23 June 2023

Free sight tests for special schools

The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC)and NHS England have announced that the NHS will make sight tests available to all pupils attending special schools. DHSC hopes that the new model will 'help up to an estimated 165,000 more children and will begin from 2024 to 2025'. In the meantime, existing services piloted under the proof-of-concept phase will continue. 

Minister Neil O'Brien said "children with a learning disability are 28 times more likely to have a serious sight problem, and over 40% require glasses".

He added: "NHS England now intends to undertake a period of engagement with key stakeholders, schools, and the public over summer 2023, in order to share the learning from the proof-of-concept scheme and further develop the care model that will underpin the proposed future of the new expanded sight testing scheme. Following which NHS England will publish a revised service specification and roll-out plans."

FODO director David Hewlett said: "This is excellent news for children and young people in special schools and their families and carers. FODO was part of the original stakeholder group and helped develop the model. We were invited to take part in the ministerial roundtable in March to consider next steps and very much look forward to engaging through OFNC to work out the contractual and fees issues later this year."