Course: Sound Optometry: Episode 45 - Vision and Dementia: Modifying risk for better outcomes

Section

General

Domains: Communication, Clinical Practice

No CPD Points

Welcome to Sound Optometry, a podcast from Docet hosted by Michelle Hanratty, an IP optometrist with over 20 years’ experience in both high street and hospital settings. Each month, through case studies and in-depth conversations, we explore the topics that matter most to you as an optometrist and are relevant to everyday practice.

Episode 45 - Vision and Dementia: Modifying risk for better outcomes

Dementia is commonly associated with a decline in memory, language, problem-solving, and other cognitive skills, which can interfere with a person’s ability to perform everyday activities. However, it is less widely recognised that dementia may also impact the brain's ability to process visual information, leading to vision problems even in healthy eyes.

Research highlights that vision loss is a modifiable risk factor for dementia, emphasising the crucial role optometrists can play in mitigating this risk. By correcting vision and, when necessary, providing timely referrals for treatable vision issues, optometrists are well-positioned to make a meaningful impact.

This episode of Sound Optometry expands on the Docet webinar Dementia and Optometry: Research and Practice, which was presented by Dr Rakhee Shah, an optometrist, lecturer and researcher at City St George’s - University of London, and Mr Simon Raw, a domiciliary optometrist at The Outside Clinic.

In this podcast, Michelle and Rakhee explore the connection between dementia and eye health, while Simon provides tips on optimising examinations for patients with dementia. Fadi Alfaqawi, a consultant ophthalmic surgeon for Optegra, discusses how to determine the best course of action for patients requiring advanced visual corrections, such as cataract surgery.

An additional reading element consolidates the learning on this topic.

Subscribe to the series on your preferred podcast player so you don’t miss an episode. You can access all episodes of Sound Optometry here.

First published: January 2025
Last reviewed: October 2025

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Learning outcomes

Communication

s.1 Listen to patients and ensure they are at the heart of decisions made about their care

Knowledge about when to involve family members in decisions about a patient’s eye care.

s.2 Communicate effectively with patients

Able to communicate effectively with patients that have dementia, adapting language and using support tools where needed.

Clinical Practice

s.5 Keep your knowledge and skills up to date

Understand the relationship between visual impairment and dementia.

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

Able to conduct appropriate assessments, examinations, treatments and referrals when managing a patient with dementia.

Unit 1 - Dementia audio track (~25 min)

Audio track
Please listen to the podcast available here or through your preferred podcast listening app. Select the blue arrow at the bottom of the player to access various podcast apps.
Key points

Research finds that dementia and visual loss are connected

Improving vision can modify the progression of dementia

Retinal biomarkers for dementia and the use of wide field fundus imaging

Understanding the daily challenges that dementia patients may encounter

How to make your eye examination dementia-friendly

Capacity to consent and when to involve the family

Considering earlier referral for cataract surgery
Best interests meeting in a medical setting.

Unit 2 - Required reading (~20 min)

Risk factors for dementia infographic

More information

References
1. Shang X, Zhu Z, Huang Y, et al. (2023) Associations of ophthalmic and systemic conditions with incident dementia in the UK Biobank. British Journal of Ophthalmology; 107, pp 275-282
URL2. Smith J, Huang A, Zhou Y, et al. (2024) Vision Impairment and the Population Attributable Fraction of Dementia in Older Adults. JAMA Ophthalmol; 142(10), pp 900–908 [Accessed Jan 2025] URL Opens in a new window.
URL3. College of Optometrists. Examining patients with dementia or other acquired cognitive impairment. Guidance for Professional Practice. Knowledge, skills and performance. [Accessed Jan 2025] URL Opens in a new window.
URL4. College of Optometrists (2016) Member briefing: The Prevalence of Visual Impairment in Dementia (PrOVIDe) project. (College members only) [Accessed Jan 2025] URL Opens in a new window.
URL5. Alzheimer's Society, Become a Dementia Friend [Accessed Jan 2025] URL Opens in a new window.
Docet would like to thank the following for their contribution to this programme:
Dr Rakhee Shah PhD, BSc (Hons), MCOptom - Global Medical and Scientific Affairs (private sector) and honorary Senior Research Fellow at City and St George’s University, London.
Mr Simon Raw BSc (Hons), MCOptom, Prof Cert Glauc - CPD and Universities lead: Outside Clinic and guest lecturer.
Mr Fadi Alfaqawi MBBCh, FRCOphth - Consultant ophthalmic surgeon for Optegra.

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