How we are making a difference.

eye 2 eye Community Development Projects are currently operating in Bristol; Sheffield; Birmingham; London and West Sussex.  To date these projects have:

• over 5,000 interactions with people with learning disabilities
• provided direct support to nearly 3,000 individuals with a learning disability
• had over 5,000 interactions with staff from health and social care organisations
• nearly 3,000 interactions with families and carers
• 1,500 interactions with eye care professionals
• Created the DVD 'You and Eye' to remove some of the fear of having sight tests or treatment.

Our Campaign is reaching people like Andrea and Marcia

Andrea is a 38 year old woman with a learning disability and challenging behaviour.  At the point of referral to the eye 2 eye development officer Andrea's keyworker said: "she does need an eye test, but I've no idea how you'll do it….she'll probably thump the Optometrist". 

Our development officer worked with Andrea and the staff at the day centre to enable them to prepare her for a sight test.  The day centre team were taught ways to engage Andrea in matching pictures and using a pen light torch. They played 'games' to help her to get used to what would happen when she got her eyes tested. In particular the idea of having a light shone in her eyes.

Finally, when the day of her sight test arrived, Andrea bounded out of the house, gesticulating wildly and speaking excitedly in single words: "Me, you, car, eyes".  Andrea was thrilled to be going to the Optometrists, seeing it as a special event where she was going to be centre stage.  Now Andrea has her new glasses and is happy and proud to wear them.

Marcia, is a 45 year old women with a severe learning disability and cerebral palsy, who communicates mainly through gestures.  She had never had an eye test in her life.  The eye 2 eye Development Officer supported Marcia to go for her first sight test, and discovered that she was developing cataracts.  Now Marcia has the eye care she needs and support from the eye 2 eye Development Officer to make the best use of her vision.   

The eye 2 eye Campaign aims to ensure that people like Andrea and Marcia don't lose their sight unnecessarily.