Autistic people experience significantly higher rates of vision issues than their non-Autistic peers. This can include refractive errors (difficulty seeing clearly), strabismus (crossed eyes), and amblyopia (lazy eye). Yet, despite this higher rate, Autistic people may struggle to access appropriate eye care due to sensory challenges, communication barriers, and a lack of understanding from professionals.
For many, something as routine as an eye exam can become overwhelming:
"I'd say the communication between me and the professional doing the examination – I feel like it's very medical and there isn't much talking about what's happening … The time pressure of having to pick the glasses makes it hard too. I want to make the right decision but most of the glasses I don't like," shares an Autistic adult.
On the other side, many eye care professionals want to provide better care but may not know how to adapt their practices to meet the needs of Autistic patients:
"In one case, I recall having to dilate a patients’ eyes to see the back of their eyes clearly and this distressed the child, as they did not really understand why their vision had suddenly gone all blurry and when it ‘would come back’. To help avoid situations like this it would be helpful to know what can be done to help eye care professionals do more to help the Autistic community," says an optometrist.
Take part in our new research study
To bridge this gap, our new research project is exploring the experiences of Autistic people, their families, and eye care professionals. The insights gathered will not only support Aspect’s Autism Friendly team in developing evidence-informed recommendations for eye care services, but also contribute to the broader understanding of how to make healthcare environments more accessible, inclusive, and supportive for the wider community.
We are inviting participation from:
- Autistic adults and parents/carers of Autistic people (in Australia and New Zealand)
- Eye care professionals (global)
We are particularly keen to hear from more parents and carers of Autistic people.
The study involves a 20–30 minute online survey where you can share your experiences and insights.
As a thank you, for each completed survey, Aspect will donate $2 to one of three charities of your choice.
By taking part, you’ll be helping to shape future eye care practices, ensuring they better meet the needs of Autistic individuals and their families.
