Disabled suffer sight difficulties

PEOPLE with learning disabilities are ten times more likely to have sight problems than the general population, new research suggests.

A study commissioned by sight loss organisations RNIB and SeeAbility found that people with severe or profound learning disabilities were the most likely to have serious sight problems.

It also found that six out of ten people with learning disabilities need to wear glasses.

The charities said the findings highlighted fears that many vulnerable people may not be able to tell others that their sight is affected, although there may be significant impact on their quality of life.

RNIB and SeeAbility called for everyone with a learning disability to have a sight test every two years or more frequently if advised by an optometrist.