Information for schools

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. For most, the solution is as simple as a pair of glasses.

This can have a huge impact on the child’s education. We have found that many children who are struggling to engage at school are simply lacking the right eye care.

That’s why we’re bringing eye tests to special schools across London and the South-East.

Our one-stop-shop programme, delivered through the NHS commissioned Special Schools Eye Care Service, gives children eye checks in school, free 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.

Teachers have found that the service can make a huge impact on the child’s education.

“The difference eye care has made to our children is profound - especially for the children who had never had a sight test and were found to need glasses. Many were living their lives in a total blur before.”
Tina Harvey, Headteacher

“It is well documented that 80% of a child’s learning is estimated to come from their vision. If children aren’t getting sight tests, and so importantly the glasses they need, they are going to be missing out on opportunities for learning and progression. Many children are unable to communicate effectively what they can and cannot see, creating further barriers.”
Angela Boast, Deputy Headteacher

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

Do all children 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 to everyone.

How do you test children with higher support needs?

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.

Does it take children out of classes?

The optometrist will test the children’s eyes in a dedicated room on the school property, which will need to be provided. For children who struggle to transition, we can see them in a sensory room or similar where they feel more comfortable, or even in their classroom.

What difference does eye testing make?

An estimated 80% of a child’s learning comes from their vision. If a child is unable to see the teacher, the whiteboard or even the paper in front of them, then they are not going to get the education they deserve.

We have tested children who have been through almost their whole school life unable to see further than two inches from their face.

As well as providing glasses when necessary, our eye care service gives teachers practical information on how to adapt to a child’s sight, which can be vital in teaching them effectively.

We want to make sure your hard work does not go to waste, simply because a child cannot see you.

What happens at the 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. They will be supported by a support teacher who knows them well.

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.

Do we 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.