Working in partnership with Berkshire West NHS

We are working with Berkshire West NHS to increase access to eye tests for adults with a learning disability in Wokingham.

Do you have a learning disability or know someone who does? The Wokingham Eye Know project could help you look after your eyes. It launches on November 18 at Scrivens Opticians in Wokingham.

‘Eye Know’ aims to improve access to eye care for adults with a learning disability in Wokingham. One in three people with learning disabilities has sight problems, but many have never had a sight test. Over the next nine months, ‘Eye Know’ will help spread the word that everyone should have their eyes checked at least once every two years to adults with a learning disability, family carers and health and social care professionals.

The ‘Eye Know’ project is funded by the Wokingham Learning Disability Partnership Board. The Partnership Board was set up in 2001 to ensure that the Government strategy for learning disability 'Valuing People' is implemented in Wokingham. The Board consists of a wide range of interested parties including the voluntary sector, people with learning disabilities and their families and statutory bodies such as Wokingham Borough Council and NHS Berkshire West.

‘Eye Know’ is a pilot project to increase access to eye care, record the results and use these to try and establish the need for a permanent enhanced eye test service for people with a learning disability. This exciting project will mean that:

• Some adults with learning disabilities will have their first ever sight test.
• Adults with learning disabilities who feel anxious will be able to have a sight test which meets their needs, making them happier to return for future appointments with more confidence.
• Adults with learning disabilities and uncorrected poor vision will be prescribed glasses for the first time to improve their vision.
• Adults with learning disabilities who have undetected eye disease will get the treatment they need to try to save their sight.

Participating optometrists at Scrivens and Stephen Abery & Partners (46 Gipsy Lane, Earley, Reading, RG6 7HD) have received further training in the eye care needs of adults with a learning disability so they can provide excellent eye care for those who most need it.

If you know someone with a learning disability, simply get in touch with one of the practices concerned to book a sight test.

On 19 November, the day after the launch, the Take Notice self-advocacy group for people with learning disabilities will take part in an Eye Care workshop where they can share their views and experiences about eye care.