Most people have had a vision examination at some time and know that the exam requires subjective responses such as- what do you see? what's better? Which eye sees better?
Have you thought about how  a vision examination is done to a person who is unable to cooperate? to a person who is unable to  explain what he can see?

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Children and adults with cognitive and developmental disabilities  or autism are able to explain they are in  pain but conditions such as blurred vision and those eye diseases which do not cause pain will be missed. When a person with cognitive and developmental disabilities has a toothache, the people around him can recognize it because a toothache causes pain and much restlessness, on the other hand blurred vision and even severe eye disease does not cause pain at all !!! 

A person  with cognitive and developmental disabilities  or autism may function less well, avoiding day-to-day independent activities because he can not see. The people around him will assume that the low function is related to the various disabilities he has and not necessarily related to vision.

 
The high incidence of ocular pathologies and optical defects (requiring correction of glasses) are very common in the population of people with cognitive and developmental disabilities or autism.  The public health system in Israel has not yet addressed the need for an adapted vision exam for this population.
An objective and accurate optometric exam is needed to determine the prescription of the spectacles required and in addition, a medical exam to identify any existing pathological condition that could cause severe vision loss.  These examinations require time and patience on the part of the examiners. They should be carried out by professionals with experience in working with these patients.

The promotion of adapted vision examinations for people with cognitive and developmental disabilities or autism can improve the quality of life for them and their families.