SeeAbility has launched a new short film for Learning Disability Week to raise awareness of how people with learning disability can get support with eye care. 

People with learning disabilities are ten times more likely to have sight loss than the general population. The film comes alongside a new resource on how to be eye care aware.

The new short film delivers key messages on eye care including from actor, author, TV presenter and CBeebies star George Webster. Stars also include SeeAbility’s eye care champions, who use their experience of having a learning disability or autism to improve eye care, and people benefiting from the charity’s eye care and vision support, including children from The Village School in London. 

Along with eye care and vision professionals, the stars of the film take people with learning disabilities on the journey of going for a sight test, getting glasses, and being supported to live independently with sight loss.  

Eye tests are important health checks to have every year, and that you don’t need to be able to speak or read to have an eye test.

Sight problems can get overlooked and, if left untreated, some of these problems can lead to avoidable sight loss. Going for regular eye tests is vital in managing this risk.

Grace McGill, who is a SeeAbility London eye care champion and features in the film says: 

“Many people, including people with learning disabilities, go into the summer with a renewed focus on being more healthy. So by launching this film now it helps get the message out not to forget about looking after your eyesight too! 

“The theme of Learning Disability Week is ‘Do you see me?’, about making sure people with learning disabilities are seen, heard and valued. We know this is particularly important to reduce health inequalities.” 

The film is a reminder that sight issues are the most common health issue that people with learning disabilities will have, and people with a more severe or profound learning disability are particularly at risk. 

Rebecca Lunness, SeeAbility’s North West eye care champion says: 

“Part of my work is making sure there is lots of easy read and accessible information about eye care for people with learning disabilities, so we can make sure no one misses out on support for their vision. 

“The film is a great way to raise awareness and it is brilliant to have CBeebies George Webster ending with our main message.” 

George Webster, actor, author, TV presenter and CBeebies star says: 

“Everyone deserves an equal right to sight and support!” 

We have also released a version of the film with audio description.