The Irlen Institute announces the expansion of its certified diagnostician network with the addition of four new specialists across North America, strengthening the organization's ability to serve individuals with Irlen Syndrome and related visual processing challenges. The newly certified diagnosticians bring diverse professional backgrounds in education, healthcare, and wellness to their roles, enhancing the depth of expertise available to clients seeking evaluation and treatment.
The expansion includes Melinda Messore Holbert in Portland, Oregon, Deborah Phair in Prince George, British Columbia, Janice Foot in Georgetown, Ontario, and Cynthia Stowe in Lake Havasu, Arizona. Each diagnostician completed comprehensive training through the Irlen Institute to provide specialized assessments and customized spectral filters for individuals experiencing light sensitivity, reading difficulties, and visual distortions.
"The addition of these four diagnosticians represents a significant step forward in making Irlen assessments more accessible to communities across North America," said Alyssa Hewitt, Director of International Services at the Irlen Institute. "Each brings unique professional experience that enriches our network's ability to identify and address visual processing challenges that often go unrecognized in traditional educational and medical settings."
The expansion comes as awareness of Irlen Syndrome continues to grow among educators, healthcare providers, and families seeking answers for unexplained light sensitivity, reading difficulties, headaches, and attention challenges. Research indicates that approximately 12-14 percent of the general population experiences symptoms related to visual stress and light sensitivity that can be addressed through the Irlen Method.
The newly certified diagnosticians represent varied professional backgrounds that enhance the network's capabilities. Melinda Messore Holbert brings over two decades of experience as an Irlen Screener and has evaluated more than 250 individuals while maintaining a career in education. Deborah Phair, a licensed pharmacist and naturopathic doctor, witnessed the transformative impact of Irlen Spectral Filters when her daughter's reading level improved by four grades following treatment.
Janice Foot, founder of Branching Out Centre in Ontario, integrates Irlen assessments into her holistic approach to supporting individuals with complex developmental and chronic conditions. Cynthia Stowe combines expertise in special education and physical education with her role as a Certified Irlen Diagnostician to provide mobile assessment services in Arizona.
"Having experienced the benefits of Irlen Spectral Filters personally and witnessed the profound impact on family members and clients, these diagnosticians understand the life-changing potential of proper identification and treatment," added Hewitt. "Their commitment to expanding access aligns perfectly with our mission to help individuals worldwide overcome the barriers created by visual processing difficulties."
The Irlen Institute maintains a global network of certified providers in 46 countries, having helped millions of adults and children improve their quality of life through the identification and mitigation of Irlen Syndrome. The organization pioneered the use of colored overlays and spectral filters to address perceptual processing difficulties and continues to advance research in spectral filter color lens technology. Recognition from major news outlets including NBC News, ABC News, and CBS News has helped raise awareness of this often-overlooked condition that affects learning, work performance, and daily activities.
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For more information about The Irlen Institute, contact the company here:
The Irlen Institute
Sandra Tosta
562-496-2550
sandy@irlen.com
5380 E. Village Road
Long Beach, CA 90808
