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Learning Disability Eye Test

What is the Learning Disability Eye Test?

This service is for adults and children with learning disabilities who need more time and/or extra support when having an eye health check and sight test.

About the Learning Disability Eye Test

Adults and children with learning disabilities are much more likely to have problems with their vision than the general population. However, they are less likely to recognise that they have a sight problem and tell others about it.

Regular sight tests are important to identify any problems and provide the right treatment. The Learning Disability Eye Test is designed to make it easier for people with additional needs to get the help they need.

Everyone should have regular eye tests, and no one is too disabled to have a test.

This is an NHS service that is provided by trained optometrists (also commonly known as opticians).

Find out more about eye care for people with learning disabilities on the SeeAbility website.

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Learning disability eye test
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How Is the Learning Disability Eye Test Different From a Standard Eye Test?

This service recognises that children and adults with learning disabilities may need adjustments to make having an eye test more comfortable and successful. These include:

  • The option to visit the optical practice before the test to become familiar with the surroundings and equipment used in the test.
  • Longer appointments or a series of shorter appointments so there is no time pressure.
  • A trained optometrist who is experienced in testing and talking with people with additional needs.
  • Easy-read forms to complete telling the optician about any eye problems.
  • An easy-read report explaining the results of the eye test.

How Do I Arrange a Learning Disability Eye Test Appointment?

This service is for children and adults who have a moderate to severe learning disability and are known to their GP or local learning disability team, who can refer them for a learning disability eye test with a trained optician.

The referring team will explain the process for booking an appointment, as this may vary depending on the area you live in.

When arranging appointments with an optical practice please contact the practice by telephone in the first instance. Please do not visit the practice without first making an appointment.

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