Adults with learning disabilities are 10 times more likely to have serious sight problems than other people. Yet, fewer than one in 25 adults with learning disabilities in England have access to eye health services designed for their needs. As a result, thousands of people may be missing out on simple and low-cost treatment that could transform their lives.
Sight problems are difficult for anyone. But for adults with learning disabilities, loss of vision can be particularly difficult. Many do not know they have a sight problem or, even if they do, are not able to tell other people about it. It does not always occur to their friends, relatives and supporters to wonder whether they have problems with their vision.
Yet, around six in 10 people with learning disabilities are short-sighted, long-sighted or astigmatic, and need help to see. Many need specialist support to make sure they can access NHS sight tests and, receive suitable glasses if they have a vision problem.
Diagnosing sight problems in adults with learning disabilities can be more difficult than it is with other patients. Patients often need longer than the allowed standard sight test to become familiar with new surroundings, equipment and people. This is a challenge when most optometrists have busy schedules and little room for flexibility.
In recognition of this problem, some clinical commissioning groups (CCGs) have now introduced a different way of providing eye health services for learning disabled adults. These groups have commissioned services for people with learning disabilities that are designed to build patients’ confidence, help them relax and ensure the tests are effective without being stressful.
Full story in Guardian Society…
The campaign for improved eye health services for the learning diabled is supported by SeeAbility and the Local Optical Committee Support Unit.