Orthoptics and learning difficulties
Adult services
Research has shown that people with learning disabilities are 10x more likely to have a serious sight problem. It is therefore very important that people with learning disabilities have a regular eye test every one to two years. People do not need to be able to read letters or say anything to have a sight test; the eye specialist is able to adapt an appropriate vision test to the needs of the patient.
Our experienced Orthoptist Kathy Diplock is the coordinator of a local service to help improve access to eye care for adults with learning disabilities and can help by providing advice, information and local contacts. For people with severe learning disabilities, she can offer a home eye test. If you would like to talk to someone about arranging an eye test, or any further advice, please use ourcontact form.
- Information leaflet: ‘Getting my eyes checked’
Children services
Research suggests that as many as 70% of children with special needs have a visual problem. Strabismus (squint) and nystagmus (wobbly eyes) are common, as is a need for glasses.
Children with learning difficulties have a specialist orthoptic assessment if they have been referred to the Child Development Centre as part of a multi-disciplinary team assessment.
A specialist orthoptist also visits the special education schools ether to screen children for visual or binocular problems, or to follow up children who need monitoring.
Specialist Dynamic Retinoscopy clinics within the hospital setting also take place once a month, for children with Downs Syndrome.
Further information can be found at SeeAbility – Looking after your eyes.