Over £15,000 was raised for SeeAbility at the annual Optix conference, which was kindly matched by Optix to create a total of over £30,000.

We are delighted to have been chosen as the charity partner for the 2023 Optix conference.

SeeAbility's Head of Eye Care and Vision, Lisa Donaldson, featured in a recent episode of children's TV show Mr Tumble, emphasising the importance of eye care.

Hello I’m Scott Watkin BEM, Head of Engagement for SeeAbility and a self-advocate. A big report out today shows disabled people struggle around the world to get equal access to health. I am passionate about health equality and people with learning disabilities having the same rights as other people, as I feel we are always bottom of the pile. I’ve written this as I’m going to talk about one particular issue. 

The rollout of eye care and glasses dispensing in all special schools in England embodies NHS ideals. In this blog, Lisa Donaldson, our Head of Eye Care and Vision, appeals to NHS leaders to embrace this programme of work and introduces a series of guest blogs on the benefits already seen under the NHS Special Schools Eye Care Service, as the future of the Service from Spring 2023 is uncertain.  

In the last blog of this series, two parents who have campaigned improved eye care for people with learning disabilities, Baroness Sheila Hollins and Alyson Farrell, speak out on the need to keep eye care in special schools, and share how they are bringing attention to the issue of improving eye care for all people with learning disabilities in parliament. 

Louise Gow, who is delivering the Service as part of a SeeAbility eye care team, and who is also Clinical lead for eye health and low vision at RNIB, explains why working with younger children in special schools offers a crucial window of opportunity to prevent sight loss. 

Professor Kathyrn Saunders, was part of the NHS working group on behalf of the College of Optometrists. As a leading subject matter expert on paediatric eye care at Ulster University she provides the context for working in all special schools, and shares her dismay that the future of the Service is uncertain. 

Professionals involved in the new NHS Service share how different disciplines in eye care are coming together, and how the expertise of Dispensing Opticians has been crucial for so many children seen in special schools.

“Now I don’t have the stress or guilt of forcing Jeremy to go to hospital, or taking him out of school for his appointments. It’s not fair for the NHS to introduce a Service then leave its future hanging in the balance.”

Two special school leaders talk of how bringing eye care into special schools has been made such a difference for their pupils, with children now being able to make the most of their special education.  

Parents have been sharing their views on how the Service has helped overcome the challenges of getting suitably adjusted eye care, with some children being able to see properly for the first time in their special education. With the future of the Service uncertain, it is important that parents voices are heard.