A Primary Care Approach to Visual Screening in Adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

This article explores the unique challenges faced by adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDDs) and proposes ways in which primary care physicians can improve ocular health in this patient population. The existing literature does not offer specific guidelines for vision screening in adults with IDDs in the primary care setting. Effectively screening for ocular issues and making timely referrals to specialists can improve ocular health. We recommend screening visual acuity at least annually, even in the absence of visual complaints in adults with IDDs to monitor for changes in visual acuity in this unique patient population that is prone to visual challenges and is vulnerable to underdiagnosis of related conditions.