Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask His Majesty's Government what action they are taking to improve access to NHS sight tests for adults with learning disabilities; and what consideration they have given to including learning disability as a risk factor in the eligibility criteria.

Integrated care boards (ICBs) are responsible for commissioning National Health Service sight testing services and for considering how any identified inequalities in access to services should be addressed. Guidance issued by the College of Optometrists sets out that when examining patients with learning difficulties, optometrists should use tests that are appropriate to the patient’s needs.

Children and young people with learning disabilities and/or autism are also eligible for free NHS sight tests, where ICBs are commissioning a service within a special educational setting.

Adults with learning disabilities may qualify for free NHS sight tests under existing exemptions, including being in receipt of income-related benefits or through the NHS Low Income Scheme. There are no plans to change eligibility for NHS sight tests.