New video on importance of eye tests for people with a learning disability

For Learning Disability Week, SeeAbility has launched a new awareness video to help remove the barriers to eye tests for people with learning disabilities, who are 10 times more likely to have a sight problem.

The new short film delivers key messages on eye care, including from actor, author, TV presenter and CBeebies star George Webster. Stars also include SeeAbility’s eye care champions, who use their experience of having a learning disability or autism to improve eye care, and people benefiting from the charity’s eye care and vision support, including children from The Village School in London.

Along with eye care and vision professionals, the stars of the film take people with learning disabilities on the journey of going for a sight test, getting glasses, and being supported to live independently with sight loss.

Importance of eye tests

Sight problems can be overlooked, and if left untreated, some can lead to avoidable sight loss. Regular eye tests are vital in managing this risk.

The film is a reminder that sight issues are the most common health issue that people with a learning disability will have, and people with a more severe or profound learning disability are particularly at risk.

Grace McGill, a SeeAbility London eye care champion who appears in the film, said: “Many people, including people with learning disabilities, go into the summer with a renewed focus on being more healthy. So, by launching this film now, it helps get the message out not to forget about looking after your eyesight, too!

“The theme of Learning Disability Week is ‘Do you see me?’, about making sure people with learning disabilities are seen, heard and valued. We know this is particularly important to reduce health inequalities.”

Rebecca Lunness, SeeAbility’s North West eye care champion added: “Part of my work is making sure there is lots of easy read and accessible information about eye care for people with learning disabilities, so we can make sure no one misses out on support for their vision.

“The film is a great way to raise awareness and it is brilliant to have CBeebies George Webster ending with our main message.”

Alison Bloomer

Alison Bloomer is Editor of Learning Disability Today. She has over 25 years of experience writing for medical journals and trade publications. Subjects include healthcare, pharmaceuticals, disability, insurance, stock market and emerging technologies. She is also a mother to a gorgeous 13-year-old boy who has a learning disability.

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