People with learning disabilities are ten times more likely to have sight problems than the general population, according to new research that will be released in the Scottish Parliament this Thursday [June 23].
People with severe or profound learning disabilities are the most likely to have serious sight problems. In addition, six out of 10 people with learning disabilities need to wear glasses.
The findings – released during Learning Disability Week which runs till Saturday – underline fears that many vulnerable people may not be able to tell others that their sight is affected. Changes in behaviour may be the only way to communicate that they have problems, and often this can be misinterpreted by families and supporters.
The research was commissioned by the sight loss organisations RNIB and SeeAbility and undertaken by the respected Centre for Disability Research at Lancaster University. Its findings will be formally released at a reception in the Scottish Parliament for learning disability organisations and MSPs.
RNIB is calling for all people with a learning disability to be given a formal check-up of their vision as part of their community care assessment. It also wants young people with a learning disability leaving school to get a check-up to ensure undetected sight loss does not impede their transition to adult life.
Regular sight tests can help detect eye conditions and early treatment can often prevent permanent sight loss. But tests also provide indications of general health conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure which can also lead to sight problems.
RNIB’s Visual Impairment Learning Disability team, based in Bishopbriggs, also emphasises that earlier detection of sight loss can lead to significant savings in social care and mobility costs. Glasgow Maryhill and Springburn MSP Patricia Ferguson is hosting tonight’s reception in Holyrood.
“This new research corroborates what RNIB’s pioneering team has been saying for some time,” she commented. “That some of the most vulnerable people in our society might be doubly disadvantaged. We must ensure that no one is burdened and held back by sight loss that can be corrected, by building in proper eye examinations into the care process.”
Case Study
Caroline is a 37 year old woman with a learning disability who began falling up to seven times a week. She clung onto walls when she was attempting to move independently and required the support of a care worker to move around her home. Caroline’s head tilted to the right-hand side, for which she needed physiotherapy and had become increasingly reliant on care support staff to simply move short distances which was frustrating to her as she had always been independent. She had become increasingly isolated from her friends.
Care staff were concerned that there may be a problem with Caroline’s vision and referred her for a functional vision assessment and eye test.
Caroline was found to have severe difficulties in focusing her eyes, was sensitive to glare, and was unable to judge depths and distances – processing information through sound and touch alone.
As a result of the sight test and assessment, major changes were made to Caroline’s home to make it more highly contrasted and well lit. Caroline is now able to move unaided and her posture has improved, meaning that she no longer needs physiotherapy. Caroline’s mobility has improved so much that she is now able to visit her friends without support, giving her greater independence, choice and control.
RNIB has estimated that this has also led to savings in the support offered to Caroline of over £14,000.
