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What is Irlen Syndrome?

Irlen Syndrome (also called visual stress or scotopic sensitivity) affects how the brain processes visual information. Students with Irlen may see text that appears to blur, move, or glow—making reading exhausting and frustrating. Symptoms can include headaches, eye strain, poor concentration, and even behavioral issues in class.

It isn’t a problem with vision, but a neurological processing issue. And in schools, it often goes undiagnosed

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Why It Matters in Australian Classrooms

Studies estimate up to 14% of the population may have Irlen Syndrome, and up to 50% of those with reading difficulties may be affected. While not officially classified as a disability in Australia, teachers across South East Queensland and beyond are seeing the impact: students avoiding reading, struggling with comprehension, or misdiagnosed with ADHD or dyslexia.

Early intervention can dramatically change outcomes—but it requires awareness and the right tools.

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How AV Tools and Classroom Tech Help

For students with Irlen Syndrome, reducing visual stress is key. This is where audiovisual (AV) solutions and adaptive displays come in:

• Customise screen backgrounds (e.g. soft pastel tones instead of harsh white)
• Adjust contrast and brightness to reduce glare
• Use multi-sensory inputs: combining visuals, audio, and tactile engagement
• Incorporate video, diagrams, and audio narration to reduce reliance on dense text

Simple changes in how lessons are delivered can dramatically reduce strain and improve engagement.

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ViewSonic MyViewBoard: Built for Inclusion

One of the most powerful tools for inclusive teaching is ViewSonic MyViewBoard—a digital whiteboarding platform designed for modern, flexible classrooms.

With MyViewBoard, educators can:

• Change canvas colours to match individual student needs
• Use built-in Immersive Reader (text-to-speech, translation, and focus modes)
• Embed video, images, and audio alongside traditional content
• Allow students to interact with lessons on their own devices
• Deliver content in visual, auditory, and interactive formats

These features aren’t just convenient—they’re critical for supporting neurodiverse learners, including students with Irlen Syndrome. With the release of myViewBoard 3.0, ViewSonic now includes built-in Irlen-friendly background filter colour.

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Real Impact, Right Here in SEQ

Many schools across South East Queensland are already using ViewSonic technology, and we’ve seen firsthand how it helps:

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“MyViewBoard delivers a compelling digital whiteboarding platform that transforms how educators create interactive learning experiences.”
— ISTE Seal Review Findings Report, April 2025

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When combined with proper training, these tools transform the learning experience for all students—not just those with identified challenges.

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Want to Learn More?

If you're an educator, IT manager, or school leader looking to make your classroom more inclusive, we’re here to help.

• ✅ Book a demo of ViewSonic MyViewBoard
• ✅ Get a quote for your school
• ✅ Arrange training for your staff

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Contact Us

Our team supports ViewSonic installations and training across Queensland. We’re not just resellers—we’re your local experts in making AV technology inclusive and effective.

At The Big Picture Group, we deliver the technology that enables people to best communicate their stories.

Talk to our team today or explore our website to learn more.

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Sources:

• Irlen Syndrome overview – Irlen Institute
• Australian relevance and statistics – Summary of Irlen Research 2018 (PDF)
• Visual stress support strategies – Irlen Syndrome Foundation
• ViewSonic myViewBoard features – ViewSonic myViewBoard 3.0 Overview
• Quote source – Tech & Learning: ViewSonic myViewBoard 3.0 Review

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