For many very common words in English such as "come", "once", "was", "the", the best method for accuracy is to read them as "sight" words - that is, using the strategy of look and say.
It's design is intended to minimize problems caused by loss of sight or hearing or reduced mobility with gadgets such as telephones with extra-large easy-to-read numbers, voice-activated appliances, locks operated by fingerprint scanners and talking kitchen scales.