Sight initiative launched for people with a learning disability

Look Up, an information service launched today (17th June), aims to transform the quality of eye care for the 1.5 million people in the UK who have a learning disability. SeeAbility has joined forces with the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) to create Look Up, which will provide information for people with a learning disability, their family carers, eye care professionals and health and social care staff.

A staggering one in three people with a learning disability has a sight problem. This is often undetected and untreated, with the result that many are living isolated lives and suffering
preventable sight loss.

Maggie, a young lady with a learning disability was recently placed into a care home following the death of her mother.  It was discovered that she had never had an eye test and subsequently developed cataracts.  As a consequence, she has been blind for 4 years.  Maggie is now receiving the help she needs to get her cataracts removed which should greatly enhance her quality of life.

The Look Up website (www.lookupinfo.org) was specifically designed for people with a learning disability so that it could deliver a service they could access easily and they would be happy to use. Talia Clarke, who has Down's Syndrome, chose the name Look Up because it sounded straightforward and positive - an information service she would be comfortable using.

Carers and support workers are not always aware of the link between vision and changes in behaviour which can result from deteriorating sight. Many optometrists have had little or no training in the particular skills required to test the sight of a person with a learning disability.

In developing this unique service, RNIB and SeeAbility drew on the evidence they had uncovered that the vast majority of people were not receiving basic eye health care simply because of their learning disability. The Look Up Information Service draws on the expertise
developed by both organisations and will provide advice on how to obtain an appropriate sight test, the implications of different eye conditions for the person concerned and those who work with them, and the actions that can be taken to improve the quality of life and independence of the person with sight problems.

"Our greatest challenge was to assess why people with a learning disability are falling through the healthcare net and are unable to access effective eye healthcare," explains SeeAbility Chief Executive David Scott-Ralphs.  "SeeAbility identified that a lack of information resources was a key factor.  Together with RNIB, we pooled our expertise to develop Look Up - a unique initiative which enables individuals with a learning disability, their supporters and eye care professionals to access the information they need for effective eye healthcare and for maximising vision.  Look Up also provides a forum for health professionals to share knowledge on good practice, to raise standards across the country."

Lesley-Anne Alexander, Chief Executive of RNIB says, "Without proper support, people with a learning disability who are blind or partially sighted can find life exceptionally confusing and isolating. RNIB has developed great expertise in identifying and overcoming these issues, but it is vital that we find new ways to share our knowledge. I'm delighted our collaboration with SeeAbility gives us a chance to do this. Look Up will make a real difference to the daily lives of thousands of people."

Look Up aims to reach 10,000 people during its first year via its website: www.lookupinfo.org ,  a free telephone helpline: 0800 121 8900 and an email forum and publications.

Look Up has been funded by SeeAbility through valuable grants from the Department of Health, RNIB and grant-making trusts such as Lloyds TSB Foundation for England and Wales, Sylvia Adams Charitable Trust, Baily Thomas Charitable Fund and CHK Charities Limited.