How to get tested?

What’s involved in being treated for Irlen Syndrome? The Irlen Method is a two-step process.

Session One

An Irlen screening test is the first session of testing to determine whether you have Irlen Syndrome and if colour overlays can help eliminate your difficulties.

At the end of this test you have a coloured overlay to use if you found it helpful. This will give you an idea as to whether it would be beneficial to go on to the tinting process.  If reading a book is the only problem, then coloured Irlen overlays may be sufficient to deal with the problems.  

If your problems include issues with light sensitivity, depth perception, night driving or copying from a board, or trouble with reading from computers, i-pads and phones then tinted Irlen Spectral Filters, worn as glasses or contacts, may be the answer.
The screening test takes about 1 hour.

Session Two

The second session, a Diagnostic and Tinting Assessment is conducted with the client wearing his/her optometric lenses – if needed.  
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We determine the precise colours, which filter out the wavelengths of light that are causing your perceptual difficulties.  Irlen Spectral Filters help you when you are reading, when you are outside, or doing other visually-intensive activities.

Following this session, your optometric lenses are Irlen tinted or plain lenses are prescribed with the Irlen tint.  This takes about 5 days.
The diagnostic test takes about 1.5 hours.

Optometric Test

Visit your optometrist or eye specialist for a complete visual examination or have a recheck, if it is 18 months since your last examination and before the Irlen tinting assessment.
If glasses are prescribed, have them made up with CR39, tintable lenses -  that are untinted, uncoated, not hard coated, lenses. (Hard coating on the front surface is acceptable but not both front and back surfaces.)
Get used to them before making an Irlen tinting appointment.
If vision exercises are prescribed, carry these out before making an Irlen tinting appointment.

Frequently asked Questions

What age does the client need to be for Irlen testing?

• A screening test can be done from 5.5 years and up
• A tinting assessment can be done from approx 7 years and up.

Who can do the Irlen testing?

• Wearing the wrong colour can actually make your problems worse, so it is important that you have your screening and diagnostic assessment carried out by a Certified Irlen Screener &/or Diagnostician.
• To find out details of Irlen Screeners and Diagnosticians in New Zealand, call the Irlen Head Office on 09 414 4484 or
• Contact us on 04 234 7662 or go to www.irlen.com

Costs
​These vary – however an Irlen Screening test costs about $75 - $85
Diagnostic and Tint assessment and lenses from $376
Also, depending on the area you live in you may have access to a Trust for financial help.