Do you have any advice on having an eye examination if you have a learning disability?
Adults and children with learning disabilities are far more likely to have serious sight loss than other people.
Everyone can and should have an eye examination. Some people may need extra support, but this does not mean they cannot be tested. There are many ways to plan for a successful eye test:
- Visit the opticians in advance to familiarise with the new environment
- Talk about or look at pictures of the eye examination at home before the day of the appointment
- Plan the best day and time to have the eye exam
- Suggest reasonable adjustments to the optometrist to improve the outcomes of the eye exam
- Understand that the tests can be adapted. Glasses can be prescribed just from a specialist instrument called a retinoscope.
People with learning disabilities should have regular eye exams at least every two years.
You can find opticians who have shared information on their services for people with learning disabilities on the SeeAbility website.
Further information and resources on eye exams for people with learning difficulties, including easy read guides can also be found on the SeeAbility website.
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