Visual Impairment and Learning Disability Services (VILD)

At least one in three people with a learning disability will also have serious sight loss. We believe the figure may be significantly higher. Over the last ten years RNIB has assessed the vision of more than 1000 people with learning disabilities. We have found approximately 80 per cent had some degree of sight loss. Often this sight loss had previously gone undetected.

Our aim is to identify sight loss and create opportunity by increasing awareness of:

  • the prevalence of under-detection of sight loss
  • the consequences for people with a learning disability.

Visual Impairment and Learning Disability Services (VILD) have a recognised excellence in supporting people with a visual impairment and learning disability.

We also have specialist expertise in providing sight tests for people with a learning disability.

Inspection Report

Pathway Fife Inspection Report is now available. The inspection took place on 27 July 2010.

Services

We provide services across the UK:

Consultancy and training

The National Practice and Development Team offers a range of award-winning specialist training, consultancy, information and rehabilitation services for all those who are supporting adults and children who have a learning disability and suspected or confirmed sight problems.

Research

We have been involved in a number of research projects that have provided clinical and practice-based evidence of the extent of undiagnosed sight loss in the learning disability population. We aim to continue working with partners to develop robust evidence of the nature and extent of this problem.

Contacts and further information

Read the frequently asked questions about our services or contact VILD to find out how we can help you.

Last updated: 3 February 2011

Make a donation

Right now we can only reach one in three of the people who need our help most.

Please make a donation and help us support more blind and partially sighted people.