PIONEERING school-based eye care service will soon help children with learning disabilities and autism across Essex access essential eye tests and vision support in a way that is easier, more accessible and better suited to their needs.
Bright Sight, delivered by Primary Eyecare Services and funded by NHS Essex, is set to bring specialist eye care directly into special schools later this year, reducing the stress and barriers often associated with hospital or high street appointments.
Children with learning disabilities are significantly more likely to experience serious sight problems, yet many miss regular eye tests because traditional services can be difficult to access. Bright Sight helps tackle these inequalities by providing enhanced sight tests within the familiar environment of school, delivered by specially trained eye care professionals using adapted approaches and specialist equipment.
he service will also include follow-up support, tailored spectacle dispensing and practical advice for families and school staff to help children get the most from their vision support in everyday learning and life.
William Guy, Director of Commissioning for Primary Care and Neighbourhoods at NHS Essex said: “We know children with learning disabilities and autism can face additional barriers accessing healthcare, including routine eye care. By bringing eye care directly into schools, we can make services easier to access, reduce inequalities and help more children get the support they need earlier.”
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The initiative reflects wider NHS Essex ambitions to strengthen prevention and early intervention, improve personalised care and deliver more joined-up community-based services. A longer term plan for the NHS in Essex identifies reducing inequalities for children and young people with additional needs as a key priority, with more than 50,000 children and young people in Essex living with Special Educational Needs or Disabilities (SEND).
Gavin Rathmell, Head of Special Schools at Primary Eyecare Services, said: “We are delighted to deliver sight tests within Essex’s special schools, ensuring children with additional needs can access high-quality eye care in a familiar and supportive setting. Early identification of vision issues can make a huge difference to a child’s learning, communication and wellbeing.
“By working closely with schools, families and healthcare teams, we hope to improve outcomes and ensure every child has the opportunity to thrive.”
