New research commissioned by leading sight loss organisations SeeAbility and RNIB has for the first time given estimates of the people with learning disabilities and seeing difficulties (blindness, partial sight and refractive error).
- There are about 1 million adults in the UK with a learning disability.
- People with learning disabilities are 10 times more likely to have serious sight problems than other people. People with severe or profound learning disabilities are most likely to have sight problems.
- 6 in 10 people with learning disabilities need glasses and often need support to get used to them.
- People with learning disabilities need to have a sight test every two years, sometimes more often. Regular sight tests and wearing glasses helps people stay healthy and get the most from life.
- People with severe or profound learning disabilities are the most likely to have serious sight problems.
Facts
People with learning disabilities may not be able to tell others that their sight is affected. Behavioural changes may be the only way to communicate that they have problems. This is often misinterpreted and can lead to greater dependency and isolation.
> > Click here to read the research
