What are Harris Filters:

Harris Filters are an advanced form of David Harris’s award winning range of special lenses that were originally developed to improve colour perception in the colour-blind although David Harris subsequently discovered that they could be modified to reduce or eliminate the visual perceptual distortions that have been shown to be responsible for reading problems encountered by around 3/4 of dyslexic sufferers because of neurological inefficiencies in the magnocellular system that is part of the central nervous system. In addition to the general improvements in reading performance, in making reading easier there has been shown to be a significant reduction in the fatigue from reading that dyslexics have been shown to suffer from.

Developed from his earlier work in 1976, extensive research demonstrated that his lenses could significantly ease reading difficulties. He has gone on to identify the optimum range of spectral transmissions within which to develop his lenses. David explains that people have got very fixated on the use of colour for dyslexia when in fact it is the effect of transmitted light that causes the changes. The Harris filters contain no visible colours and look very much like a pair of normal sunglasses which is of huge cosmetic benefit to the wearers.

How do Harris Filters work?

Dr Harris describes the effect as being like two cars driving side by side, they must both be travelling at the same speed in order to maintain contact. The Harris Filters alter the speed of transmitted signals to the brain, re-synchronising the neural pathways so that the brain receives the correctly balanced message. In order to achieve the maximum visual benefit the right and left lenses will always be different and this is known as dynamic haploscopic balancing. What can I expect during a Harris Filters Assessment?

The testing will take around an hour although time to talk and ask questions of your practitioner may be added. At the start of the test a baseline reading will be taken using a standardised reading test called The Wilkins Rate of Reading Test. This will measure the current reading ability without any intervention. Each eye will then be tested separately to find the lens that gives the best result and finally a retest using both prescribed lenses will indicate any increases in reading speed and ability over the baseline. Orders for Harris Filters will be made up in a special laboratory and despatched within 7-10 days.

For help and advice, to book an assessment, or to become a Harris Foundation Practitioner please contact us on 0845 230 1771