50% of people with learning disabilities suffer eye problems

A pilot scheme in London has revealed that over half the people with learning disabilities seen in specialist sight tests suffered an eye health issue, and almost two thirds required spectacles.

52% of those seen had an eye health problem which could have led to sight loss says the report authors, national charity SeeAbility and the leading eye health organisation, Local Optical Committee Support Unit (LOCSU).

Experts claim it could lead to reduced independence, poorer quality of life and higher health and social care costs for these individuals.  They are calling on Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) to introduce more eye care pathways. Currently, just four CCGs have commissioned the services which offer longer, specially adapted sight tests for people with learning disabilities.

“People with learning disabilities are 10 times more likely to have serious sight problems than other people,” said Katrina Venerus, Managing Director of LOCSU.

“The Tri-Borough pilot identified a high prevalence of treatable eye conditions such as cataracts, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy and keratoconus.”

The concern is that if left unidentified and untreated, these eye conditions will worsen and lead to higher health and social care costs. With so many people with learning disabilities not receiving regular eye care, the risks of sight loss for this group are greatly increased.