Vision problems involving eye movement and focus can often cause "ADD/ADHD like behaviors.” 

Attention Problems:  Are They Due to Vision, ADHD, or Both? 

It is very important to understand that if you or your child enjoys being read to, will sit and listen for long periods of time, but demonstrates attention problems when using eyes for reading, near work, or homework, there is an excellent chance that the attention problem is caused by an inability to use the eyes properly. There is no “biochemical imbalance” which allows someone to attend when information comes in through the ears, but distracts when information comes in through the eyes.

However, if when being read to attention is better, but still a problem, then any number of causes—along with vision—could be contributing to the attention problem. For instance, you or your child might not understand the words, or there could be some other health problem making attention difficult.  Whatever the reason for the struggle with attention, or behavior, untreated vision problems will only increase frustration, trigger behavior problems, and make things worse. Problems with Visual Abilities could be masquerading as ADD or ADHD. We work with those whose attention problems are caused by vision. We also work with the vision problems of those who have attention problems caused by other reasons. It is not uncommon, for instance, to encounter people with ADHD who struggle with reading, whether or not they are on medication. Handling the vision problems may help solve the reading problem even though a general attention problem remains for other reasons.