In this Eye Gaze Essentials installment, we asked Lisa Donaldson, Head of Eyecare and Lead Clinical Optometrist at SeeAbility, about the routine standard for eye care in special educational needs schools in England. Lisa outlines what every child is entitled to and what we should all strive for to ensure optimal vision care.

Routine Eye Care Entitlements

Lisa explains the fundamental rights and services available to children:

"Every child under 16 is entitled to at least an annual eye test on the NHS."

For children in special educational needs schools, NHS England has committed to providing comprehensive, school-based optician services. These include:

1. Annual Eye Tests

   • Ensures regular monitoring of each child’s vision.

2. Glasses Provision

   • If a child needs glasses, they are provided as part of the service.

3. Support with Glasses

   • Assistance with helping children adapt to wearing glasses.
   • Ongoing support for repairs and breakages.

4. Detailed Written Reports

   • At the end of every eye test, a report is provided to explain the child’s visual needs, abilities, and limitations.

Key Facts About Eye Care Standards

1. Annual NHS Eye Tests

   • Every individual under 16 is entitled to a free NHS eye test each year.

2. Special School Services

   • The special school population can access in-school eye tests and related optician services, eliminating the need for external appointments.

3. Written Reports

   • A detailed report outlining the child’s visual needs, strengths, and limitations is provided after every eye test to support educators and parents in tailoring care and learning strategies.

Why These Standards Matter

By ensuring every child receives the eye care they need, we can:

• Identify and address visual impairments early.
• Provide appropriate support to maximise their learning potential.
• Enhance their engagement and interaction with their environment.

For more information on SeeAbility’s work in vision care, visit SeeAbility.