Tests for People with Learning Disabilities

Many people with learning disabilities do not have access to regular eye tests, yet about 30% of this group have a significant impairment of sight. There is a high rate of under-detection of sensory impairments, most of which can be treated, according to the 1998 NHS Executive Signposts for Success*.

As a result of undetected sight problems, people with learning disabilities may experience a poor quality of life as they are unable to fully participate in a range of leisure, work and learning activities. Without regular eye tests, deterioration in their sight will go undetected, leading to a loss of skills, frustration and isolation.

Kay Pictures is working with SeeAbility to encourage more eye care professionals to extend their services to meet the needs of this important group. We are pleased to offer optometrists, orthoptists and others a 50% discount on the list price of any of the six Kay Picture Test near and distance sets and matching cards when a new service is provided.

The offer is available to any professionals who have registered on the LookUp database or have undertaken Healthcall Optical's "Examining People with Learning Disabilities" CET test. To receive your discounted Kay Picture Tests, simply quote "SeeAbility offer" on your order form and provide a copy of your CET certificate, or confirm that you are registered on the Look Up database.

The Kay Picture Test makes testing quick, easy and provides accurate, reliable visual acuity measurements in the same way as a Snellen letter test. It is an ideal method for those who may have difficulty in responding to more complex tests that require the patient to have a degree of literacy and verbal communication skills.

The testing procedure (shown right) is similar to procedures that use letters. Pictures can be matched until they are no longer sufficiently visible to be recognised. People with learning disabilities can respond through methods such as signing, pointing, eye gazing or speech. Acuity is then scored using LogMAR or Snellen notation.

You can see the range of Kay Picture vision testing sets available on our web-site and download an order form or contact us by email or phone.

Kay Pictures can also be used as a tool for supporting people with learning disabilities to prepare for an eye examination at a high street practice, a low vision clinic or for a domiciliary visit. A set of matching cards can be used for this and is also available discounted under this offer.

If you have any questions regarding this offer, please contact us.

* 1NHS 01.01.1998 Signposts for success in commissioning and providing health services for people with learning disabilities. http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/Publicationsandstatistics/Publications/PublicationsPolicyAndGuidance/DH_4008585