The report focuses on some of the good work happening in local areas to address this inequality. It also says national change is needed for a more inclusive system of eye care for adults and children with learning disabilities, for example in special schools, and for all working age adults with learning disabilities to be eligible for NHS funded sight tests.
People with learning disabilities are ten times more likely to experience serious sight problems than the general population, a disparity that is even more marked at a young age, so it is vital that their eye care needs are recognised and accommodated. This report looks at new information, research, good practice, and most importantly gives a voice to people with learning disabilities on what is important to them when they go for a sight test and receive eye care.
The report makes a number of recommendations. Sight tests are low cost, preventative tools that every health economy should embrace. Hospitals should be the last resort for people with learning disabilities who just need routine eye care, and community alternatives need to be nationally available. For example, many children attending special schools could benefit hugely from a programme that brings sight tests and glasses into their school. Working age adults with learning disabilities could benefit from free NHS sight tests just as other high risk groups do.