SeeAbility and Mid-Optic have announced a new partnership ahead of World Sight Day (12 October).
The partnership will see the charity and the ophthalmic wholesaler work together to make eye care more accessible for people with learning disabilities and autism.
SeeAbility explained that adults with learning disabilities are ten times more likely to have serious sight problems than other people and yet less than half have not had a sight test in the last two years.
Children with learning disabilities are 28 times more likely to have serious sight problems, but less than 7% have accessed a community optician for a sight test.
“It’s a new partnership that has the potential to benefit the 1.5 million people with disabilities in the UK, as well as the family, friends, educators and practitioners who support them,” CEO at SeeAbility, Lisa Hopkins, explained.
Managing director of Mid-Optic, Tony Walker, added: “This situation has to be addressed nationally and with our links to thousands of eye care professionals across the country we are in an ideal position to reach out to the people who can make a difference.”
A guide has been made available for practices to download, which provides the specialist information and support required to make practices more accessible.
“By taking action to make your practice more accessible this World Sight Day, you can help us to reduce avoidable sight loss and make sure people with learning disabilities and autism can live fuller lives,” Ms Hopkins said.
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