The Irlen® Clinic of the West 
The Irlen® Clinic of the West focuses on providing high-quality, personalized services for clients with Irlen Syndrome.
WHAT IS IRLEN®SYNDROME?
“Irlen Syndrome is a perceptual processing disorder caused by the brain’s inability to process specific wavelengths of light.”
– Irlen Institute at Irlen.com
WHO DOES IT AFFECT?
It affects approximately 20% of the general population, 46% with reading problems, and individuals with autism spectrum disorder or head trauma.
The Irlen®Method
The Irlen®Method corrects a unique perceptual processing problem. Individuals with Irlen®Syndrome have some or all of the following symptoms- light sensitivity, headaches and migraines, reading difficulties, poor attention and concentration, discomfort or fatigue, and poor depth perception. We provide complete diagnostic services and the Irlen® Spectral Filters.
ACHIEVE YOUR GOALS!
We help you to feel confident and energized by relieving symptoms of Irlen Syndrome, as well as, helping you to overcome learning challenges. Experience less stress and get excited about all areas of your life!
It's a BRAIN THING...
Irlen Syndrome affects how the brain processes light.
Common Symptoms
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Light sensitivity, especially to fluorescent lights
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Reading difficulties
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Headaches
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Math difficulties, misaligns numbers or confuses math symbols
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Fatigue
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Easily distracted, sometimes misdiagnosed as having Attention Deficit Disorder
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Eye strain when reading or computer use
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Poor Depth Perception
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Some people with Irlen Syndrome are misdiagnosed as having Dyslexia
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Symptoms vary so individuals may have one or more of these
Learn about how our services can help you…
The Irlen®Method corrects a unique perceptual processing problem. Individuals with Irlen®Syndrome have some or all of the following symptoms- light sensitivity, headaches and migraines, reading difficulties, poor attention and concentration, discomfort or fatigue, and poor depth perception. We provide complete diagnostic services and the Irlen® Spectral Filters.
Educational Consultation and Evaluation
Our team of experienced educators is available to meet with adults or children who are experiencing learning difficulties or challenges. We provide assessments in reading and math. For an in-depth evaluation, we use the Woodcock Johnson IV Assessment.
Jeannie Dunn, Ed. D.
Irlen® diagnostician, clinic director
After becoming a certified Irlen® Screener in 1989, Jeannie used The Irlen® Method to help students improve their reading skills.
About Irlen® Syndrome
What does your typical Irlen® Syndrome client look like?
Irlen® Syndrome symptoms include headaches, academic or reading difficulties, severe light sensitivity – especially to fluorescent lighting, and difficulties with concentration or staying focused on tasks. Our clients range in age from 6 to 75 years of age. Irlen Syndrome is genetic and runs in families. It can also be acquired through head trauma such as concussions or a traumatic brain injury.
Here is an example of Irlen® Syndrome distortions…
What is the first step?
The first thing we do is to determine if the person has Irlen® Syndrome. It affects 15-20 % of the general population, almost half of individuals with reading difficulties and migraine headaches, and many individuals identified with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Many people are misdiagnosed with dyslexia or ADHD when the underlying factor of their learning challenges is Irlen Syndrome.
If I think I have Irlen® Syndrome how do I find out?
We will have you complete a self-test of symptoms of Irlen® Syndrome. In reviewing the self-test with you, we look at the difficulties that you currently have.
How long does an Irlen® screening take?
The next step is to complete a screening, which takes approximately 90 minutes. The screening determines if you have Irlen® Syndrome, the types of visual distortions, reading difficulties, and physical symptoms you are experiencing, and the color of overlay to alleviate those symptoms when you are reading or viewing printed information. The screening also help to determine if you are a good candidate for Irlen® Spectral Filters.
How do I get Irlen® Spectral Filters?
Our Irlen® Diagnostician can determine a precision tint for Irlen® Spectral Filters. This comprehensive appointment usually takes 2.5 hours to complete. We order individualized Spectral Filters from the Irlen® Lab. Both non-prescription and prescription lenses can be tinted.
For more information on Irlen® Syndrome please visit Irlen.com
Dr.Jeannie Dunn, Ed. D.
Irlen® Diagnostician, Clinic Director
Dr. Jeannie Dunn, Irlen® Syndrome Diagnostician and Educational Consultant opened Learning Associates of the Grand Valley to provide individualized educational services and help for people suffering with Irlen Syndrome. Even as a young child, she wanted to share her love of learning. During her elementary school years, Jeannie encouraged children in her neighborhood to enjoy reading as much as she did by setting up a lending library with her collection of Little Golden Books and providing reading instruction on her front porch to classmates. Her passion for learning led her to earn a Doctorate Degree in Educational Leadership and a Masters Degree in Special Education.
After becoming a certified Irlen® Screener in 1989, Jeannie used The Irlen® Method to help students improve their reading skills. After 37 years in public education as a special education teacher and school administrator, Jeannie fulfilled a long-time desire by completing the extensive training to become an Irlen® Syndrome Diagnostician. Jeannie and her colleagues at Learning Associates are proud to offer professional services to improve the lives of children and adults who struggle with learning challenges and individuals with Irlen Syndrome.
Jeannie is a member of the Association of Educational Therapists, the Council for Exceptional Children, the International Literacy Association, and the International Dyslexia Association.
Jeannie has attended:
LSU Graduate School at Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, Masters in Special Education
The Graduate School at the Univeristy of Northern Colorado, Greeley, Doctorate in Education
University of California – Riverside, Educational Therapy Certificate
To contact Jeannie
Rose Willett M. Ed.
Irlen® Diagnostician, Educational Consultant and Associate
As an educator, I have 35 years of experience in public schools ranging from pre-school age to college-age students. I was a Student Advocate in the Student Services Department at Colorado Mesa University for ten years.
After completing a Masters degree in Education with an emphasis in Exceptional Learners/Special Education (EDSE) in 2020 and serving as a special education teacher, I retired from the public school system to pursue advanced training to become an Irlen® Syndrome Diagnostician.
Screening for Irlen® Syndrome since 2010 is the most rewarding work that I have done to help students achieve success. As an Irlen® Syndrome Diagnostician, I am excited to continue helping children and adults improve their quality of life utilizing Irlen® Spectral Lenses.
Rose earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education from the University of Colorado Boulder in 1983.
She also earned a Masters degree in Exceptional Learners/Special Education from Colorado Mesa University in 2020.
Contact Irlen Clinic of the West
Call Us
Our Location
2530 N. 8th St. #206
Grand Junction, CO 81501