Reading forms the foundation for educational success and personal development in children. When children struggle with reading, it can affect many aspects of their lives. Supported by a grant from the ministry of Economic Affairs, the collaborating companies Slampaq Solutions, X-lens, and the optometric company Bossinade Optiek have developed the first online application that both tests reading proficiency and shows whether reading with color is more effective and easier. The free test can be taken on a computer with a webcam via the X-lens website.
Over the past two years, the collaborating companies have worked on developing an online application that tests reading skills and also maps out the difference in reading without and with color. During development, the application was tested with over a hundred students from primary and secondary schools. The test results clearly indicate whether it is worthwhile to visit an X-lens specialist, who can determine precisely which color filters help. “Half of the children with significant reading problems could benefit from this,” says Lex Klein Schiphorst, optometrist and owner of Bossinade Optiek Castricum.
The idea behind this groundbreaking technology has been evaluated by the SME Innovation Stimulation for Regions and Top Sectors (MIT) for feasibility, societal contribution, and innovativeness. Based on this, a subsidy was provided by the Ministry of Economic Affairs to develop the application.
Already 4,000 Satisfied X-lens Users
Reading complaints can include poor or slow reading, guessing words, dancing and blurry letters, headaches after reading, concentration problems, and difficulties with reading comprehension. Tests with over 8,000 people with reading problems show that half of them could benefit from glasses with color filters. Users experience improved reading and information processing skills, enabling them to perform at their own level. Currently, there are 4,000 glasses with these color filters in use.
In 2020/2021, X-lens was also named the most innovative product with the greatest growth potential within the Growth Accelerator, an initiative of Centraal Beheer and Port of Growth. With the launch of the new online test to assess reading proficiency with and without color, we are ready to fulfill this recognition.
