Course: Examining Patients with Learning Disabilities: Part 2 - The appointment (Non-interactive), Section: Learning outcomes

General

This course expired on 31 December 2025. If you have completed this course, you can print your certificate here.

This course has been replaced with our Examining Patients with Learning Disabilities: Part 2 - The appointment course, reissued in March 2026.

Domains: Clinical practice, Communication

CPD Ref: C-100458

CPD Points:

CPD Type: Non-interactive

Closing Date: 31 December 2025

This three-part series seeks to challenge the perception that treating patients with learning disabilities is intimidating or difficult. Its goal is to build optometrists’ confidence in examining this patient group, highlighting both the rewards for practitioners and the importance of ensuring patients receive the eye care they need.

Before you begin the second part of the series, please ensure that you have either completed Examining Patients with Learning Disabilities: Part 1 - Clinical Background or you are familiar with its content.

Part two features filmed examples of examinations with real adult and child patients in both school and community practice settings, alongside expert interviews offering guidance on working with patients who have diverse learning disabilities. It explains how to prepare for an appointment, provides advice on approach and communication during the test and demonstrates a range of clinical tests that may be appropriate for this patient group.

At the end of Part two you can complete the CPD quiz to gain one non-interactive CPD point. For recommended strategies post-appointment and legal issues surrounding examination of patients with learning disabilities, go to Examining Patients with Learning Disabilities: Part 3 – Navigating the Legalities.

First published: January 2019
Last reviewed: January 2022

Learning outcomes

Communication

s.2 Communicate effectively with patients

Able to understand the barriers and issues when communicating with a patient with a learning disability and so to improve communication with both the patient and a carer during an eye test.

Clinical practice

s.5 Keep your knowledge and skills up to date

Understand the different types of retinoscopy that can be used and are particularly useful when examining children and patients with a learning disability.

s.7 Conduct appropriate assessments, examinations, treatments and referrals

Understand the different approaches and tests that can be used when examining adults and children with a learning disability, depending on their needs.