Visual Processing Disorder and Dyslexia

Dyslexia and a visual processing disorder are quite different.   

Visual information processing disorders are a visual disorder, in which the brain has difficulties properly interpreting visual information. This can affect any task that requires vision (reading, writing, maths, spelling, art). A visual information processing disorder is not the same as an eyesight problem, though it is important that for visual processing that the visual input from the eyes is the best it can be. A visual information processing disorder cannot be corrected with glasses.

Dyslexia is fundamentally a language disorder which causes difficulties with reading and writing. Those with dyslexia struggle with phonics and the sounds of letters and words and sounds connection to written language. Dyslexia affects reading, writing and speaking. Dyslexia is not a visual problem and so cannot be diagnosed by an Optometrist or Vision Therapist, but rather an Educational Psychologist. Like visual information processing disorders, dyslexia cannot be corrected with glasses. 

Whilst glasses cannot correct a visual information processing disorder nor dyslexia, there may still be a role for glasses in these conditions. 

Though separate issues, it is possible for a person to have both a visual information processing disorder and dyslexia.