The Eye Lady

15/04/2026

I didn’t grow up as a child who reached for books.

Give me time with my nana sewing, or being outside fishing off the wharf, and I was happy. Reading, though… that always felt like hard work. Not just difficult in the usual way—something about it never quite clicked, and I didn’t understand why.

It wasn’t until years later, when I trained as an Irlen screener, that things finally made sense. Discovering that I also have Irlen Syndrome changed the way I saw my own story.

Now, when someone quietly tells me that the words seem to shift on the page, or the floor doesn’t feel still, or there’s a glow or haze around people or print, I don’t dismiss it. I recognise it. Because I experience it too.

And I know how hard it can be to explain something like that when you’ve never had the words for it—how quickly you can start to wonder if you’re imagining things, or if something is “wrong” with you.

I want you to know this clearly: you’re not alone in that experience. Those distortions are real for many people. The movement, the fading, the visual overwhelm—it’s something I understand deeply, not just professionally, but personally.

You’re not strange. You’re not making it up. And you’re definitely not the only one.

13/04/2026

This is why I do what I do.

So many children are working incredibly hard, yet reading still feels like a struggle. It can be confusing and frustrating when school can’t quite pinpoint why.

Sometimes, Irlen Syndrome is the missing piece of the puzzle… just like it was for B.

When the visual stress is reduced, everything can start to feel a little easier. More comfortable. More manageable. Sometimes even enjoyable.

If your child is finding reading hard and you don’t have clear answers yet, it might be worth exploring.

Send me a message or comment below and I can share a free pre-screening test to see if Irlen might be part of the picture.

12/04/2026

Has reading always felt like a challenge?

Even with plenty of practice… even when you’re trying your hardest… it still feels harder than it should.

For some people, it’s not about intelligence or effort. It can be the way the brain is processing what the eyes see.

Irlen Syndrome is often missed, but it can make reading feel slow, tiring, or uncomfortable.

If this sounds familiar for you or your child, there’s a simple first step.

I have a free pre-screening test you can do at home to see if Irlen might be part of the picture.

Comment "BRAIN" below and I’ll send you the link.

10/04/2026

This week, Anna (from ) and I attended a lovely lunch at with Top of the North Island Rural Women NZ to receive our very first donation on behalf of Irlen North Trust

What a huge milestone for us! This is the first step on our journey to supporting tamariki and rangatahi in Te Taitokerau who experience learning or sensory challenges linked to Irlen Syndrome.

We’re incredibly grateful for the support — and yes, a sweet pastry treat was absolutely necessary to celebrate!

10/04/2026

When they said "up to 20 weeks to process", honestly my heart sank a little.

But only a few days later, our registration has officially been approved!

Irlen North Trust is now a registered charity!!!

Congratulations to my fellow trustees Anna Barry, Sheree J Camilleri, Heather Sorensen, and Christine Benner.
Thank you for understanding my vision and helping me steer my dreams into reality!

10/04/2026

09/04/2026

Sometimes it’s not that you’ve lost interest in the things you love
they’ve just become harder to see.

Hobbies like reading, knitting, painting, or gardening rely on clear, comfortable vision
and when that changes, it can quietly take the enjoyment with it.

The good news is, there are often simple ways to make things easier again.

If this sounds familiar, you’re always welcome to get in touch for a chat.

08/04/2026

I recently did a social media workshop with Emily from Empire, and I’m really glad I said yes to it.

She has a way of walking you through your own business step by step, without all the jargon or overwhelm. Things that used to feel confusing just… started to make sense.

I’ve come away with a much clearer idea of what to post, how to do it, and how to keep things consistent. I finally understand the difference between reels, carousels, and static posts, and I’ve got a simple plan mapped out for the next few months.

The support throughout has been incredible, and one of the best parts was getting to know the other mummas in the group. It felt like a really safe, encouraging space to learn.

If you’re running a business and social media feels a bit messy or overwhelming, this might be something worth looking into.

I do have a code from the workshop if anyone’s interested.

Happy to share more about my experience if you want to flick me a message 🙂 Either way, you need to know Em!

05/04/2026

✨ Exciting news for our Northland community ✨

Back in November, 19 incredible people began their journey to become certified Irlen Screeners… and today, we’re celebrating a special milestone.

👏 Congratulations to Rachel McGillan – our first fully certified screener from this group!

Rachel brings over 25 years of experience as a Child & Youth Health Nurse Specialist, with the past decade spent supporting young people at Whangarei Youth Space. She’s deeply passionate about making care accessible and meaningful for whānau, especially here in Northland where access can be a real challenge.

Rachel is now available to receive referrals and support young people aged 12–25. While she’s not based in a school, families and professionals can connect with her through Youth Space reception:
📧 reception@youthspace.co.nz or (09) 972 7248

💡 Building a strong network of screeners means more families can access support, sooner. If you’re working with a young person who may benefit from an Irlen screening, Rachel is a wonderful option for those in Whangarei

02/04/2026

Reading shouldn’t be a struggle. For people with Irlen Syndrome, letters can appear blurry, moving, or distorted, making every sentence exhausting.

This short video shows some of the distortions that can make reading so challenging. If your child or someone you know struggles with reading, headaches, or eye strain, an Irlen screening could make a world of difference 💛

01/04/2026

💙 Autism Awareness Day 💙

Every child experiences the world in their own unique way — and for some autistic children, that can include differences in how they see and process what’s on the page.

If your child finds reading tiring, avoids books, or complains of headaches or sore eyes, it might not just be about learning — it could be about comfort, too.

For some children, visual processing challenges (like those identified through Irlen screening) can make reading much harder than it needs to be.

When we understand what’s really going on, we can support our kids in ways that build confidence, reduce stress, and help them feel more capable 💛

Every child deserves to feel comfortable in their learning.