docet

No CPD Points

Domains: Leadership and accountability 

In this recorded lecture, an expert panel lead by Philippa Shaw explores the leadership role that all optometrists need to take in community practice and how they may influence colleagues in their team. The panel discusses common situations that occur in everyday practice, as well as optometrists’ responsibilities.  

Topics: Referrals, Multi-disciplinary, Governance, Records, Delegated tasks, Pre-screening, Audit, Supervision.

No CPD Points

Domains: Leadership and accountability

In this episode, a follow-up to the Docet webinar, Are all optometrists clinical leaders?, Michelle Hanratty discusses the concepts of leadership with Mat Pickering, General Manager of Optegra UK. Brian McCotter joins in to signpost resources that are available to help optometrists ensure that they are meeting requirements for supervision, record keeping and clinical governance.

Topics: Leadership, Accountability, Supervision, GOC standards of practice, Clinical governance, Audit.

No CPD Points

Domains: Clinical practice, Professionalism

In this episode, Janice McCrudden talks to host Michelle Hanratty about the stark reality of hydroxychloroquine retinopathy when it is discovered too late. We hear about the patient and optometrist experience of a pilot monitoring scheme in Wales, before Michelle explores the toxicity effects of hydroxychloroquine with Consultant Ophthalmologist Rhianon Reynolds. 

Topics: Medical retina, Hydroxychloroquine toxicity, Retinopathy, Maculopathy, Referrals, Monitoring pathways, Autoimmune disease.

No CPD Points

Domains: Clinical practice, Communication

In this episode we first hear a patient case study; later, Patrick Gunn reflects on how his professional development and training has led to a specialist qualification in glaucoma. The second part of the podcast answers some of the questions asked by the glaucoma webinar attendees and delves into optic disc interpretation in detail. Presenter Michelle Hanratty and Patrick discuss the early signs to look out for in glaucomatous discs and how these relate to other findings such as OCT and visual fields.

Topics: Glaucoma, Referrals, Intraocular pressure, Monitoring pathways, Optic disc, OCT, Visual fields.

No CPD Points

Domains: Clinical practice

In this episode, we hear about England’s diabetic retinopathy screening programme, with a 'fly on the wall' recording of a screening appointment within the NHS. Dr Cathy Egan explains how AI systems work and reveals how the potential of AI will improve services to the public and increase research capability. We then hear from consultant ophthalmologist Sajjad Mahmood about current treatments for patients at risk of vision loss.

Topics: Glaucoma, Referrals, Intraocular pressure, Monitoring pathways, Optic disc, OCT, Visual fields.

No CPD Points

Domains: Clinical practice, Communication

In this episode, Michelle speaks with a highly myopic patient as well as a parent of highly myopic children about myopia’s impact on lifestyle and ocular health, and their hopes and fears for the future. We also hear from Kathryn Webber about recent myopia management research, advancements and guidance.

Topics: Myopia management, High myopia, Risk factors for myopia, Communication, Pathological myopia.

No CPD Points

Domains: Clinical practice, Communication

In this episode, Michelle speaks with Dr David Lockington about how to get the balance right when explaining the risks and benefits of cataract surgery to patients. The consent process is explored in depth and David shares a surgeon’s insight into the risks that make a cataract surgery more complex, but not necessarily complicated. The second part of the podcast concentrates on postoperative complications and the importance of setting patient expectations prior to surgery.

Topics: Cataract surgery, Consent, Cataract complications, Intraocular lenses, Patient care pathways, Communication.

No CPD Points

Domains: Clinical practice, Communication

This episode provides a fly on the wall account of a typical YAG laser procedure. Michelle speaks with specialist optometrists Steven Burge and Don Williams, who reflect on their experiences of the training they underwent to be able to perform key ophthalmic laser techniques before moving on to discuss how they have honed their techniques with experience. 

Topics: Cataract postoperative complications, Posterior capsular opacification, Consent, YAG capsulotomy, Patient care pathways, Glaucoma, Ocular hypertension, Selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT), Ophthalmic lasers, Glaucoma treatment, NICE.

CPD Ref: C-107674

CPD Points: 

CPD Type: Non-interactive

Domains: Clinical practice, Professionalism

In the second part of this two-part course, our experts discuss what you need to consider before fitting a child with contact lenses. They also give helpful advice on how to educate children and their parents about contact lenses and discuss the legal aspects to bear in mind when fitting contact lenses to younger patients.

Topics: Contact lens compliance, Microbial keratitis, Communicating with children, Management of contact lens wear risks, Contact lens teach appointment, Legal considerations of fitting children with contact lenses.

No CPD Points

Domains: Clinical practice, Communication

In this episode, Michelle meets with optometrist Bradley Warwick and one of his patients with geographic atrophy, and they discuss the benefit to patients that regular monitoring can provide. We also hear from consultant ophthalmologist Clare Bailey about the exciting developments in the therapeutic treatment of dry AMD. 

Topics: Age related macular degeneration, Geographic atrophy, Medical retina, Ocular coherent tomography (OCT), Fundus auto-fluorescence, Nutritional supplements, Patient communication, NICE.

CPD Ref: C-107759

CPD Points:

CPD Type: Non-interactive

Closing Date: 31 December 2026

Domains: Clinical practice, Communication

This recorded lecture aims to build the confidence of community optometrists when examining children with special educational needs (SEN). Professor Rachel Pilling provides guidance on adapting your communication and testing approaches to better accommodate children with special needs. Common ocular issues seen in SEN children are addressed, as are the ways in which optometrists can assist both the children and their parents in optimising vision. Recognising when referral is required is also explored.

Topics: Special educational needs, SEN, ASD, ADHD, Cerebral visual impairment, CVI, Atypical visual behaviour, Communication, Retinoscopy, Visual assessment, Refraction, GOS, Dry eye, Referral.

CPD Ref: C-108048

CPD Points: 

CPD Type: Non-interactive

Closing Date: 31 December 2026

Domains: Clinical practice, Specialty CPD (IP)

This is the first part of Docet’s new programme on immunology. Part one covers the basics of the immune system, building a foundation to enable optometrists to understand systemic and ocular immunity and what happens when things go wrong. This course will build current understanding for all optometrists and be useful as a core programme for IP optometrists or those planning to start their IP qualifications.

Topics: Allergy, Immunology, Atopy, Pharmacological, Hypersensitivity, Innate, Autoimmune, Adaptive, Leucocytes, Infection, Immunology series.

No CPD Points

Domains: Clinical practice, Communication

In this episode, we hear from the assistant headteacher and sensory impairment lead of a SEN primary school about the impact of visual dysfunction on SEN children. Michelle then speaks to Professor Rachel Pilling, delving into the potentially daunting task of carrying out an eye examination on children with SEN and providing valuable hints, tips and resources to better equip optometrists and lay the foundations to lifelong eyecare for SEN children. 

Topics: SEN, Special educational needs, Paediatric eyecare, Eye examinations, Cerebral Visual Impairment (CVI).

CPD Ref: C-108280

CPD Points: 

CPD Type: Non-interactive

Closing Date: 31 December 2026

Domains: Clinical practice, Specialty CPD (IP)

This is the second part of Docet’s new programme on immunology and the eye. Part two continues to set the foundation for optometrists in immunology and covers the basics of ocular immunology, allergy, and autoimmune disease. This course will build current understanding for all optometrists and be useful as a core programme for IP optometrists or those planning to start their IP qualifications.

Topics: Allergy, Immunology, Atopy, Pharmacological, Hypersensitivity, Autoimmune, Infection, Cornea, Tears, Conjunctiva, Antibodies, Immunology series.

No CPD Points

Domains: Clinical practice, Communication, Specialty CPD (IP)

In this episode, presenter Michelle Hanratty and Dr Peter Frampton discuss the ocular allergic responses commonly seen in optometric practice and explore their treatment using therapeutic agents. We also hear from a patient who suffered from interstitial keratitis, highlighting how the successful therapeutic management of this case is connected to the immunological response.

Topics: Immunology, Allergic eye disease, Herpes zoster, Independent prescribing.

CPD Ref: C-108643

CPD Points: 

CPD Type: Non-interactive

Closing Date: 31 December 2026

Domains: Clinical practice, Communication, Specialty CPD (IP)

This is the third part of our new course on immunology for optometrists. Part three examines seasonal allergic conjunctivitis (SAC) and perennial allergic conjunctivitis (PAC). It covers the signs, symptoms, and differential diagnosis and offers expert opinions from optometrists and pharmacists on how to investigate and manage the conditions for both non-IP and IP optometrists in community practice.

Topics: Hay fever, Rhinitis, Allergy, Anti-histamines, Immunology, Pharmacy, Allergens, Contact lenses, Mast cell stabilisers, Drugs, Atopy, Pharmacological, Referral, Seasonal, Perennial, Hypersensitivity, Red eye, Immunology series.

No CPD Points

Domains: Communication, Professionalism

In this episode, presenter Michelle Hanratty is joined by Paramdeep Bilku, Clinical Advisor for the College of Optometrists, and IP optometrist Alan Hawrami in discussing the basic principles of evidence-based practice in optometry: What evidence is needed, where it can be found and why it is important.

Topics: Evidence-based practice, Informed consent, Blue blocking lenses, Myopia management, Dry age related macular degeneration, Photo biomodulation treatment, Intense pulsed light treatment.

CPD Ref: C-108946

CPD Points: 

CPD Type: Non-interactive

Closing Date: 31 December 2026

Domains: Clinical practice, Communication, Specialty CPD (IP)

This is the fourth part of our new course on immunology for optometrists. Part four looks at acute allergic conjunctivitis (AAC), atopic keratoconjunctivitis (AKC) and vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC). It covers the signs, symptoms and differential diagnosis and offers expert opinions from optometrists and pharmacists on how to investigate and manage the conditions, for both non-IP and IP optometrists in community practice.

Topics: Allergy, Anti-histamines, Immunology, Pharmacy, Allergens, Mast cell stabilisers, Drugs, Atopy, Pharmacological, Referral, Hypersensitivity, Red eye, Cornea, Spring catarrh, Immunology series.

CPD Ref: C-109068

CPD Points: 

CPD Type: 

Closing Date: 30 June 2026

Domains: Clinical practice, Communication, Specialty CPD (IP)

This is the fifth and final part of our new course on immunology for optometrists. Part five looks at contact lens-associated papillary conjunctivitis (CLAPC) and conjunctivitis medicamentosa (CM). It covers the signs, symptoms and differential diagnosis and offers expert opinions from optometrists and pharmacists on how to investigate and manage the conditions, for both non-IP and IP optometrists in community practice.

Topics: Allergy, Anti-histamines, Immunology, Pharmacy, Allergens, Mast cell stabilisers, Drugs, Atopy, Pharmacological, Referral, Hypersensitivity, Red eye, Cornea, Contact lenses, Glaucoma, Preservatives, GPC, Immunology series.

CPD Ref: C-108782

CPD Points:

CPD Type: Non-interactive

Closing Date: 31 December 2026

Domains: Leadership & Accountability

In this recorded lecture, Richard Edwards, clinical consultant to the Optical Consumer Complaints Service (OCCS), reminds delegates of the leadership role they need to take in practice in order to be more accountable for safe clinical care. Based around three case studies, this session aims to equip optometrists with a greater understanding of the evolving regulatory landscape, enabling them to manage patient concerns and complaints effectively.

Topics: Record keeping, GDPR, Consent, Professionalism.

No CPD Points

Domains: Communication, Leadership & Accountability

In this episode, presenter Michelle interviews OCCS Complaints resolution manager Dawn Slocombe about the process of dealing with complaints. We also hear from Richard Edwards, Clinical advisor to the OCCS,  about the aspects of modern practice that overlap with handling complaints, along with advice on how practitioners can effectively diffuse complaints with minimal consequences.

Topics: Handling complaints, GOC Standards of Practice, Parental responsibility, Safeguarding, Consent, Leadership, Communication.

No CPD Points

Domains: Communication, Clinical Practice

In this episode, presenter Michelle and consultant ophthalmic surgeon Julia Sen discuss typical menopausal changes and subsequent ocular changes, as well as the need to take a more holistic approach in treating menopausal patients. We then hear from Professor Stuti Misra about current research into changes to ocular health in relation to fluctuating or decreasing hormone levels.

Topics: Menopause, Perimenopause, Hormone replacement therapy, Dry eye, Ocular surface disease, Meibomian Gland Dysfunction, Glaucoma, Cataract, Communication.

CPD Ref: C-109302

CPD Points: 

CPD Type: Non-interactive

Domains: Clinical practice, Communication

The second of two programmes discussing the development of vision from birth to 18 years, part two focuses in detail at what visual changes occur from the age of three up to adulthood, looking at age-related visual norms and developmental milestones as Zara grows up.

Topics: Emmetropisation, School vision screening, Myelination, Synaptic pruning, Development of amblyopia, Visual processing issues, Scholastic visual demands, Exotropia, Global motion, Biological motion, Contour integration, Development of colour vision, Visual conversion disorder, Young eye series.

No CPD Points

Domains: Communication, Clinical Practice

Listening to this episode, where presenter Michelle speaks to Professor Omar Mahroo, a consultant ophthalmologist and Professor Rob Henderson, a consultant paediatric ophthalmologist, gives optometrists an update as to where the research and development of gene therapy currently stands, as well as an understanding of who might benefit from referral for diagnosis.

Topics:  Gene therapy, Inherited retinal disease, Communication, Clinical trials, Retinitis pigmentosa, Leber congenital amourosis.  

In this session, delegates are asked to read and discuss the case scenario of a 74-year-old patient who attended a routine postoperative examination five weeks after left eye cataract surgery. 

Topics: Independent prescribing, Cataract, Referrals, Peer review, IP scenarios.

No CPD Points

Domains: Communication, Clinical Practice

In this episode, Michelle Hanratty explores refractive surgery options. She speaks to Professor Clare O’Donnell, Head of Eye Science at Optegra, about laser vision correction. She also discusses refractive lens exchange options with Amir Hamid, a cataract and refractive surgeon and looks at considerations after presbyopic surgery with specialist refractive optometrist Sundeep Vaswani.

Topics: Presbyopia, Spherical aberration, Monovision, EDOF, Multifocals, Intraocular lenses, Phakic intraocular lenses, Visual environment analysis, Managing patient expectations, Communication, Cataract. 

In this session, delegates are asked to read and discuss the case scenario of a patient who attended for an urgent non-routine appointment with his optometrist as he was experiencing a left sore watery eye.

Topics: Independent prescribing, Conjunctivitis Medicamentosa, Topical anti-inflammatory medicines, Referrals, Peer review, IP scenarios.

In this session, delegates are asked to read and discuss the case scenario of a 67-year-old female who attended an emergency appointment at her community optometrist practice complaining of a painful, photophobic eye. 

Topics: Independent prescribing, Cataract, Steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines, Referrals, Peer review, IP scenarios.

In this session, delegates are asked to read and discuss the case scenario of a 70-year-old female who attended for a routine follow-up at a cataract post-operative clinic.  

Topics: Independent prescribing, Steroid related IOP rise, Topical anti-hypertensive therapy, Referrals, Peer review, IP scenarios.

No CPD Points

Domains: Communication, Clinical Practice

In this episode, Michelle Hanratty discusses the vision standards for safety-critical occupations with Professor John Barbur, who has developed a sophisticated colour vision test that is widely used to grade the severity of colour vision deficiency. We also hear from Ian Trimmer, who provides an insight into communicating bad news and why vision can be a particularly sensitive topic. 

Topics: Occupational vision standards, Driving and vision, Colour vision testing, Colour vision deficiency, Communication, Breaking bad news.

CPD Ref: C-110271

CPD Points:

CPD Type: Non-interactive

Closing Date: 31 December 2026

Domains: Clinical Practice, Communication

In this recorded lecture, Professor Sai Kolli, consultant ophthalmic surgeon, looks at corneal dystrophies that appear commonly in practice. He discusses which patients are appropriate for monitoring or management in the community, which need to be referred, and the impact of these conditions when referring patients for surgical treatment. Conditions such as keratoconus and Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy are also covered.

Topics: Referrals, Keratoconus, Fuchs, Endothelium, Recurrent corneal erosion, Tomography, Topography, OCT, Astigmatism, Specular microscopy, Cross-linking, Graft.

No CPD Points

Domains: Communication, Clinical Practice, Specialty CPD (IP)

In this episode, Professor Sai Kolli addresses some of the questions raised during his recent Docet webinar on common corneal conditions. He and Michelle explore different management options for some of these conditions, providing valuable insight into how we can deliver potential diagnoses with more sensitivity. We also hear from a patient who has recently been diagnosed with keratoconus, reminding us that communicating bad news is something that can be difficult to get right.

Topics: Corneal dystrophy, Keratoconus, Fuch’s endothelial corneal dystrophy, Recurrent epithelial corneal erosion, Breaking bad news, Communication, Independent prescribing, Referrals.

CPD Ref: C-110444

CPD Points:

CPD Type: Non-interactive

Closing Date: 31 December 2026

Domains: Clinical Practice, Communication

In this recorded lecture, Dr Rakhee Shah presents the latest research on dementia and its implications for optometry. Mr Simon Raw provides clinical insights on tailoring eye examinations to meet the needs of patients with dementia, along with strategies to ensure they feel safe and comfortable.

Topics: Mental Capacity Act 2005, Falls, Visual assessment and examination, Referral, Communication, History and symptoms, Dispensing, Dementia.

This accredited Level 2 e-learning Safeguarding course expired on 5 December 2025. If you have completed this course, you can print your certificate here.

This course has been replaced with our new updated Safeguarding Adults for Optometrists Level 2 course, issued in December 2025.

CPD Ref: C-110972

CPD Points: 

CPD Type: Non-interactive

Closing Date: 30 June 2026

Domains: Leadership & Accountability, Professionalism 

Accredited Level 2 e-learning, introducing optometrists to the key issues surrounding child abuse. The course explains how to recognise and deal with issues that might arise in optometric practice when working with children. 

Topics: Safeguarding, Legal, At risk, Social services, Abuse, Neglect, Record keeping, Physical, Psychological, Disability, Newly qualified, Sexual, Radicalisation.

No CPD Points

Domains: Communication, Clinical Practice

This podcast episode builds on the Docet webinar Dementia and Optometry: Research and Practice. Michelle speaks with Rakhee Shah and Simon Raw to address attendee questions and reinforce the key messages about the vital connection between vision and dementia. We also hear from Fadi Alfaqawi about how to assess the best course of action for a patient when advanced visual corrections are needed.

Topics: Dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, Cataract, Vision loss, Visual impairment, Vision assessment, Domiciliary eyecare, Communication, Consent, Referrals.

No CPD Points

Domains: Professionalism, Leadership & Accountability

In this episode, Michelle welcomes Neil Retallic, an optometrist and mental welfare researcher who explains why stress and burnout are so prevalent in our profession. We also hear from Dr Nicholas Taylor, consultant psychiatrist, about early interventions to prevent long-term mental health issues.

Topics: Stress, Anxiety, Burnout, Wellbeing, Mental health, Compassion fatigue, Cognitive behavioural therapy.

No CPD Points

Domains: Professionalism, Leadership & Accountability

This episode explores the systemic and neurological effects of chronic stress, highlighting its long-term impact on health. Experts discuss the body’s response to stress, its influence on brain function and behaviour, and strategies to protect mental well-being in healthcare professionals.

Topics: Stress, Anxiety, Wellbeing, Mental health, Brain health, Cortisol, Hormones, Depression, Inflammation, Dementia.