Around 165,000 more children are set to benefit from a new £10m investment into free NHS eye tests, the government has confirmed.
Beginning next year, all special school settings will have access to free sight tests on the health following a successful pilot in 2021.
The expansion comes as data indicates the stark health inequalities some pupils at special schools can face with the charity Seeability estimating that children with learning disabilities are 28 times more likely to experience serious issues with their vision.
One of the key benefits of providing eye tests in schools outlined was the advantage of delivering healthcare in a more convenient setting and no longer needing to travel to unfamiliar environments for healthcare.
In a written statement to the House of Commons announcing the measure, primary care minister, Neil O’Brien, emphasised the need for the health service to engage with key stakeholders to further develop the eye scheme in anticipation of its launch next year.
“Following which NHS England will publish a revised service specification and roll-out plans,” added O’Brien.
“Whilst this engagement is undertaken existing contractors will continue to operate under the current proof-of-concept arrangements until such time as NHS England complete their engagement and confirm the future commissioning arrangements.
“I hope this will be welcome news and I thank those from across the eye care sector who have helped to shape this valuable service.”
Dan Scorer, who is the head of policy at the learning disability charity Mencap, added: “Mencap welcomes this vital extension of the service to all children in special schools.
“Undiagnosed sight issues among children with a learning disability form major barriers to learning and development, and the extension of the service is a further important step towards improving access to eye care services for everyone with a learning disability.”
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