title: A survey of the vision assessment of the developmentally disabled and multi-handicapped in University Affiliated Programs (UAPs).
abstract: In 1989 we conducted a survey to assess the availability of vision assessments (screening and complete eye/vision examinations) in University Affiliated Programs for Persons with Developmental Disabilities (UAPs). Analysis of the results suggests that although the UAPs are continuing to provide some services for eye/vision care, only 58 percent of these centers have facilities for the screening of vision problems. Ninety-six percent of the respondents, however, feel that vision screening is important. The developmentally disabled and multi-handicapped child is at high risk for vision/eye problems. Unless this difference between service availability and the perceived importance of vision services is addressed, there is an increased risk that the child may not reach his/her full potential. The UAPs need to increase the availability of eye/vision care within the UAPs and to expand training to providers in the community to deal with the developmentally disabled and multi-handicapped.
authors.affiliation: Eye/Vision Clinic, Northport Veterans Administration Medical Center, NY 11768.
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Gnadt
authors.forename: M D
authors.initials: MD
authors.lastname: Wesson
mesh_terms: D002648:Child; D002658:Developmental Disabilities; D006233:Persons with Disabilities; D006297:Health Services Accessibility; D006785:Hospitals, University; D006801:Humans; D008607:Intellectual Disability; D014481:United States; D014786:Vision Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis*; D015351:Vision Screening