Learning Disability Week 2025: Making Eye Care More Inclusive
17 June 2025
To mark Learning Disability Week 2025, Primary Eyecare Services is celebrating the success of its Easy Eye Care Service, developed with SeeAbility, to improve access to eye care for people with learning disabilities.
Adults with learning disabilities are 10 times more likely to have serious sight problems than the general population – and children are 28 times more likely. Despite being at much greater risk of sight loss, people with learning disabilities often face significant barriers to accessing eye care. Currently, fewer than 4 in 10 people with learning disabilities get a regular sight test, despite being at much greater risk. They are also the least likely to access eye care.
Now active in Cheshire & Merseyside, Greater Manchester, Lancashire & South Cumbria, and County Durham, the service offers tailored eye exams delivered by specially trained Optometrists. Key features include pre-visit practice tours, flexible appointment lengths and easy-read materials.
The service has seen strong growth. In Greater Manchester, patient episodes rose by 147% from 2023/24 to 2024/25. Cheshire & Merseyside saw a 25% increase. Feedback has been overwhelmingly positive:
“The service was extraordinary. My daughter’s needs were fully considered. I wish every service was as caring and considerate.”
“Thank you for being so kind, supportive and patient, making me feel relaxed and in a comfortable place.”
“Brilliant service for children with disabilities who would struggle to read or take part in an eye test. The staff were very friendly and welcoming.”
Optometrists delivering the service are equally as enthusiastic about its impact. As one practitioner from our Hoole practice explains:
“Providing the Easy Eye Care Service allows us to give patients with learning disabilities and autism the time and space they need to feel relaxed during their eye exam. We’ve seen first-hand how this service can improve quality of life – and it’s incredibly rewarding to see those patients return for regular care.”
Jane Smellie, JSO Opticians
Speaking about the growing national relevance of inclusive eye care, Primary Eyecare Services CEO, Dharmesh Patel, said:
“Optometry plays an important role in reducing health inequalities. This service is specifically targeted to support people with learning disabilities and their sight to enable their independence, education and employment where possible. We have a great partnership with SeeAbility and look forward to growing our work together”