MPs and peers were given important messages regarding the eye care of people with learning disabilities this month at a special listening event held at Parliament.

Co-hosted by charities SeeAbility, Mencap, RNIB, and campaigning group the Eye Health Alliance, the meeting was supported by All Parliamentary Group for Eye Health and Visual Impairment.

Tom Clarke MP, opened the event with Lord Rix, the former actor who is the president of Mencap. Mr Clarke outlined why it is vital that people with learning disabilities gain access to an eye healthcare system that addresses their needs. There are 1.5m people with a learning disability

in the UK and more than 500,000 will have visual impairment but they are less likely to get their sight tested.

Together with their carers, eye care, health and social care professionals, attendees with learning disabilities were given the opportunity to give their views and share their experiences.

The delegates discussed in groups the question “How would you improve eye care and vision for people with learning disabilities in the UK?” The general consensus found that key areas that need to be addressed are awareness, accessibility, communication, changing attitudes, and training.

Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group Sandra Gidley MP said: “One-in-three people with a learning disability who have a sight problem yet have difficulty accessing care and treatment.

“As a consequence, the majority has never even had a sight test. They may not be able to communicate that they have a problem with their eyes, yet improving their vision can make a huge difference to their quality of life and improve their independence.”

Rob Hogan, president of the College of Optometrists, said: “Our members provide first-class eye care to people regardless of disability, but we are aware that we need more information to design a service which is more accessible to people with learning disabilities.”

• Pictured are Tom Clarke MP and Brian Rix (l-r)

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