Hepworth & Hall
Colorimetry
Colorimetry is the science of reducing visual stress by introducing colour to the patient. Visual stress is a term used to describe visual discomfort and perceptual distortions in printed text and is suffered by many people who struggle to read.
Many thousands of individuals who find reading tiring and unpleasant, unknowingly experience visual stress. They have to work harder than their peers to achieve the same outcomes, often with extra tuition. Many could be helped by coloured overlays placed over text or Precision Tinted Lenses worn in spectacles.
Our Colorimeter has thousands of colour combinations offering the most precise coloured lenses on the market.
The recommended Colorimetry assessment process follows a 3 stage process:
1. Full Eye Examination
It is essential that everyone who struggles to read or believes they may suffer from symptoms of Visual Stress, first undergoes a full eye examination. This is important to rule out any ocular problems. This test is available free of charge for all school aged children, students who are studying full time up to the age of 19 and any adults who are entitled to an NHS sight test. Sight examinations can also be paid for privately.
2. Overlay Assessment
Having discovered that ocular problems are not the cause of your symptoms, an overlay assessment is then recommended. An assessment with overlays may already have been carried out in school. If the school does not use overlays an optometrist can also carry out this assessment. The optometrist may suggest the patient use an overlay and return within a few weeks, noting any improvements.
Any improvement in reading speed and accuracy of 15% and above can be considered a successful outcome.
3. Colorimetry Assessment
Following successful use of a coloured overlay, for a trial period, the Intuitive Colorimeter is used to assess the patient under the direction of an optometrist, and a precision tint may be prescribed as appropriate. The colour will be specific to each individual’s needs, much more precise than an overlay and very often a different colour to the overlay. Coloured lenses are also much more convenient than overlays for the board, writing and computer work.