After the Eye Examination

Introduction

Everyone has the right to have an eye examination.  No one is too disabled to have his or her eyes examined.  However, many adults with learning disabilities do not have regular eye examinations.

In the previous factsheets we discussed how important it is that people receive quality eye care and what might occur at the eye examination. In this factsheet we discuss what needs to be done to make sure that the person fully benefits from their eye test.  For the eye test to be as successful as possible it is important that the person, supporters and carers follow the advice about glasses that might be prescribed and any other important information about the person’s ongoing eye care and vision.

For more information on the previous factsheet please read The Eye Examination Explanied

What happens at the end of the examination? 

It is important that you find out as much information as possible about what the optometrist found during the eye examination.  Sometimes this can be confusing as optometrists use words that you may not understand.

At the end of the eye examination ask the optometrist to fill out our Feedback from the optometrists about my eye test form. 

Alternatively, ask for a written report about their findings and ensure this contains advice on what action should be taken. If a report cannot be obtained, make notes of what the optometrist says about the person's eye problems.

If glasses have been prescribed, ask whether they are for near or distance, or both and when they will help the person with specific tasks.  Consider labelling different pairs of glasses with discreetly placed colour spots - such as blue for TV, red for magazines, eating and other close work. 

For information about understanding prescriptions for glasses please read our factsheet Making sense of Prescriptions for Glasses

With the person’s agreement, this information should be distributed to other staff members and key people in the individual's life and included in:

• their care plan.
• their person-centred plan.
• their health action plan. 
• their medical note.

June 2009 

For Further Information on this Topic please read:

Preparing for an Eye Examination

The Eye Examination Explained

After the Eye Examination

Who is Eligible for Help with the Costs of an Eye Examination?  

Watch the You and Eye Film

Related Information:  

Eye Surgery for people with Learning Disabilities

Eye Poking and Touching in People with Learning Disabilities

Eye Poking and Touching - Strategies for Supporting People

Glasses for people with Learning Disabilities Part 1

Glasses for people with Learning Disabilities Part 2

Recognising Eye Problems in People with Learning Disabilities 1

Recognising Eye Problems in People with Learning Disabilities 2 

Taking Action on Eye Problems

Telling the Optometrist about me form 

Feedback from the Optometrist about my test form