Could undiagnosed vision issues be holding your students back? In this eye-opening episode, Ash chats with behavioural optometrist Amy Fortescue to unpack how children’s vision, far beyond just 20/20 eyesight, can deeply affect their learning, behaviour, and classroom confidence.
Amy introduces us to the world of behavioural optometry, where the eyes are seen as an extension of the brain. Together, Ash and Amy explore how visual challenges like eye tracking issues, visual processing delays, and undetected long-sightedness can impact everything from reading fluency to attention and even writing development.
Plus, Amy shares practical signs for teachers to look out for, classroom strategies to support visual learners, and why a standard preschool screening often isn’t enough.
In This Episode, You’ll Learn:
- What behavioural optometry is and why it matters in education
- How to spot hidden vision problems in your classroom
- How eye tracking affects reading—and what can help
- The surprising overlap between vision issues and ADHD symptoms
Key Takeaways:
- Vision is more than sight - it’s how the brain processes what the eyes see.
- Children with learning challenges may have undiagnosed visual issues, even if they pass standard screenings.
- Classroom strategies like deep breathing, and seating can boost reading and focus.
- Visual perceptual skills, not just fine motor, may impact handwriting, OTs and optometrists both play a role.
- A collaborative, whole-child approach is key: “It’s not always either vision or attention, it can be both.”
From personal stories to professional insights, this episode is packed with knowledge that could make a world of difference for the students in your care.
Rainbows ahead,
Alisha and Ashleigh
Resources mentioned in this episode:
Connect with Amy on Instagram @amyfortescueoptom
Learn more about behavioural optometry here
Find Amy’s eye exercises here
Listen to an episode about The Science of Reading here.
APPLE PODCAST | SPOTIFY | AMAZON
About Today’s Guest
Amy Fortescue is a behavioural optometrist based in Southern Sydney with a passion for paediatric eye care. She completed her Bachelor of Optometry and Bachelor of Science in 2010, earning top honours in children’s vision and binocular vision, an early sign of the career path she was destined to follow.
Amy’s journey into optometry began in her father’s practice in Ramsgate Beach, where she started helping out as soon as she was old enough to file record cards and fold newsletters. She continued working there until August 2025, building years of hands-on experience and deep community ties.
Since graduating, Amy has pursued extensive additional training in behavioural optometry and is now preparing to open her own practice in Autumn 2026.
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49 mins