Is vision therapy helpful for dyslexia?

When I talk with parents about dyslexia, the topic of vision therapy almost always comes up.  It is heavily discussed on parent dyslexia support forums and one of the first results on a google search about dyslexia.  As a parent it is difficult to sift through all the information and determine what's good research and what's pseudoscience.

In 2009 the following professional organizations issued a joint statement that explains the scientific evidence does not support vision therapy:

That list of reputable and respected medical organizations should definitely give you pause.  In summary, their joint statement said this:

"Currently, there is no adequate scientific evidence to support the view that subtle eye or visual problems cause learning disabilities.8,30,31,45,46,48–59 Furthermore, the evidence does not support the concept that vision therapy or tinted lenses or filters are effective, directly or indirectly, in the treatment of learning disabilities.# Thus, the claim that vision therapy improves visual efficiency cannot be substantiated. Diagnostic and treatment approaches that lack scientific evidence of efficacy are not endorsed or recommended."  http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/pediatrics/124/2/837.full.pdf

In addition to vision therapy, I have had some parents who have taken their children to Irlen diagnosticians and been prescribed colored overlays for use in reading.  So let's talk about Irlen Syndrome.  It is based in the thinking that the reading difficulties are a problem with visual processing of information.  This idea is flawed from the very beginning.  Dyslexia is not a visual or perceptual problem.  It is a language based disability.  Additionally, there is no evidence to support Irlen Syndrome or the use of colored overlays.  A double blind study was done in 2011 with the cooperation of the Irlen Institute.  Here's what that study found:

"We found no evidence for any immediate benefit of Irlen colored overlays as measured by the reading-rate test or the global reading measure. Our data suggest that Irlen colored overlays do not have any demonstrable immediate effect on reading in children with reading difficulties."
Irlen Colored Overlays Do not Alleviate Reading Difficulties. Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/51654812_Irlen_Colored_Overlays_Do_not_Alleviate_Reading_Difficulties [accessed Jan 07 2018].

So why do so many people claim these work?  The power of the placebo.  It's new and different so kids are more motivated to attend to the task of reading which could show the appearance of improved reading.  Once this initial "newness" wears off, there isn't a real increase in reading ability.  Also, several parents use colored overlays with an evidence based dyslexia treatment.  In this case you do see real improvements in reading and the success is erroneously attributed to the colored overlays instead of the reading treatment.

What's the answer?
The research is clear.  Pseudoscience doesn't work.  They offer quick fixes and prey on the fact that many parents are desperate to help their children.  The research does support structured literacy.  It's time consuming and requires a trained professional to work with your child.  It's important that you choose someone you are comfortable with and ask lots of questions about training.  Together, you and the professional you choose can partner together to help your child make reading progress.