[Ophthalmological services to mentally retarded persons. A review and recommendations]

Abstract

This is a survey of Nordic contributions to the study of the development of vision, visual impairment, and ocular disorders in people with developmental delay. Visual impairment and ocular pathology are frequently observed in these individuals. We give examples of various combinations of ocular and cerebral disorders. We underline the central role of the ophthalmologist in the diagnostic, therapeutic, and counselling procedures, and stress that the quality and accessibility of eye health services have definite medical, educational and social consequences for this group of people. We suggest that our countries monitor vision and eye disease in all individuals with developmental delay at the following periods of life: 1) At the first assessment of developmental delay. 2) At 2-3 years of age. 3) At the beginning and end of school. 4) At 45 years of age and every five years thereafter. 5) People with Down's syndrome should be monitored for cataract at the ages of one month, one year, 30 years, and later as the rest of the patients.