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Cerium Visual Technologies Ltd CVT, Manufacturer of the Intuitive Colorimeter (TM) and Cerium coloured overlays Prof. The research had full support from the Medical Research Council in the UK.

Beneficial reports of the use of colour for reading difficulties came to the attention of Professor Arnold Wilkins (Head of Visual Perception Unit - University of Essex) in the early 90’s. Wilkins had previously researched Epilepsy and noted that some of the symptoms described by children with specific reading difficulties were similar to some of those of Photosensitive Epilepsy (provoked by a visual trigger). Concerned that the benefit was placebo effect he recognised that if colour potentially gave benefit some evidence based research was needed to validate the claim. He wanted to show that the optimal colour needed to be selected with precision and to allow for this selection he invented the Intuitive Colorimeter and used the instrument to carry out scientific research. Following a double masked placebo controlled trial; published in 1994 Professor Wilkins showed that the beneficial effect of colour on visual distortion was not entirely attributable to placebo effect. Since this research many peer reviewed papers have been published by many leading professionals in the Psychology, Optometry and Education fields to further support this hypothesis. A rigid clinical procedure within Optometry was developed which is outlined by The College of Optometrists. Cerium Visual Technologies was granted full licence to manufacture and market the Intuitive Colorimeter by The Medical Research Council. CVT continues to support further research into colour and its benefits and work closely worldwide with professionals and academic bodies to ensure that all who benefit from colour do so through scientifically based solutions. The MRC was granted a worldwide patent. Why colour works

Pages of print can resemble a visually stressful pattern. Print can be very “stripy” and for a lot of people can be uncomfortable to look at. This can be similar to looking at a very stripy shirt for a prolonged time. It is thought that this discomfort when looking at the print and hence the symptoms of Visual Stress in reading difficulties are also due to a hyperexcitability of neurones in the Visual Cortex. This means that some of the cells in the part of the brain which deals with processing of visual information work too fast and do not respond in the way they should. We know that certain cells in the Visual Cortex are colour sensitive and therefore by placing a colour in front of the eye; the pattern of excitation can be changed. In other words the colour will help to slow and calm these cells therefore quietening the pattern and reducing the Visual Stress. The colour needed to reduce the hyperexcitability is very precise and individual to each person.

Why Precision Matters for Visual StressSmall changes in hue and saturation can affect symptom relief, so finding the rig...
15/10/2026

Why Precision Matters for Visual Stress

Small changes in hue and saturation can affect symptom relief, so finding the right tint requires precision.

The Cerium Intuitive Colorimeter allows practitioners to explore thousands of colour combinations, refining hue, saturation and brightness to identify a tint tailored to each patient.

Our specialist laboratory then manufactures Precision Tinted Lenses, spectrally verified to match the prescribed colour - maintaining precision from assessment to finished lenses.

Because when it comes to visual stress, close isn't close enough.

Dyslexia Awareness Week is a reminder to look at the whole picture. 💙Dyslexia and visual stress are different, although ...
07/10/2026

Dyslexia Awareness Week is a reminder to look at the whole picture. 💙

Dyslexia and visual stress are different, although they can occur together. A student with dyslexia may also experience visual discomfort when reading, but one should never be assumed to explain the other.

For some people with visual stress, individually assessed colour may help relieve symptoms such as discomfort or apparent movement of text. Precision colour is used to address visual stress symptoms; it is not a treatment for dyslexia.

Every student deserves a joined-up approach: listening to their experience, checking their vision, and considering appropriate educational and specialist assessments and support.

Understanding each part of the picture helps us give them the right support.

Visual stress screening starts with the right tools.When a patient describes moving print, discomfort with patterns or d...
01/10/2026

Visual stress screening starts with the right tools.

When a patient describes moving print, discomfort with patterns or difficulty reading for sustained periods, a structured assessment can help explore what they’re experiencing.

Cerium’s screening tools support eye care professionals at this stage:

Used alongside a full eye examination and the patient’s history, these tools provide valuable evidence to guide the next step in the clinical pathway.

Explore Cerium’s visual stress screening range: https://ceriumvistech.com/shop/

24/09/2026
📣 EVENT ANNOUNCEMENTScience+ at The Royal Society are hosting an insightful discussion on:👁️ ‘The Neurological Basis of ...
17/09/2026

📣 EVENT ANNOUNCEMENT

Science+ at The Royal Society are hosting an insightful discussion on:

👁️ ‘The Neurological Basis of Visual Discomfort and Visual Stress’ 📍 The Royal Society, London
📅 1st-2nd February 2027

A significant conversation. At a significant venue.

Visual stress can affect how people experience the world around them - from text and electronic screens to lighting and the built environment.

That’s why we’re particularly excited to see Science+ at The Royal Society, bringing together researchers and professionals to explore the neurological origins of visual stress and the implications for inclusivity, health and future development.

The Royal Society is one of the world’s oldest and most respected scientific academies. To see visual stress discussed within this prestigious setting is an important moment for the field.
This isn’t simply about one discipline.

It’s about bringing different perspectives together to understand a complex area of science - and asking where that knowledge can take us next.

Free to attend | In person & online | Advance registration required

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-neurological-basis-of-visual-discomfort-and-visual-stress-tickets-1995094190430?aff=utm_source%3Deb_email%26utm_medium%3Demail%26utm_campaign%3Dclaim_tickets_2%26utm_term%3Dclaim_tickets_listing_title&utm_source=eb_email&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=claim_tickets_2&utm_term=claim_tickets_listing_title

🎒 Back to school? Look for the signs of visual stress.As children return to school, reading, writing and screen time inc...
10/09/2026

🎒 Back to school? Look for the signs of visual stress.

As children return to school, reading, writing and screen time increase. For some, this can lead to visual discomfort or visual stress.

Look out for signs such as:

• Headaches or tiredness when reading
• Losing their place or skipping words
• Avoiding or becoming restless during reading
• Difficulty concentrating on text 
• Describes words moving on the page

These signs can have many causes, so a comprehensive eye examination should always be the starting point.

For parents, if reading regularly feels uncomfortable for your child, speak to your optometrist.

For practices, September is a great time to look for the signs, ask the right questions and know when further assessment may be appropriate.

This September, look beyond how a child reads - consider how reading feels.

VisualComfort

** NEW STUDY! ** Could your patient or child be taking part in research that could help improve our understanding of vis...
03/09/2026

** NEW STUDY! **

Could your patient or child be taking part in research that could help improve our understanding of visual stress?

📚 The ARUTIS Study is a new randomised controlled trial being conducted by Anglia Ruskin University (ARU)in Cambridge, investigating the use of the Intuitive Colorimetry System for young people experiencing symptoms of visual stress and reading difficulties.

Visual stress can affect the way some people experience words and text. Symptoms can include:

👀 Difficulty focusing on words

🔤 Words appearing to move or merge

〰️ Seeing patterns, shadows or a 3D effect in text

📖 Letters appearing to fade or darken

🤕 Headaches when reading

☀️ Pages appearing uncomfortably bright

The study is now seeking participants aged 9–18 who experience reading difficulties and may have symptoms of visual stress.

This is an important opportunity to contribute to the growing evidence base in this area and support ongoing research.

Are you a parent or young person who might be interested?

Or are you an optometry practice with patients who may be suitable?

Please share this opportunity or contact us directly for more information.

Participants must meet the study's eligibility criteria, and further testing will be required to establish whether they have visual stress.

Optometry OptometryResearch ChildrensVision EyeCare Research RandomisedControlledTrial

Back to school – a new term, a new opportunity. The new school term is just around the corner, making now a great time t...
26/08/2026

Back to school – a new term, a new opportunity. 

The new school term is just around the corner, making now a great time to introduce colorimetry to your practice.

If you’ve been considering adding a colorimetry clinic, getting started before the new term means you can:

✨ Get your equipment and team training in place
✨ Build confidence in your clinical process
✨ Start offering colorimetry assessments to patients from the beginning of term
✨ Be ready to support children and adults experiencing visual stress as they return to reading, studying and screen-based learning

With the Intuitive Colorimeter Wave, you can provide a precise, repeatable approach to colour assessment, supported by specialist training and ongoing support from the Cerium team.

Make this term the one you add colorimetry to your practice.

Get in touch with our team to find out how you can get set up for the new term.

20/08/2026

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