SpecLD v1.0
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Identification of Barriers to Spectacle Wear in Children with and without Learning Disabilities and/or Autism Spectrum Disorder
IRAS ID
338190
Contact name
Emma McConnell
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Queen's University Belfast
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 8 months, 31 days
Research summary
Children with learning disabilities (LD) are 28 times more likely to have a serious vision problem compared to their typically developing peers. One such problem is presence of significant refractive errors (need for glasses). Significant refractive errors, if left uncorrected, can further compound a child’s LD and lead to irreversible reduction in visual function. Uncorrected refractive error can also have a negative impact on a child’s educational attainment. In contrast, when vision needs are met children with LD experience greater classroom engagement and behaviour. Despite having a higher prevalence of vision problems, children with LD often have poorer access to eyecare. Even when eyecare is accessed and significant refractive errors are identified, a substantial problem which persists is non-adherence to spectacle wear. As little as 50% of children with LD requiring spectacles do not routinely wear them at school. This non-adherence puts children at risk of permanent vision loss, further compounding their education and development. Reasons for non-compliance to spectacle wear in children are not well understood, particularly in children with LD. Due to the higher prevalence of vision problems identified in this population, it is imperative to identify and understand the reasons for non-compliance in order to develop strategies in the future to improve this. As such, the aim of this study is to identify barriers to spectacle compliance in children with LD. We plan to do this by asking parents, children and professionals (e.g. healthcare workers, teachers, classroom assistants) to complete an online survey.
REC name
North West - Liverpool Central Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
24/NW/0123
Date of REC Opinion
3 May 2024
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion