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