Nathan Davies
September 2012
With thanks to the Welsh Government,
Dr Maggie Woodhouse, Dr Barbara Ryan, Nicola Crews and Aideen McAvinchey

• Overview of the special school project
• Key results and case studies
• Feedback from schools and parents
• Summary of recommendations

• Funded by the Welsh Government as part of the
Children's Low Vision Project in Wales
• Five special schools took part in the pilot project:
Maesgwyn School
Ysgol Heulfan Y Canol
Crownbridge School
St.Christopher's School
Portfield School
Aberdare
Wrexham
Pontypool
Wrexham
Haverfordwest

• Optometrist carried out sight tests in school with all pupils who had consent to take part.
• Glasses prescribed and referrals made when required.

• 152 pupils had a sight test
• Aged between 3 years 6 months and 22 years
(mean: 13 years)
• 43 pupils (28.3%) were of primary age (under 12 years).

Previous consultation Number of pupils
No previous consultation 58
Local optometrist
Hospital clinic
Total
62
32
152
% of total pupils who had sight test
38%
41%
21%
100%
Over one third of pupils had never had a sight test.

• Overall:
– 53% (80 pupils) received a prescription for glasses
– 47% (72 pupils) did not need a prescription for glasses.

%
(number of pupils)
Reason for prescription
%
(number of pupils)
Glasses not prescribed
Glasses prescribed
Total
48% (72)
53% (80)
100% (152) n/a n/a
First time prescription
Change in prescription
New pair because of wear and tear
24% (36)
15% (23)
14% (21)
53% (80)

• The survey showed that 6% of pupils had visual problems recorded as a primary or secondary need in their statement of special educational need.
• The project found:
– Overall, 20% of pupils (30) had visual impairment in their habitual state (0.3 or 6/12 or poorer)

• Of 151 pupils, 47% (71 pupils) had at least one ocular disorder, e.g.
– 27% (41 pupils) were found to have blepharitis
(inflammation of the eye lids)
• 10.5% (16) of pupils had nystagmus
• 24.5% (37) of pupils had strabismus (squint)

Pupil A is 15 years old, is severely autistic and has Down’s syndrome. Mum had taken A into a community optometry practice 2 years before but they were asked to leave the practice as the child’s behaviour was upsetting other patients. Since then, A has had no form of glasses despite needing a high prescription for long-sight and astigmatism.
Mum was so embarrassed that she had almost resorted to buying A glasses online rather than going to an optometrist.

The school has been struggling to get an appropriate head rest for pupil D (who was 15 years old) but, unfortunately, due to lack of communication between the different professionals, his nystagmus had never been considered.
The head rests in question were placed at a point maximising the nystagmus and his head had been strapped in place. This may have induced oscillopsia
(perception that the world is moving). D had been trying to pull his head in the opposite direction.

Brilliant project, please come back next year !
A worthwhile project that the school has been very happy to take part in. Please can we have you back on an annual basis? This has been such a benefit for our pupils.
We were delighted to be part of the programme and feel that it has had excellent outcomes for our pupils and staff.

A big thank you to all the project team. It's been a great project. Our child asks for their glasses first thing in the morning and has adapted very well to wearing them.
We've noticed a huge improvement in her behaviour since she was prescribed glasses. School has noticed that her behaviour has improved.
The whole project was very professional but was also child-friendly. Children are more receptive and relaxed in school. It's a brilliant idea to test them in school and we look forward to taking part in the future.

• An optometric service should be provided to pupils in special schools.
– Optometrists accredited to provide one or more of the
Welsh Eye Care Services should be offered training and accreditation to provide the service in special schools.
– A trained optical assistant or dispensing optician should accompany the optometrist.
– A central administration team should book appointments and order spectacles and equipment.
– Optometrists testing in special schools should link with school nurses.

Thank you very much.
Diolch yn fawr.
Nathan Davies
Children's Low Vision Advocate for Wales
Nathan.davies@rnib.org.uk
01558 650281