Functional vision test can aid practice visits

A new vision assessment tool for people with learning disabilities could have a significant impact on the volume of patients with learning disabilities coming into practices according to Optician clinical editor Bill Harvey.

The Functional Vision Assessment aims to teach carers and parents how a person with learning disabilities uses their sight and what they might have difficulty seeing. It is intended as a starting point before a patient is examined by an eye care professional. Information from the assessment is passed to the patient's optometrist.

'This is a helpful tool which allows non-clinicians to identify possible eye problems which might otherwise be missed,' said Harvey.