04 December 2025
Optometrists who work in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland are invited to complete a short online survey that will help to support an enhanced understanding of eye care provision to children with special needs and autism.
Optometrist, Beth Cox, is completing the survey as part of her MSc in clinical optometry through Cardiff University.
“I initially decided to research this topic because a family member has a child with severe autism and didn't know how or where to get his eyes tested. I realised there may be lots of other parents in the same situation,” Cox explained to OT.
“The NHS Special Schools Eyecare Service hasn’t been commissioned in our area, and there isn't an Easy Eye Care pathway, so I wanted to see if local optometrists would be interested in providing these services, and if they felt more training or funding would be helpful,” she added.
The anonymous survey takes between five and 10 minutes to complete. It is open to all optometrists who work in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland – even if they live outside these areas.
Cox highlighted that children with a learning disability are 28 times more likely to have an eye condition than other children according to research by SeeAbility.
“Although there is no incentive or reward for taking part in the survey, every response contributes to understanding more about helping children who are not currently accessing eye care services,” Cox said.
In addition to the survey of optometrists, Cox is conducting an online survey for parents of school-aged children with learning disability and/or autism in Leicestershire.
The results of the two surveys will be compiled in a report that will be presented to the Local Optical Committee.
“Hopefully the results can be discussed with the Integrated Care Board, who commission local health services,” Cox said.
“Ultimately, I would like to see a Special Schools Eyecare Service or Easy Eye Care pathway commissioned in our area,” she added.
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