The Connection Between ADHD and Vision Problems in Children

Could Vision Problems Be Contributing to Your Child’s Attention Struggles?

Parents often come to us at Bayview Vision feeling overwhelmed and concerned.

“My child can’t sit still during homework.”
“They’re always distracted when reading.”
“They’ve been diagnosed with ADHD… but I feel like there’s more going on.”

And you’re absolutely right to wonder.

While ADHD is a well-known and very real condition, what many parents (and even educators) don’t realize is that certain vision problems can mimic or worsen ADHD-like symptoms.

That’s why a comprehensive eye and visual skills evaluation is a critical part of understanding your child’s challenges.

How Are ADHD and Vision Problems Connected?

It’s important to note: Vision problems don’t cause ADHD — but they can certainly contribute to behaviors commonly associated with it.

Many visual conditions — particularly binocular vision dysfunctions like convergence insufficiency — make focusing on near tasks extremely difficult.

Imagine if reading caused your words to blur, double, or move on the page — how long would you be able to stay focused?

For children, these visual issues lead to frustration, avoidance, and fidgety behavior — which can look a lot like inattention or hyperactivity.

Vision Conditions That Can Mimic ADHD Symptoms

At Bayview Vision, we often diagnose the following in children with attention struggles:

• Convergence Insufficiency – Trouble maintaining focus on near objects

• Accommodative Dysfunction – Difficulty shifting focus between near and far

• Oculomotor Dysfunction – Poor eye tracking, leading to skipping lines or losing place

• Visual Processing Disorders – Difficulty interpreting visual information

Symptoms That Overlap ADHD and Vision Problems

• Short attention span for reading or homework

• Restlessness or fidgeting during seated tasks

• Avoidance of near work

• Poor reading comprehension

• Headaches or eye strain

• Frequent loss of place while reading

• Difficulty copying from the board

• Frustration with writing or detail work

These symptoms should prompt a deeper look at your child’s visual system — especially if traditional ADHD treatments haven’t fully resolved the issues.

How Vision Therapy Can Help

Vision therapy is a non-invasive, personalized program that helps strengthen the visual skills necessary for comfortable, efficient learning.

At Bayview Vision, our therapy programs focus on:

• Eye teaming (binocular vision)

• Focusing flexibility (accommodation)

• Eye tracking and control (oculomotor skills)

• Visual processing and memory

While vision therapy is not a replacement for ADHD treatment, it’s a powerful complement — especially for children whose attention struggles are rooted in visual discomfort.

Collaborative Care Matters

We believe in a team-based approach to care. Our optometrists often work alongside pediatricians, psychologists, occupational therapists, and educators to support the whole child.

Uncovering and treating vision problems can make a world of difference for children with ADHD or attention concerns — improving not only their performance but also their confidence and comfort in school.

Book a Vision Therapy Evaluation in Toronto

If your child has been diagnosed with ADHD — or shows similar symptoms — a comprehensive vision evaluation may uncover contributing factors that can be treated.

📞 Call us at 416-487-5401 or book online to schedule a vision therapy consultation at Bayview Vision.