Would you consider extended wear contact lenses for children with SEN?

19 August 2022
Summer 2022

In each issue, Acuity poses a topical question to a panel of members.

Neil Retallic MCOptom

President, British Contact Lens Association

I would consider CLs for children with special educational needs (SEN) if all parties agreed and had realistic expectations, as they bring many benefits beyond refractive correction. It would also be dependent on successfully completing appropriate checks of the eye, ocular surface and CLs without causing any distress to the child. 

In addition, commitment from the responsible carer or parent is needed to understand best practice CL care – including being competent at application and removal, performing regular checks and identifying signs that could indicate cause for further investigation.

Sign in to continue

Forgotten password?
Register

Not already a member of the College?

Start enjoying the benefits of College membership today. Take a look at what the College can offer you and view our membership categories and rates.

Related further reading

Novelty contact lenses can be a popular addition to Halloween costumes, but buying them from retailers without a valid prescription can put your eyes at risk of serious infection, eye damage and potential sight loss.

This Halloween we're urging the public to think about their eye health.

To mark World Sight Day, new analysis of UK eye tests data estimates that only around 5% of the total population of children aged five years and under had an eye test in 2025, despite optometrists and opticians recommending that children should be taken for their first regular eye test by the time they start school, from age three to four years old.