People with Learning Disabilities

The LOCSU pathway uses the skills of primary care optometrists and dispensing opticians and aims to improve local access to eye care for all people with learning disabilities. We know that patients with a learning disability are more likely to need, but less likely to have, access to high quality eye care.

By delivering adjustments it is possible to make it as easy for people with learning disabilities to use optical services as the wider population.

The pathway is intended to provide individualised care for patients with moderate to severe learning disabilities; those with mild learning disabilities may access GOS sight tests in the usual way with minor reasonably adjusted support.

The resources have been refreshed with the support from experts from SeeAbility, ABDO and Mencap and the service utilises SeeAbility’s wide range of “easy read” information which is available free of charge and in a format that many people with learning disabilities prefer. For further information and advice phone SeeAbility’s information service on 01372 755 000 or visit seeability.org/looking-after-your-eyes.

A case study has been created as a tribute to the late Sally Rose who, despite losing almost all of her vision, helped to pioneer an early pathway for people with learning disabilities.

A podcast exploring the issues faced by people with learning disabilities in accessing eye care, and how these issues are addressed by the pathway, is available to download. It features SeeAbility’s Head of Eye Health, Lisa Donaldson and SeeAbility Eye Care Champion, Grace McGill, with LOCSU’s Richard Whittington and Zoe Richmond.

Pathway Documents

Case Studies

People with Learning Disabilities Case Studies

Training

WOPEC Eyecare Services for PwLD information