Bright Sight: Transforming Eye Care Access for Children with Learning Disabilities and Autism in Essex
5 March 2026
Bright Sight is a new school-based eye care service across Mid and South Essex, integrated by Primary Eyecare Services in partnership with NHS Mid and South Essex Integrated Care Board (ICB). Designed for children with learning disabilities and autism, the service provides sight tests and vision support directly in school, reducing stress and barriers of traditional clinic appointments. By uniting families, special schools and local eye care providers, Bright Sight offers a coordinated, child-centred approach that improves access, tackles inequalities and helps every child thrive through better vision.
A pioneering school-based service bridges the gap between families, schools and local specialist eye care providers.
Primary Eyecare Services has introduced the innovative Bright Sight Service across Mid and South Essex, following the successful award of a contract by NHS Mid and South Essex Integrated Care Board (ICB). This newly integrated programme is designed to deliver comprehensive eye care directly to children with learning disabilities and autism, providing essential sight tests and ongoing vision support in the comfort of their own school environment.
This initiative is closely aligned with the national priorities to enhance access to eye care for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), and to address longstanding health inequalities. By embedding eye care within the school setting, Bright Sight aims to break down barriers faced by families seeking traditional clinic-based services.
As the appointed integrator, Primary Eyecare Services is uniting special schools, local specialist eye care providers and NHS partners throughout the region. Together, they are delivering a coordinated, child-centred model of care, one that stands as the first of its kind nationwide and sets a new benchmark for integrated, school-based eye care. This approach helps remove logistical and emotional obstacles for families, ensuring children receive timely support as part of their daily routine.
A Better, Easier Way to Access Eye Care
For many children with additional needs, hospitals and high-street opticians can present daunting challenges, from unfamiliar surroundings and sensory overload to transport difficulties and lengthy waiting times. Bright Sight addresses these hurdles by bringing enhanced sight tests directly into schools. Specially trained eye care providers employ adapted assessment techniques and specialist equipment tailored to each child’s requirements. The service also encompasses follow-up support, bespoke spectacle dispensing and practical advice for teachers and families to help integrate vision care into everyday learning.
By making eye care part of the school day, Bright Sight ensures children benefit from essential support in a familiar, calm and trusted setting.
A Proven Need for Better Access
National data reveals that children with learning disabilities are 28 times more likely to suffer serious sight problems, yet thousands miss regular sight tests. Familiar school-based services significantly improve uptake, early diagnosis and long-term outcomes, helping children engage more fully in communication, learning, mobility and independence.
Voices from the Partnership
William Guy, Director of Primary Care for Mid & South Essex, commented, “We’re pleased to be working in partnership with Primary Eyecare Services to deliver the new Special Education Schools Sight Testing Service across Essex. Together, we’re committed to improving access to eye care for children and young people.”
Gavin Rathmell, Head of Special Schools at Primary Eyecare Services, added, “We are thrilled to deliver sight tests in Essex’s special schools, ensuring children with additional needs can access high-quality eye care in a familiar setting. Early identification of vision issues is crucial for their learning and wellbeing. By working together with schools, families and healthcare teams, we aim to make a real difference for these pupils.”
The launch of Bright Sight represents a significant step towards equality of access to eye care for children with learning disabilities and autism, empowering every child to achieve their full potential through better vision and dedicated support within their everyday school life.