The NHS has launched a special schools eyecare service for children with learning disabilities and autism – in order to provide eye examinations and spectacles in a familiar environment.
Half of children in special schools have a sight problem – yet more than four in 10 have never had an eye exam, according to research by charity SeeAbility. The charity also reports that children with learning disabilities are 28 times more likely to have sight loss.
Nearly 90 special schools are carrying out trials of the scheme in London, the north west and north east and Yorkshire NHS regions. All clinical staff have been trained by SeeAbility.
MP Elliot Colburn visited Sherwood Park special school in Wallington, Surrey. He said: “I absolutely loved visiting the school to see for myself the incredible work that SeeAbility do to support those with learning disabilities or autism. This is a vital service and one that I hope will continue to be rolled out across special schools to ensure children with sight problems receive the support they need to fulfil their potential.”
Deputy headteacher, Jessica Baldwin, said: “The SeeAbility eye clinics have been such a beneficial service within our school. It has enabled our pupils to have their eyes tested by an optometrist that has expertise in working with children with a learning disability, in the familiar environment of school and with a familiar adult supporting them.
“Parents no longer need to take their children out of school during the day to have their appointments at hospitals or specialist clinics, which can be very disruptive and sometimes distressing for the pupil.
“SeeAbility have been able to dispense specialist lenses for our pupils which they have previously not been able to get from regular opticians. This has had such a significant impact on the pupil’s learning as well as their wellbeing and communication. This service should be in every special school, as soon as possible.”
Find out more about the pilot at Special school eye care service — NHS Networks.