docet

This course expired on 30 April 2025. If you have completed this course, you can print your certificate here. 

This course has been replaced with our The Young Eye: Development of Vision, Part 1 course, reissued in April 2025.

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.

No CPD Points

In this programme, experts look at how to adapt the routine eye check when examining elderly patients including communication, ocular examination and refraction. It provides guidance on techniques to use and how best to modify an examination to ensure that elderly patients get the highest level of care and their individual needs are addressed.

Topics: Communication, Ocular examination, Refraction, Binocular vision, Charts, Pupils, Visual fields, Legal, Visual assessment, Retinoscopy, Ophthalmoscopy, LogMAR, Contrast sensitivity, Lighting.

No CPD Points

Domains: Clinical practice, Communication

This recorded lecture by consultant ophthalmic surgeon, Professor Heinrich Heimann provides an overview of the most important malignancies and pre-malignancies of the ocular surface and anterior chamber and how to spot them.

Topics: Melanoma, Lymphoma, Naevus, Tumour, Conjunctiva, Ciliary body, Iris, Anterior chamber, Pigment, Cyst, Metastisis, Papilloma, Squamous cell. 

CPD Ref: C-113553

CPD Points:

CPD Type: Non-interactive

Closing Date: 31 March 2026

Domains: Communication, Clinical practice

This recorded lecture by Dr Aleksandra Mankowska explores four case studies involving patients with binocular vision problems. Each case includes a discussion of presenting symptoms, appropriate clinical assessments and management strategies, offering optometrists practical insights into the diagnosis and treatment of common binocular vision issues.

Topics: Paediatric, Multiple sclerosis, Convergence insufficiency, Esophoria, Exophoria, Prism, Fusional reserves, Stereopsis, Cycloplegic, Tropia, Microtropia, Convergence weakness, Refraction, Amblyopia, Nystagmus.

CPD Ref: C-110271

CPD Points:

CPD Type: Non-interactive

Closing Date: 31 March 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

This recorded webinar with Mr Neil Retallic presents key findings from recent contact lens research published in the BCLA Contact Lens Evidence Based Academic Reports (CLEAR) and discusses how it can help shape contact lens practice. The presentation provides clinical pearls on how to best relate to contact lens wearer’s individual needs and take a patient centric evidence-based approach, to maximise success with contact lens wear.

Topics: Soft, RGP multifocal, Presbyopia, Fitting, Aftercare, Evidence-based, CLD, Complications, BCLA, Toric.

CPD Ref: C-110444

CPD Points:

CPD Type: Non-interactive

Closing Date: 31 March 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.

CPD Ref: C-112573

CPD Points:

CPD Type: Non-interactive

Closing Date: 31 March 2026

Domains: Clinical Practice, Communication

In this recorded webinar, Dr Rosalind Creer, lead optometrist at Manchester Royal Eye Hospital, discusses the signs and symptoms of diabetic retinopathy. She provides an overview of the diabetic eye-screening programme, including recent updates. The lecture also covers referral pathways, treatment options, and key indicators for initiating treatment.

Topics: Diabetes, Diabetic retinopathy, Diabetic maculopathy, Diabetic retinal screening programme, HbA1c, Panretinal photocoagulation, Anti-vegf treatment, Diabetic eye disease.

No CPD Points

Domains: Clinical practice

This recorded webinar, hosted by Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon Raman Malhotra, will help optometrists to identify and manage commonly occurring suspicious eyelid conditions. It will cover both benign and malignant eyelid lesions as well as discuss the features, diagnosis, management and referral of the conditions by community optometrists. At the end of the webinar, Mr Malhotra answers questions raised during the lecture.  

Topics: Lids, Malignant, Benign, BCC, Carcinoma, Oncology, Meibomian, Tumour, Squamous cell, Melanoma, Chalazion, Molluscum, Naevus, Papilloma, Xanthelasma.

CPD Ref: C-106052

CPD Points:

CPD Type: Non-interactive

Closing Date: 31 December 2025

Domains: Clinical practice 

In this recorded lecture, led by Mr Paddy Gunn, optometrists are given an opportunity to assess and reflect on their optic disc interpretation skills for a range of patient cases.  The cases review the key elements to look out for when examining the optic disc, other information to consider and how to use technology, such as OCT, to effectively support the management of glaucoma suspects.

Topics: Visual fields, Tonometry, Glaucoma, OCT, IOP, Normal tension, Ocular hypertension, Optic pit, Optic nerve, RNFL.

CPD Points: 

CPD Type: Non-interactive

Closing Date: 31 December 2025

Domains: Communication, Professionalism

Topics: Learning disabilities, Genetics,  Down’s syndrome, Autism, Cerebral palsy, Asperger syndrome, Communication, Visual impairment, Williams syndrome, Fragile X syndrome, Chromosome, Congenital, Amblyopia, Refractive error, Strabismus, Accommodation, Cataracts, Binocular vision.

CPD Ref: C-108782

CPD Points:

CPD Type: Non-interactive

Closing Date: 31 March 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.

CPD Ref: C-111770

CPD Points:

CPD Type: Non-interactive

Closing Date: 31 March 2026

Domains: Clinical Practice, Professionalism

In 2022, the Royal College of Ophthalmologists updated guidelines on angle closure disease. In this recorded webinar, Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon Ms Nishani Amerasinghe provides an overview of PAC, PACS, and PACS+, covering risk assessment, symptom recognition, examination techniques, and appropriate patient management.

Topics: Anterior chamber angle, Van Herick, OCT, Gonioscopy, Referral, Glaucoma: Part 1, Management, Treatment.

No CPD Points

Domains: Clinical practice, Communication

This lecture by consultant ophthalmic surgeon, Professor Heinrich Heimann, will improve optometrists’ skills in differentiating between benign and suspicious fundus lesions that require monitoring or referral. It focuses on the more common causes including choroidal naevus, choroidal melanoma and CHRPE and includes imaging, referral and monitoring strategies.

Topics: Fundus, Retina, Pigmented, Malignant, Tumour, Choroidal, Melanoma, Naevi, CHRPE, Vortex vein ampulla, Peripheral disciform, OCT, Referral, Oncology.

No CPD Points

Domains: Clinical practice, Professionalism

This lecture, by consultant ophthalmologist Damian Lake, covers different acute red eye conditions particularly in contact lens wearers. It discusses the management of both those that can be treated in practice, and others, such as infective causes, where urgent referral to the Hospital Eye Service is required.

Topics: Contact lenses, Ulcers, Microbial keratitis, Ocular allergy, Viral, Bacterial, Fungal, Allergic, Infiltrate, Hygiene, Infection, Acanthamoeba, Abrasion.

No CPD Points

Domains: Communication, Leadership & Accountability

This filmed lecture, which initially took place as a webinar during the Covid 19 pandemic, will increase your confidence in examining patients remotely, ensuring they are managed safely and referred when required.

Topics: Red eye, Record keeping, Triage, Referral, Acute presentation, Ocular disease, Reduced vision, Virtual.

CPD Ref: C-107759

CPD Points:

CPD Type: Non-interactive

Closing Date: 31 March 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.

No CPD Points

Domains: Clinical practice, Professionalism

In this episode, we hear from both parent and child as they share their experiences with myopia management using soft contact lenses. Michelle Hanratty then speaks with optometrist Kathryn Webber about best practices in myopia management. Together, they discuss how to identify suitable candidates and offer practical advice on how to communicate the potential benefits of myopia management to patients and their families.

Topics: Myopia management, Risk factors for myopia, Communication, Fitting contact lenses in children, Pathological myopia.

No CPD Points

Domains: Clinical practice

In this recorded lecture, Dr Lindsay Rountree explores non-glaucomatous visual fields, covering the choice of test, interpretation of field plots, and appropriate referral. At the end of the lecture, Dr Rountree answers questions raised during her talk. 

Topics: Neurological, Threshold, Visual pathway, Hemianopia, Quadranopia, Pituitary, Tumour, Stroke.

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.

CPD Ref: C-112006

CPD Points:

CPD Type: Non-interactive 

Closing Date: 19 December 2025

Domains: Clinical Practice, Communication

This episode is a follow-up to the Docet webinar PAC, PACS, and PACS+ in Focus. Michelle is joined by consultant ophthalmic surgeon Nishani Amerasinghe, and together they recap the essential takeaways for optometrists, including key insights into primary angle closure disease and potential treatment options, as well as long-term patient management within community practice.

Topics: Primary Angle Closure (PAC), Anterior angle assessment, Glaucoma, Risk factors for PAC, Referrals, Communication, Management in primary care.

CPD Ref: C-113697

CPD Points:

CPD Type: Non-interactive 

Closing Date: 31 March 2026

Domains: Clinical Practice, Specialty CPD (IP)

Around half of the UK population experiences a skin condition each year, and optometrists often encounter ocular or periocular effects of conditions such as eczema and rosacea. In this episode of Sound Optometry, dermatologist Dr Bryan Murphy discusses common skin conditions seen in community practice and advises when optometrists can manage them or should refer. 

Topics: Atopy, Eczema, Dermatitis, Psoriasis, Allergies, Benign lesions, Malignant lesions, Auto-immune disease, Prescribing, Topical steroids.

CPD Ref: C-112661

CPD Points:

CPD Type: Non-interactive 

Closing Date: 31 March 2026

Domains: Clinical Practice, Communication

This episode builds on Dr Rosalind Creer’s Docet webinar Joining the dots (and blots) of diabetic retinopathy, addressing attendee questions and exploring the more subtle characteristics of the condition that can cause management dilemmas. Dr Creer also discusses recent updates to the Diabetic Eye Screening Programme, including community-based monitoring, referral guidelines and available treatments.

Topics: Diabetes, Diabetic retinopathy, Diabetic maculopathy, Diabetic Eye Screening Programme, Retinal grading, Diabetic retinopathy treatments, Communication, Referrals.

CPD Ref: C-113373

CPD Points:

CPD Type: Non-interactive 

Closing Date: 31 March 2026

Domains: Communication, Clinical Practice

Building on Episode 51’s discussion of brain tumours, this episode features optometrist Lorcan Butler from the Brain Tumour Charity, who explains how he helps eyecare practitioners recognise suspicious neuro-ophthalmological signs and symptoms.

Topics: Brain tumours, Neuro-ophthalmology, Idiopathic intracranial hypertension, Papilloedema, Optic disc drusen, Optic disc, Communication, Referrals, Breaking bad news.

CPD Ref: C-114117

CPD Points:

CPD Type: Non-interactive 

Closing Date: 31 March 2026

Domains: Clinical Practice, Communication

Headache disorders affect around 40% of the global population yet remain widely underrecognised and undertreated, with many patients not receiving appropriate diagnosis or care. In this episode, experts discuss how optometrists and GPs investigate headache symptoms, distinguish between ocular and non-ocular causes and communicate effectively to support accurate assessment and referral.  

Topics: Headache, Migraine, Stress, Menopause, Brain tumour, Papilloedema, Neuropathy, Asthenopia. 

CPD Ref: C-112369

CPD Points:

CPD Type: Non-interactive 

Closing Date: 31 March 2026

Domains: Professionalism

Since COVID-19, enhanced optometric services have expanded across the UK, with Integrated Care Boards now commissioning a wider range of care, including paediatric and glaucoma services. In this episode, Michelle speaks with Dharmesh Patel and Hayley Moore about the evolution of community optometry and shares tips for optometrists looking to upskill and get involved.

Topics: Enhanced Optometric Services, Referral refinement, Glaucoma, Paediatric eyecare, CUES, MECS.

CPD Ref: C-112818

CPD Points:

CPD Type: Non-interactive 

Closing Date: 31 March 2026

Domains: Communication, Professionalism

Around one-third of those with a brain tumour experience visual problems, making optometrists key in early detection, though they should also be aware of non-visual symptoms. In this episode, optometrist Connor McCann shares his personal experience with a brain tumour to help colleagues improve their communication and empathy when delivering difficult news. 

Topics: Brain tumours, Neuro-ophthalmology, Communication, Professionalism, Epilepsy, Referrals, Breaking bad news, Health and safety in the workplace. 

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. 

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: 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.

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.

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: Clinical practice, Communication

In this episode, we hear from a patient diagnosed with conjunctival melanoma, before Michelle Hanratty speaks with Professor Heinrich Heimann about lesions of the ocular surface and anterior chamber. Their discussion explores how to recognise key signs, identify associated risk factors and approach the investigation, management and treatment of affected patients.

Topics: Conjunctival lesions, Uveal lesions, Ocular tumours, Referrals.

No CPD Points

Domains: Clinical practice, Leadership and Accountability

In this episode, Michelle Hanratty discusses the two-way risk of infection in optometric practice with Dr Conor Meehan. The conversation is followed by a real-life case study of a workplace-acquired ocular infection, presented by ophthalmologist Arijit Mitra, who highlights the serious consequences of lapses in infection prevention and control.

Topics: Infection prevention and control, Hand hygiene, Reuse of instruments, Contact lenses.

No CPD Points

In this episdoe, we hear about a clinical scenario where papilloedema was detected in a young girl. Michelle Hanratty then discusses the topic of papilloedema, its presentation, causes and potential treatment with consultant neuro-ophthalmologist Naz Raoof.

Topics: Communication, Neuro-ophthalmology, Optic disc anomalies, Papilloedema, OCT.

Area of interest: MECS.

No CPD Points

In this episode, Michelle speaks with consultant ophthalmologist Arijit Mitra about his personal experience with cataract. We also hear from Ajai Tyagi, who shares his insights from a surgical perspective. The episode wraps up with valuable advice from both surgeons on referral practices and postoperative care for cataract patients. 

Topics: Cataract, Referrals, Patient communication, Monovision.

No CPD Points

In this episode, we explore a clinical case in which idiopathic intracranial hypertension resulted in severe visual symptoms and bilateral optic disc swelling. Michelle then discusses the key features of papilloedema, including its presentation, underlying causes and differential diagnoses, with neuro-ophthalmologist Dr Denize Atan. The second part of the episode focuses on the unilateral causes of optic disc swelling, offering a deeper understanding of how they differ from bilateral presentations. 

Topics: Optic disc drusen, Optic disc swelling, Optic neuritis, Optic neuropathy, Papilloedema, Referrals.