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Learning Disability and sight loss

Development of RNIB Cymru services and partnerships

Focus on social care perspective not public health

Ensure that learning disability and sight loss is taken forward in Wales

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Wales Vision Strategy

• Increase eye health checks and low vision services to those with additional needs; such as learning disability

• Increase awareness of sight loss

• Accessible and accredited eye health services

• Develop general medical services and annual health check

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Wales Vision Strategy

• All LA's to recognise within the unified assessment process the impact that sight loss has upon individuals

• All LA's to have referral and assessment pathway

• Strong visual impairment social care teams

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Wales Vision Strategy

• Increase access to social care and improve outcomes, based on both a professional and service user perspective

• Creating opportunity and maximising independence

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Prevalence

• 1.5 million people in UK with a learning disability

• 14,000 registered with a learning disability in Wales

• Increase of 44% by 2021

• 10 time more likely to have a serious sight problem. 6 in 10 people with learning disability need glasses

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Findings

• Direct correlation between known learning disability/syndromes/conditions and associated vision problems

• Less likely to access eye care

• Increased likelihood of being blind or partially sighted compared to the general population

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Response

• Pilot project in partnership with RNIB, Sense and Cartrefi Cymru

• 34 adults living in supported accommodation

• Establishing a multi disciplinary Champions Group

• Research that analyses outcomes for the service

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Detail

• More than a tick box exercise

• Champions involvement throughout the eye care journey

• Combine functional and clinical assessment to recommend support and care strategies

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Detail

• Environmental consideration

• Mobility and orientation

• Aids and adaptations

• Communication

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Case study- Profile

Caroline• 37 years old• History of falls• Increase in behaviours that challenge• Staff reporting an over reliance on

support and "Caroline being difficult"• Physiotherapy, increased care package,

regular Accident and Emergency visits

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• Enable to focus eyes on any given image. Processing information through sound and touch

• Unable to judge distance and depth

• Severe vision loss in right eye

• Sensitive to glare

• Environmental audit- poor contrasting, dark walls and carpets, low lighting

Case Study-findings

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• Immediately able to navigate around her own home. Improved mobility, posture and emotional wellbeing

• Able to visit friends unsupported

• Decrease in behaviours that challenge

• Annual savings of £14090

( support, physiotherapy and falls)

Case Study-outcomes

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Case study-Outcomes

• Increased confidence, self esteem and independence

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Resources

Visual Impairment and Learning Disability Service

rnib.org.uk/learningdisability

Seeability

http://www.seeability.org/

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Contacts

Ansley Workman

ansley.workman@rnib.org.uk

Jo Lawson

joanne.lawson@rnib.org.uk