Vision needs of people with intellectual disability in residential facilities and community-based homes for independent living

Purpose. The purpose of this study is to assess the visual problems of people with intellectual disability in residential and community-based facilities. Method. A purposive sample of 146 male and female adults, aged 21 and older, living in residential facilities and community-based homes in the southern region of Israel was used to assess and compare vision problems. Results. Among those screened, 77% were found to have a visual problem. Only astigmatism was found to differentiate the two groups. Those living in the community, particularly men, were more likely to have astigmatism. Conclusions. Addressing the eye care needs of people with intellectual disability is a difficult process. People with intellectual disability, however, need ophthalmological and optometric screening to determine whether they can benefit from such intervention, including cataract removal and eyeglasses, to improve their quality of life.