Children with learning disabilities
Children with learning disabilities are much more likely to have eye care problems than other children. Read about the ways optometrists can help
Children with learning disabilities are much more likely to have eye care problems than other children. Optometrists ensure that these children have their eye care needs met by picking up problems and helping children with extra needs.
Children with learning disabilities are also less able to recognise visual problems and/or explain this to adults.
Depending on the severity of issues affecting a child with learning disabilities, visual problems may not represent a high priority for parents and carers. However, visual problems can have a real affect on a child’s quality of life.
We recognise that many children with learning disabilities find it more difficult to undergo a sight test in an unfamiliar setting such as an optical practice. For this reason, we have worked with the charity, Seeability, and other partner organisations, to call for the Government and NHS England to support a specially designed sight testing for all children attending special schools. This service will be provided by multidisciplinary teams including optometrists.