Children with learning disabilities are 28 times more likely to have a serious sight problem than other youngsters but are the least likely to have a sight test. There are 100,000 children at special schools. Children with disabilities can find an eye test at the local opticians impossible: new situations, people and places can be very stressful or they may be unable to communicate verbally. Their eye care is being neglected and yet the need for support for these children is the most critical.

Our specialist optometrists are sight testing in special schools, a safe, familiar and convenient place for these children. We supply, fit and fix the right glasses for each child in school. We communicate with teachers and families so a child has the right support for their visual impairment and to ensure they get used to wearing their glasses. We are building a good evidence base to campaign for a new national programme of sight testing in special schools to effect long term change.