MP welcomes expanded eye care for local children

To mark World Sight Day on Thursday 8 October, Abena Oppong-Asare, MP for Erith and Thamesmead, has welcomed expanded access to NHS-funded eye care for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

SeeAbility has secured an NHS contract to provide eye care in special schools across London and the South East, potentially benefiting up to 70,000 children. The service offers free sight tests, glasses where needed, and reports to help families and teachers understand each child’s vision.

The charity already provides the service at Willow Dene School, which Abena visited in November 2024. Other special schools in the constituency can now opt in, with parents also choosing whether their children take part.

Children with learning disabilities are nearly 30 times more likely to have a serious sight problem. SeeAbility’s research found that more than four in ten pupils it had seen had no history of eye tests or eye care. 

The expansion follows NHS England’s October 2024 announcement that annual eyesight checks would be offered to children and young people in all day and residential special schools across England.

Abena Oppong-Asare MP said: 

“Having visited Willow Dene School, I have seen first-hand the difference this eye care service makes to children and their families. I’m delighted that NHS funding will help bring this vital care to more children in Erith and Thamesmead.

“World Sight Day is a reminder that everyone should be able to access the eye care they need. I hope more local special schools take up this NHS-funded service so that more children can benefit.”