
No. We regularly assess adults as well as children. Visual stress can affect anyone, especially those who spend long periods reading or using screens.
Not usually. Some tints are extremely subtle and can be fitted into regular glasses. We’ll guide you through the options during your appointment.
The visual stress assessment is made up of two stages, carried out after a full eye test:
Eye Test – Booked separately, either as an NHS-funded or private appointment
Overlay Assessment – £50 – We test different coloured overlays to see if reading becomes easier or more comfortable
Colorimetry Assessment – £75 – If overlays are helpful, we carry out a detailed test to find the tint that works best for you in glasses
A written report can usually be provided on request; just let us know during your appointment.
Book Your Appointment
If reading has always felt like more effort than it should, colour could make a real difference.
We offer calm, one-to-one appointments for children and adults — no referral needed.
Appointments available at:
Wood St Optical – Earl Shilton
Stoney Stanton Optical – Stoney Stanton
Call: 01455 841364 or send us a message to arrange your visit.