Ocular and visual defects amongst people with intellectual disabilities participating in Special Olympics

Purpose: To analyse data from vision screening of people with intellectual disabilities from the UK participating in Special Olympics during the National Summer Games in Cardiff 2001, in order to determine visual status and access to eye care. Methods: Athletes were invited to take part in vision screening, according to Special Olympics protocols. Results: Testability rates were high. Findings confirmed the high prevalence of eye and vision defects reported in other studies of people with intellectual disabilities. In particular, visual acuity was below normal for most athletes. Significant improvement to acuity could be achieved with spectacles although correction after full refraction did not always provide normal vision. Over 40% of athletes undergoing full refraction had below normal corrected acuity. Conclusions: Athletes with intellectual disabilities were no more likely to access eye care and have adequate spectacle correction than other people with intellectual disabilities. Optometrists and carers need to be aware of the high prevalence of defects and the importance of regular eye examinations in people with intellectual disabilities.