Factsheets The Need for an Eye Examination

A SERIES OF FIVE FACTSHEETS

1. The need for Eye Examinations
2. Preparing for an Eye Examination
3. The Eye examination Explained
4. After the Eye Examination
5. Who is Eligible for Help with the Costs of an 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, the majority of adults with learning disabilities do not have regular eye examinations. Vision is the key to learning, communication and movement, yet one in three people with learning disabilities have a sight problem.

Testing by an optometrist is the only way to get accurate information about an individual's vision.

• Vision is the key to learning, communication and movement, yet one in three people with learning disabilities have sight problems.
• An eye examination can also identify sight-threatening conditions and medical problems, such as diabetes. Others can help at the eye examination by collecting useful information about how a person uses their sight, or by describing the person’s needs and sharing that information with the optometrist.

People (of all levels of ability) may find a visit to the optometrist a strange experience - especially if the examinations are not fully explained to them.

• It may be difficult to assess the sight of somebody with severe learning disabilities or who has multiple disabilities and limited communication skills - but it can be done. The techniques are age-appropriate and have been adapted for adults with limited communication skills.

The more people can see, the easier it is for them to make sense of their world.

• Many people with learning disabilities give the impression of having poor sight, when in reality they simply need the correct glasses.

Supporters and carers may wrongly assume that glasses will be rejected by service users.

• This is rarely the case when glasses are introduced appropriately. There are ways to help people with learning disabilities feel comfortable wearing glasses.

As people grow older, they are likely to experience deterioration in their vision, but this could be a sign of a treatable eye condition.

• It is recommended that everyone has a sight examination every two years - or more frequently if their GP or optometrist suggests.

When supporters and carers are not aware of the degree of people's sight problems, they may have unrealistic expectations of them, or they may misinterpret sight problems as behavioural challenges.

• An understanding of visual impairment is important to help people of all levels of ability to enjoy a good quality of life.

Many people with learning disabilities are eligible for registration as blind or partially sighted.

• Being registered alerts services to provide assessment and help from staff trained in visual impairment and it entitles people to certain benefits and concessions.

Some people need medication or treatment for eye problems, such as eye drops or ointment. Others require operations to improve vision or prevent sight loss. An increasing number of people have operations for cataracts and keratoconus - but ophthalmologists (eye doctors) and other eye professionals may not be aware that people with severe or profound and multiple learning disabilities have also had successful outcomes.

• The best treatment and eye surgery should be available to anyone who needs it - and this includes children and adults with learning disabilities.

Most people, even those believed to be totally blind, have some sight which they can be helped to use in their daily lives.

• In fact 95% of people with severe sight loss have some vision. Most 'low vision methods' cost only a small amount or nothing at all. With the right help, people can make considerable progress, becoming more assertive and independent and develop new skills.

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?

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