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The current standard vision tests are unsuitable for persons with cognitive and developmental disabilities.  Therefore it is necessary to design an appropriate test which should fulfill the following five conditions.

1. A combined examination by an ophthalmologist and an optometrist.

2. Appropriate time and place for the examination-about an hour long in a familiar environment at the institution where the person is taken care of.

3. Special communication skills  that allow an appropriate and optimal interaction with this population. 

4. Awareness of the unique problems of this population and the relationship between their problems and their daily function.

5. The need to become familiar with existing rehabilitation services for these patients.

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The absence of these conditions in Israel has led us to the conclusion that it is imperative to promote a project for the diagnosis and treatment of eye and vision problems, in children and adults with cognitive disabilities or autism.

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