Meeting minutes of the VISION 2020 UK
Learning Disability Sub Group
14th June 2012 – GDBA Office, Melton Street, London
Present: Paula Spinks-Chamberlain - PS-C (SeeAbility & Chair), Pamela Bowen PB (BIOS), Bruce Gilson – BG (The Optical Bodies & LOCSU), Matt Broome – MB (VISION 2020 UK), Frances Miller – FM (RNIB), Susan Blakeney (TCO – representing Kathryn Saunders), Jane Leitch – JL (RCOphth), Rachel Pilling – RP (RCOphth), Jennifer Brower – JB (ABDO) (joined at 11.30)
Apologies:, Kathryn Saunders – KS (TCO), Celia Watson – CW (UKVS), Simon Labbatt – SL (SCA), Beverley Dawkins – BD (Mencap),
1) The group welcomed France Miller as the RNIB representative, and Jennifer Brower as ABDO representative.
The group agreed that it needed representation from the public sector, RCGP’s and more representation from the learning disability sector. PSC suggested approaching the National Development Team for Inclusion (which is associated with the public health observatory for pwld Action: PSC to follow up NDTI and Matt Houghton from RCGP’s. FM and PSC to look at other approaches to the LD sector.
RP discussed the September 2012 UKISCRS conference in Brighton where she will speak about the needs of pwld. Aylee Kemp from SeeAbility will also be speaking about reasonable adjustments in eye clinics. Action:RP to contact to discuss content. JL suggested the use of some powerful case studies for impact
2) Action points from 8th March meeting
2.1) Vision sector safe statistics group – this exercise will soon be completed and will contain current estimates and sources. Action: MB to send to group when finalised.
2.2) Royal College of GP’s paper – this guide was completed and will launch next week. Action: PSC email guide to group. (done via email 15.6.12)
The group discussed the problems caused by some incorrect information about sight testing intervals in the Step by Step guide. Action:PSC to email RCGP’s about errors and ask them to consider including the information about diabetic eye disease in the guide.
2.3) The eye care needs of children with learning disabilities – MB confirmed that Tom Pey is chairing the V2020UK sub group for children. MB also suggested that including screening/sight testing for children in special schools in local Joint Strategic Need Assessment (JSNA) would be a possible way forward. Action:RP to write up some case studies after visiting specials school in Bradford. JL to update RCOphth paediatric committee about any discussions this group has about children with learning disabilities. SB has links with national screening committee so will mention our discussion to this group also.
2.4) Refractive error in the general population - Action: SB to ask librarian at TCO if any information is available.
JB joined the meeting and discussed the importance of professional dispensing of spectacles to patients with learning disabilities. The group agreed unanimously. JB and ABDO are following this issue up in an attempt to ensure action is taken nationally to improving dispensing to this vulnerable group.
2.5) LOCSU pathway – The pathway has been launched. BG talked about the figures he calculated about the cost of the sight test and the different costs of glasses vouchers. Action: PSC to forward costs that BG calculated to group (sent via email with minutes).
3) Update from BIOS on their project around vision screening/testing for children in special schools
PB updated the group on progress. BIOS have signed up to the special interest group on learning disabilities and associated work. PB/AD are planning to re-examine the guidelines for children with SEN. An audit of Heads of Departments about provision in their area will take place soon. BIOS is setting up a web page with resources about people with learning disabilities. Links will be made to existing resources that are available. Some competencies around working with children with learning disabilities will be created. PB/AD aim to offer more training workshops to Orthoptists as the last sessions were over subscribed.
Action: PSC to forward Welsh research finding from Maggie Woodhouse to AD when available. AD/PB to provide update to group in subsequent meetings.
4) RCOphth approaches to screening for diabetic eye disease in people with learning disabilities – clinical guidance on the management of diabetic eye conditions is being updated/produced by the RCOphth and RP is writing a chapter about people with learning disabilities in this guide. The guide will make reference to the 2 SeeAbility factsheets on diabetes and diabetic eye screening. JL suggested that the national co-ordinator for diabetic eye screening would be a useful contact. MB reminded the group that Diabetic Retinopathy is one of the public health indicators.
5) Seeing it from their side – FM updated the group on the history of this document. The document will not be re launched but RNIB will look at doing something specifically for pwld. Action: PSC take this off groups workplan.
6) Learning and Development Strategy for eye care professionals – JL suggested this strategy should be for anyone in vision loss services from care home providers to rehab workers, optometrists etc. The group agreed that it needed to identify the key groups and the key messages/information/learning outcomes that we would need for each group. PSC suggested that it would be useful to look at the common themes (problems and solutions) across the eye care journey, starting with pwld and their supporters. The group agreed that it could dedicate the next meeting to looking at this. PSC and FM could do some preparatory work which could be shared with group members before the meeting, added to via email, and used as a basis for the meeting. It was important to try and get all group members present for the discussion. FM could not attend 6th Sept so other suggested dates to be sent to members for consideration. Action: PSC and FM collate information for use at the next meeting (meeting now set for 25 July). PSC and MB change date for next meeting (taking Olympics and Paralympics into consideration).
7) Public Affairs update - PSC updated the group on the meeting with Paul Burstow MP – Minister for Care Services on the 14th March 2012. (I have attached notes about the meeting in an email sent with these minutes).
A subsequent visit to Mordon Eye Centre took place on 4th May as the Minister wanted to observe someone with a learning disability having a sight test. The test went well and in discussions after the test SeeAbility pointed out some of the problems that other people with learning disabilities experience. We discussed LH’s case and the Minister asked for a written case study and to be told when the surgery has taken place. Action:PSC to send case study on LH to group (case study attached to email sent with these minutes).
Chris Evans MP requested a meeting with Mencap and SeeAbility which tool place on the 14th June to discuss eye care for pwld.
Next meeting date:to be arranged via email (see item 6)
Future meeting dates for 2012:, 6th December.