The aim of the ReadEZ screening software is:


  1. to identify those individuals who are likely to benefit from the use of colour and
  2. to determine the optimum colour for ReadEZ overlays, ReadEZ lenses and Computer screens.


To achieve this, the program includes the following tests:

Phase 1: Baseline Symptoms without colour

The patient views a passage of text with a white background and is asked a series of questions designed to elicit the characteristic symptoms of Visual Stress syndrome

Phase 2: Baseline Rate of Reading without colour

The Rate of Reading test, designed by Prof Wilkins, consists simply of a passage of words that the client is required to read aloud as rapidly and as accurately as possible. The words are all of very high frequency and are therefore familiar to most children, even those whose reading is very poor. The words are arranged in random order to minimise contextual cues. The text is printed in small closely spaced lettering so that any visual difficulty is maximised and affects reading speed after only a short period of reading.


The Rate of Reading test is initially performed against a white background to establish a baseline for each patient.

Phase 3: Colour  screening

During this phase, the client is shown two passages of text. The colour of the background to the text is changed in order to determine which colour(s) are subjectively the most comfortable.


An automated and a manual screening test are provided giving the examiner complete control over the screening procedure.

Phase 4: Rate of Reading with preferred colour

The Rate of Reading test is repeated with the colour selected during the screening phase. The difference between the rate of reading with and without a chosen colour has been shown to be a good predictor of whether an overlay will be of sustained benefit.



Phase 5: Symptoms with preferred colour

The client views a passage of text against a background of their preferred colour, and is asked the same questions as in Phase 1. This provides an assessment of the effects of the colour on symptoms.


Having completed the screening, the program maintains a database of results and is capable of generating a wide variety of reports. Every effort has been made to keep the program as simple and flexible as possible. The program can be used in many ways, from a regimented screening through to a toolbox of tests that may be selected and used on an ad hoc basis.