SeeAbility launches new easy-read resource

National charity SeeAbility has launched a new resource that is designed to help people access easy-read eye care information.

The charity, which supports adults with learning disabilities, autism and sight loss, has released the resource to mark World Sight Day today (11 October).

The new How to be eye care aware guides are available for people with learning disabilities, their carers and supporters and can be accessed via the charity’s website.  

Senior learning disabilities advisor at SeeAbility, Scott Watkin, said: “As an adult with learning disabilities and with personal experience of a serious sight condition myself, I understand first-hand the importance of good eye care. People with learning disabilities experience an alarmingly high level of sight problems and yet they are much less likely to get the eye care they need. Our easy read resources are an incredibly empowering source of information and are specially designed to explain the key messages.”

SeeAbility has also welcomed support that it has received from NHS England, which is working to improve eye care services for people with learning disabilities and will now be sharing crucial information on this important issue through it social media platforms.

National director for learning disability at NHS England, Ray James, confirmed: “The NHS is working closely with SeeAbility, expert clinicians and other agencies to offer free sight tests and make them available within the safe and familiar environment of special schools. We hope sight tests will be available in special schools across England within the next 12 months, providing good eye health services to around 100,000 children helping every child to reach their full potential.”