On stage at 100% Optical: Peer review: Supporting your patients with additional needs

In the lead-up to 100% Optical 2024, OT reached out to a selection of speakers from the education programme to find out more about the sessions on offer, the topics that will be explored, and what visitors can expect.

Could you share insight into the topic your session will cover?

We are providing a discussion workshop based around the management of three patients: an adult with learning disabilities, a child with autism and an adult with low vision. We will cover aspects of making services accessible, the introduction of reasonable adaptations, and look at the specific barriers and facilitators to eye care for these patients. We aim to give delegates an opportunity and safe space to ask questions around adapting services too.

What are the key messages you wish to highlight?

The workshop will raise awareness of barriers to care and simple improvements that can be made to ensure equity of care regardless of the person’s particular circumstance. One key message is around what reasonable adaptations are and identifying some simple changes that benefit everyone.

Who is this topic for? Who might benefit the most from joining?

Optometrists and dispensing opticians will benefit from this discussion. In addition, anyone who is responsible for the governance of service provision.

One key message is around what reasonable adaptations are and identifying some simple changes that benefit everyone

What do you hope the top takeaway will be for attendees?

It is an opportunity for people to come to the realisation that providing accessible services is rewarding for patients and practitioners, and that reasonable adaptations do not have to be complicated or expensive.

2024 marks 10 years of 100% Optical. How do you feel about being part of a milestone year for the optical show?

We are really pleased to be part of this milestone event. We’ve been representing RNIB for several years and it has proved more popular each year. We are very happy that 100% Optical is forward-thinking in providing topics around accessibility to be given a platform at the event, enabling the voices of underserved communities to be highlighted.

Read more of OT’s coverage ahead of 100% Optical here.

Sign-up for the show online.