A DUNGANNON optometrist has invested £160,000 in new specialist equipment and a practice refurbishment, marking the launch of its new service – Dyslexia Solutions – which has already proved to be an effective treatment for dyslexia in 85 per cent of patients.
Noel McCrystal, principal optometrist at McCrystal Opticians at Scotch Street Centre in the town, has specialised in helping both children and adults to overcome the symptoms of the condition for a number of years.
The store re-fit and state-of-the-art equipment has offered McCrystal Opticians the opportunity to deliver one of the most sophisticated dyslexia services in Ireland.
As one of the few optometrists in Ireland to have completed ‘Schoolvision’ - a diploma which investigates muscular anomalies in the eye - Noel has created a bespoke programme called Dyslexia Solutions. It combines learnings from Schoolvision with four other techniques to alleviate the majority of symptoms for customers who are dyslexic.
He says: “I fully understand the challenges that can exist with visual stress and dyslexia, having experienced dyslexia throughout my younger years.
"Through learnings, trials and advances in technology, I addressed my own dyslexia and since I began to offer services for the treatment of dyslexia in the practice, we’ve witnessed incredible results, helping around 85 per cent of clients with dyslexia to see and read more clearly.”
Having refurbished the existing premises on Scotch Street, McCrystal Opticians now offers a new multi-sensory play area which enhances its reputation as Northern Ireland’s first optician service to receive the NAS Autism-Friendly Award.
Noel added: “Since we opened our doors in Dungannon 23 years ago, we've strived to achieve continuous improvement and innovation within our services, premises and in the skill base across our whole team.
“Continuing to develop our business through our recent refurbishment and the launch of Dyslexia Solutions marks the next chapter for McCrystal Opticians and adds to our reputation as a forward-thinking, innovative and family-friendly practice.”
