AT first glance it looks like an ordinary snorkel mask but these customised goggles are so clever they can practically read your mind.

For inside the lens is a tiny computer chip that tracks eye movement so it can monitor how you are reading in your head – so far, so Tomorrow’s World!

The Visagraph is part of a pioneering programme called Reading Plus that is used in America to teach children (and some adults) to read proficiently.

“It allows us to spot problems with their reading that couldn’t be spotted normally,” explains Craig Wilcox, an optometrist at Classic Eyes in Poole who is pioneering the scheme in the UK.

“For example if they are getting stuck on certain words, re-reading them or jumping across the page then this will become evident in the assessment.

“These are things that, even with the best will in the world, a good teacher would not have the time, technology or resources to be able to spot.”

It all sounds good in theory so I’m invited to bring my seven-year-old son Joe to the clinic in Canford Cliffs to put it to the test.

His first task is to sit at a computer and complete an online assessment which involves a series of comprehension tests which get progressively harder to establish where to start him on the programme.

He then dons the futuristic-looking eyewear which are carefully adjusted to fit his head and silently reads a short story on screen.

A few minutes later it’s played back and a red dot starts jumping around the page which shows exactly how he read each sentence.

It reveals which words he struggled with, how fast he read the passage and also his overall level of comprehension.

Within a few minutes a detailed report is printed off revealing his literacy, language and comprehension skills.

I’m pleased to hear that Joe’s reading level is above average for his age, although there is still room for improvement.

“This scheme is not just for children who are struggling with their reading skills,” explains Craig.

“It is also for those who want to maintain or enhance their reading skills as there is always room for improvement – even among the gifted and talented children in school.”

Although this scheme has been widely used in the States (it’s even a mandatory requirement in some areas) it is only now being trailed in the UK.

King’s Park Primary is one of the first schools in Bournemouth to be awarded a grant to launch the scheme and it is hoped that it will also be made available to other schools across Dorset within the next year.

“Schools teach children the foundation skills of reading but children also need structure for reading to be effective,” adds Craig. “A child can’t practise and improve if they’re not reading correctly in the first place.

“Until now there wasn’t a method available to test this but now this is a guaranteed way to help with reading proficiency as the programme continually addresses 25 key comprehension skills,” adds Craig.

The Reading Plus scheme, which was launched last month, costs from £395 for a four-month programme.

Children can choose to complete the whole course at the reading clinic in four 40-minute sessions a week or follow the course at home in their own time.

For more information call 01202 706605 or email readingplus@classiceyes.com.