Information for parents and children

Children with learning disabilities are 28 times more likely to have a serious problem with their sight, but four in ten have never had an eye test.

We know that it can be difficult to fit in another health appointment for your child, so often eye checks can slip down the priority list. We also know that many children with disabilities can struggle to get the support and time they need in high street opticians, and hospital environments can be intimidating and stressful.

That’s why we’re bringing eye tests into schools.

Our one-stop-shop programme, delivered through the NHS commissioned Special Schools Eye Care Service, gives children eye checks in school, glasses where needed, and a report with the outcome of the eye check. Parents, teachers and children will receive a full, plain English report on how their sight impacts their lives, and we will dispense glasses to all children who need them. We’ll continue to see the child, supporting them with any adjustments (such as glasses) and regularly testing their eyes over the course of their education.

Please be aware that you must opt-in to this service. See information below.

Opt-in to the service

For us to carry out this service, parents or guardians must opt in to the service. Without this, we will not be able to deliver eye care to your child.

Use our opt-in form consent, or to tell us if your child is receiving eye care elsewhere.

Opt-in now

FAQs

Are you in my school?

We regularly update our page listing all the schools we support. We should be in most schools in London and the South East over the course of 2026-27.

How can I get the service in my special school?

All schools must opt-in to the service. If your special school is in London or the South-East, we’d love to offer our support! Please do get in touch with your school to let them know about the service. You can direct them to our dedicated webpage for schools.

Does my child need an eye test?

Yes! All children should have an eye test, but especially children with learning disabilities. Our eye tests are fully accessible – children do not need to be able to read, speak or move to complete an eye test. We can get so much information, and can prescribe glasses if needed, just from shining a light into their eyes. Our experienced specialist team knows how to adapt meet every child's needs.

What happens at an eye test?

Our eye tests take place in the school, with minimal interruption to the child’s education. For most, that will mean taking them to a quiet room in the school, but if necessary, it would be in the classroom itself. Often, support teachers they know well will support them.

The eye test is different for every child. For many, it will feel like playing a few games, through which we can understand what they can see. For others, it may be as simple as shining a light into their eyes. We take the time to get to know the child, understand how they communicate, and tailor the eye test to their needs. We believe that no child is ‘too disabled’ to have an eye test.

My child does not speak – how can you test their eyes?

Our experienced team of specialists tailor the eye test to every child’s communication style. We can get so much information, and can prescribe glasses if needed, just from shining a light into their eyes! For many, it will feel like playing a few games, through which we can understand what they can see. We believe that no child is ‘too disabled’ to have an eye test.

How will I find out the results?

Parents, teachers and children will receive a full, plain English report with the outcome of the eye check, a copy the new prescription if glasses are needed, and advice on how best to support each child to make the most out of their vision. We’ll continue to see the child regularly over the course of their education.

What if my child needs glasses?

Where a need for glasses is identified, children are provided with robust, high quality glasses, ongoing support to wear the glasses and as many repairs and replacements as are needed.

My child won’t wear their glasses

We offer advice and support to all parents and teachers of a child who requires glasses. Often, children find they enjoy wearing glasses, as they can see the world more clearly! See our information on supporting your child to wear glasses for more tips.

We also give children specialist frames to fit different facial features and frames that adapt to the lifestyle and activity of the child. We know that glasses are often lost or broken, so we provide replacements free of charge.

Please consult your school’s Dispensing Optician for advice on your specific situation.

How frequently do you come into my school?

This will depend on the size of the school and the number of children that are opted into the service, but every child will be seen annually at a minimum, or more frequently if needed.

Do I have to pay?

Our service is provided fully free of charge through the NHS. All glasses, and any repairs and replacements of glasses provided by SeeAbility will be free of charge. Should you wish to get glasses elsewhere, the eye care team will provide you with a voucher code that can be used at a high street practice.

How can my child get eye care after leaving school?

We do not offer eye tests after a child has left school, but we are working with opticians across the country to provide accessible eye care. These are called Easy Eye Care Pathways.

We also have a Find an Optometrist tool on our website, through which you can find opticians across the country that fit your support needs.

Our eye care resources provide easy read information to support people with learning disabilities on everything from the eye test itself to specific eye conditions.