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JOSEPH CLARKE EDUCATIONAL SERVICE FOR THE VISUALLY IMPAIRED Part of Whitefield Academy Trust Tel:02085318361 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] EYE CONDITIONS OCULAR ALBINISM DESCRIPTION The word “albinism” refers to a group of inherited conditions. People with albinism have little or no pigment in their eyes, skin or hair. They have inherited genes that do not make the usual amounts of a pigment called melanin. People with ocular albinism lack melanin pigment in the eyes while the skin and hair show normal or near normal colouration. The colour of the iris may vary from blue to green or brown. When the eye is examined by shining a light from the side of the eye, the light shines back through the iris since very little pigment is present. People with albinism are usually photophobic (sensitive to light) and have nystagmus (involuntary movements of the eyes). They often have refractive errors, which can be corrected with glasses. Glasses, however, will not alleviate nystagmus. ACCESS TO CURRICULUM/ENVIRONMENT • • • • • • • • • • • • ENVIRONMENT Glare will cause difficulties; lower blinds and make sure the child is not facing a window. Outside they must protect their eyes with the appropriate glasses and wear a hat. Place clear bold labels at child’s eye level for pegs, signs on doors, toilets and wall displays. Designate a “safe” area in the playground for the child to meet friends or stand when she/he needs help. CURRICULUM Ensure texts are enlarged and clearly contrasted (bold, black text on matt white paper). Allow extra time to complete tasks, including exams. Reduce copying activities. Position child close to whiteboard and/or focus activity. Provide concrete examples wherever possible. Sharing is difficult visually so ensure child has her/his own copy of books/texts/worksheets. Access to CCTV equipment, slope board, dark lined paper and black pens as advised by the Teacher of the Visually Impaired. May need to develop touch typing skills by following a touch typing programme as recommended by a Teacher of the Visually Impaired. USEFUL CONTACTS: Albinism Fellowship PO Box 77 Burnley BB11 5GN Tel: 01282 771900 Web: www.albinism.org.uk EyeConditionsFebruary2010