James Frith MP casts his eyes over Easy Eye Care Service

James Frith MP casts his eyes over Easy Eye Care Service for people with learning disabilities and autism

Charity SeeAbility and local opticians Leightons in Ramsbottom, were delighted to host local MP James Frith for a visit to the practice. James came to see the joint work that is happening to improve eye care for people with learning disabilities and autism in Bury North, and hear more from his constituent Rebecca Lunness, who is one of SeeAbility’s North West Eye Care Champions (both pictured).

Sight problems are the most common health problem people with learning disabilities can have. SeeAbility’s Eye Care Champions are employed to raise awareness, provide information and campaign for better services.

In Greater Manchester they have helped support the ‘Easy Eye Care Service’. Accredited local opticians taking part are funded by the NHS to provide longer or multiple appointments, along with any adjustments that people with learning disabilities or autism may need.

One of these opticians is Leightons, led by principle optometrist Suleman Atcha, whose practice is right at the heart of Ramsbottom. Suleman showed James how the practice can make adjustments and help people get used to what is involved. He demonstrated that anyone can have an eye test and get the necessary eye care support, regardless of ability to read or speak.

James said: “I am thrilled that this Service is available in my constituency. Many people with learning disabilities can struggle to find the right eye care. Rebecca and SeeAbility are doing a fantastic job in raising awareness and ensuring appropriate adjustments are implemented, with wonderful support from local opticians and eye care bodies.”

Rebecca said, “I really enjoyed talking about the work we are doing as Eye Care Champions to make eye care more accessible. Adults with a learning disability, like myself, are ten times more likely to have a serious sight problem than other people. So having easy read information and appointments with opticians that have had additional training is really important. It was really great to meet James as my local MP.”

Suleman said, “We are really proud of all the services we offer to the local community at Leightons and taking part in the Easy Eye Care Service is our most recent venture in supporting the NHS locally to make better use of opticians. We spot things early that can actually save a person’s sight or may help a carer or supporter understand what the person can see. For people with learning disabilities who might not be able to say there’s a problem, these are some of the reasons this service is so vital.”

Wendy Craven, Clinical Director of Primary Eyecare Services, spoke about the work going on to trailblaze eye care services in the region and how the Greater Manchester East Local Optical Committee is spearheading the drive to use the skills of community eye care professionals and reduce pressure on hospital services.

James concluded: “Please do come and use the service – there are only a few in the country, so we really want to see more areas adopt what Bury is doing, as everyone deserves an equal right to sight and support!”

Pictured outside Leightons Optometrists, Bury are James Frith MP, with attendees Rebecca Lunness, Suleman Atcha, Wendy Craven and Hannah Hunt