Description
Not only are ocular defects more common among those with learning disabilities, so too is visual impairment. The associated risk factors are the presence of Downs syndrome, an age of greater than 50 years and severe or profound learning disability. Causes are not only related to congenital and childhood conditions but also to uncorrected refractive errors and delayed diagnosis of treatable ocular pathology. Carers frequently fail to recognize signs of visual impairment and because of a lack of regular eye examinations, visual needs are often unidentified. Appropriate eye care services need to be accessible and multi-professional. The role of the optometrist is to assess visual function, correct refractive errors and manage visual impairment, thereby improving quality of life.
