How are children’s lives affected now?

A child with a learning disability may find it harder to understand complicated information, learn certain skills or manage daily activities independently. They are also 28 times more likely to have sight problems than other children, which can make everyday life even more challenging.² 

“A child with a learning disability and a visual impairment may struggle with everyday tasks such as recognising faces, following lessons at school, and moving around safely,” says Dr McConnell. “These challenges can affect their confidence, learning, independence, and overall quality of life.”

Refractive errors – such as short-sightedness and long-sightedness – are particularly common in children with learning disabilities and can be easily corrected by wearing glasses. Without correction, or if a child does not wear their glasses, visual development may be compromised, potentially resulting in permanent sight loss and affecting their education and overall quality of life. 

“Wearing glasses can greatly improve vision and visual development – but unfortunately, many children with learning disabilities find glasses hard to tolerate and may wear them inconsistently or not at all,” says Dr McConnell. “Parents often report issues with comfort, as well as difficulties helping their child understand why glasses are needed.”

How could this research help?

“Our goal is to develop an effective new intervention to help children with learning disabilities wear their glasses more successfully,” says Dr McConnell.

The researchers will begin by reviewing existing studies to understand what is already known about supporting children to wear their glasses.

“We will then speak with children, parents and carers, teachers and healthcare professionals to explore why glasses aren’t being worn and to gather ideas for potential solutions,” says Dr McConnell.

Using these insights, the team will work with families, professionals and charities to develop a multi-component intervention, called SpecLD, and then pilot it in a small group of children with learning disabilities who struggle to wear glasses.

“Our findings will inform the design of a larger clinical trial, laying the foundation for its wider implementation in the future,” says Dr McConnell. 

References

1. Mencap. How common is learning disability in the UK? https://www.mencap.org.uk/learning-disability-explained/research-and-statistics/how-common-learning-disability
2. Donaldson L. et al. A review of the evidence that people with learning disabilities experience eye health inequalities: What policies can better ensure an equal right to sight? British Journal of Learning Disabilities. 2024; 52(2):302-311.

We do not provide medical advice. If you would like more information about a condition or would like to talk to someone about your health, contact NHS Choices or speak to your GP.