Along with local community opticians Sight Centre of Deptford, we were delighted to host local MP for Lewisham, Deptford, Vicky Foxcroft on a recent visit, who came to see the joint work that is happening to improve eye care for people with learning disabilities and autism.

In South East London this includes a new ‘Easy Eye Care Service’. Accredited local opticians taking part in the new scheme are funded by the NHS to provide longer or multiple appointments, along with any adjustments that people with learning disabilities or autism may need.

One of these opticians is Sight Centre, run by optometrist Gus Sidhu, whose practice is right at the heart of Deptford high street. Gus showed Vicky how the practice can make adjustments and help people get used to what is involved. He demonstrated that anyone can have an eye test, and that you don’t need be able to read or say what you can see for an eye care professional to find out what support you might need with your vision.

Vicky met our London eye care champions, Lance Campbell and Grace McGill. Both champions spoke of how people with learning disabilities are much more likely to have sight problems, and they each had personal experiences to share on what the barriers are to having eye tests. The champions work hard to raise awareness and provide reassurance, so people know what to expect at a sight test.

Vicky said:

“It was interesting to learn more about the ‘Easy Eye Care Service’ and am thrilled that this is available in my constituency. As shadow minister for disabled people, I am only too aware that many people with disabilities can struggle to find the right eye care. SeeAbility are doing a fantastic job in raising awareness and ensuring appropriate adjustments are implemented in their partner opticians.”

Grace told us:

“I really enjoyed talking about the work we are doing as eye care champions to make eye care more accessible. Not many people know that people with learning disabilities, like myself, are ten times more likely to have a sight problem than other people. So having easy read information and appointments with opticians that have had additional training is really important.”

Gus is delighted to be making a difference:

“We are really proud of all the services we offer to the local community at Sight Centre. Taking part in the Easy Eye Care pathway is our most recent venture in supporting the NHS locally to make better use of opticians. We spot things early that can actually save a person’s sight – for people with learning disabilities who might not be able to say there’s a problem, it’s just one of the reasons this service is so vital.”

Lance was proud to share his experiences:

“I am in my first job, and as Vicky is also Shadow Minister for Disabled People, it was great to share about how I have found my way into work as a person with a disability. I explained how I share information about eye care and how I recently have been talking to children in special schools about the world of work.

“My message is please do come and use the service - there are only a few in the country, so we really want to see more areas adopt what South East London is doing, as it is great for people with learning disabilities and autism.”

The service is available to people with a GP in the boroughs of Bexley, Bromley, Greenwich, Lambeth, Lewisham or Southwark.

Anyone with a learning disability or autism can self-refer, be referred by a carer or family member, their GP, Hospital Eye Service, advocacy group, local learning disability team, mainstream SEND provision or community eye care clinic.

Approximately 9,000 people in South East London have a learning disability and some 21,000 are autistic. They can face significant health inequalities compared to the rest of the population and often experience poorer access to healthcare.