Vision Defects in Down’s syndrome at Newcastle School for Specific Purposes

Patricia Dunlop

Nineteen monogoloid children of the 64 pupils attending Newcastle School for Specific Purposes were screened for visual acuity, muscle balance and Stereoacuity. Results show a high proportion of children with poor visual acuity, possible refractive error, esotropia, and very few with good stereo vision. Those children who had the advantage of corrective glasses appeared to have more useful visual function in terms of acuity, muscle balance and stereopsis. Regular screening and early intervention with corrections of visual defects may be of value to such groups to allow each child the opportunity to reach his or her full potential.