Imvi is a VR-based training program developed in collaboration with researchers at Karolinska Institutet and experienced optometrists. The goal is to strengthen eye coordination and visual attention. Research shows that these factors affect both reading and concentration.
Rune Brautaset, Professor of Optometry, says: "Orthoptic training has been used since the 1800s, with many studies showing improvements in binocular vision and visual attention in individuals with ADHD, dyslexia, brain trauma, and post-COVID. Imvi's VR training is based on the same principles but is digitized, making the training fun and easy to monitor. Studies show that Imvi's training improves binocular vision for both individuals with and without binocular vision problems. Both binocular vision and visual attention are crucial for reading ability and focus, with students experiencing reading difficulties being overrepresented among those with impaired binocular vision."
The program is primarily used by children and young people with reading difficulties. Most do not have a formal diagnosis. Few have diagnosed binocular vision problems, but many show signs of preclinical issues. This can affect reading fluency, endurance, and concentration. Many also have dyslexia, ADHD, or concentration difficulties.
Three out of four double their reading speed on average
During the 2024/2025 school year, over 300 students in Sweden and Finland have trained with Imvi. Almost all have experienced reading difficulties.
- 3 out of 4 students have, on average, doubled their reading speed after 12 weeks of training.
- Those who did not improve often trained less than recommended.
- Improvements have been observed in both individual efforts and whole-class settings.
The results are confirmed by tests and by teachers who have followed the students' development.
Binocular vision – an often overlooked factor
Binocular vision is the eyes' ability to work together and fixate on the same point. Deficiencies in binocular vision affect reading and focus – even if they are not detected in a standard eye examination.
Preclinical problems are common. They do not meet the criteria for a diagnosis but still affect students' reading. They are rarely detected and do not lead to interventions.
Research showing the connection:
- Scheiman et al. (2015) show that classic binocular vision training (e.g., Brock string and pencil push-ups) is effective, but requires careful supervision to be so (PMC4278667)
- Ossian Nguyen, Karolinska Institutet (2025) shows that Imvi's VR training provides measurable improvements in binocular vision (the eyes' convergence ability, i.e., the ability to direct gaze inward and outward) after three weeks in individuals with binocular vision problems (convergence insufficiency) (report)
- Barsoum & El Idrissi (2022) found similar improvements with Imvi after two weeks of training even in individuals without diagnosed binocular vision problems (report)
- Grisham & Simons (1987) show a strong correlation between binocular vision problems (binocular anomalies) and reading difficulties (Journal of the American Optometric Association)
Increased screen time – increased strain on binocular vision
Mobile phone use and close-up screen time physically affect the eyes. This increases the risk of binocular vision problems, especially in young people. Such problems can affect reading – without being visible in standard eye checks.
What do educators who have used Imvi say?
Here are some voices from school staff with experience of the training:
"We love your product and are so grateful for the fantastic progress our students have made."
– Stojanka Drinić, principal, Östermalmsskolan, Stockholm
"I see that students improve both self-confidence, reading fluency, and comprehension. One student said that 'the letters stick now'."
– Moa Ahrnbom, teacher, City of Stockholm
"There's a before and after Imvi. My daughter increased her reading speed by 113%."
– Johanna Lindgren Chin, special education teacher and special needs educator, Stockholm
See these and several other educators talk about Imvi (here)
Conclusion: start with vision – alongside pedagogy
Reading and writing difficulties rarely have a single cause. But if the visual system is not functioning optimally, it becomes harder to absorb instruction – no matter how good it is.
Therefore, we recommend that schools:
- Start by examining vision for reading and writing difficulties
- Provide visual training in combination with pedagogical interventions, especially in early school years
- View vision training as a way to increase the effectiveness of existing instruction, not as an alternative to it
Read more about the research behind Imvi:
www.imvilabs.com/forskning
