This week, Dave Spencer, a SeeAbility Eye Care Champion, paid a visit to our Carlisle and Kendal Self Advocacy Groups. Interactive and thought-provoking, Dave’s visit was planned to raise awareness of the higher eye care needs that people with learning disabilities can have.
Dave revealed to the group the shocking statistic that adults who have learning disabilities are 10 times more likely to have an eye problem.
Following on from this, Dave led the group through informative easy read factsheets covering topics such as: How To Be Eye Care Aware, and an easy read opticians referral form.
To compliment the discussion, the group continued to explore eye care issues through the use of immersive goggles. Simulating the experience of different eye problems including cataracts and glaucoma, the goggles provided an interactive and powerful way of exploring vital health issues.
After a great session, members of the group were keen to explore training opportunities with the intention of become Eye Care Champions themselves. Recognising the significance and value of awareness, the group hope to continue to inform as many people as possible about the importance of eye care for people with learning disabilities.
Following the session, one of our members got their eyes tested and another reminded their friend to book an eye test.
Thank you to Dave from SeeAbility for visiting our groups and for the members for embracing this opportunity. We hope to see you again soon.