Marina Ahmad, the London Assembly member representing Southwark, has called for increased access to specialist opticians for people with learning disabilities and autism in the borough.

She made her call during Learning Disability Week (15-21 June), after meeting Grace McGill, London Eye Care Champion, at our successful GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™  title-setting event at Potters Fields Park.

Marina was added to our mural, which aimed to set a record for the most amount of people illustrated in 48 hours. While taking part, Grace spoke to Marina about her personal experiences of eye care as a person with a learning disability, and how people with learning disabilities are 10 times more likely to have a sight problem but often miss out on getting an eye test.

South East London has an Easy Eye Care service providing eye tests for people with learning disabilities and autism of all ages. However, there are currently no opticians in the borough of Southwark that are offering Easy Eye Care.

This was established to support people who are more likely to be missing out on routine eye care and to identify opticians who will be best-placed to meet their needs. Accredited opticians can offer a longer appointment so people receive a more accessible eye test and support to wear their glasses, as well as easy-to-understand information. There is also a home-visiting scheme for those who cannot attend without assistance. 

Grace explained:

“I would love to see opticians taking part in Southwark so people with learning disabilities and autism don’t have to travel to an optician in another borough to receive this specialist care. The difference properly adapted and adjusted eye care can make to a person with a learning disability and autism is life-changing, particularly if someone cannot say there is a problem.” 

Marina is calling for Southwark opticians to sign up to provide Easy Eye Care so that residents with learning disabilities and autism can access this invaluable service in their local area. 

Marina, who is also a member of the Health Committee, said: 

“We recognise the importance of good eye care for people of all ages but this was the first time I’d heard how having a learning disability comes with a much greater risk of having a sight problem. The Easy Eye Care service provides individually-tailored eye care to people who often miss out on eye tests and are at greater risk of sight loss. It would be fantastic if during Learning Disability Week Southwark opticians come forward to join the Easy Eye Care service so that no-one misses out and to ensure that everyone can have an equal right to sight.”

Opticians who are interested in coming forward can contact eyecare@seeability.org.