How can neurodegenerative diseases such as dementia and Parkinson’s Disease impact eye health, and how can optometrists help? This presentation aims to help optometrists who see people living with dementia or Parkinson’s Disease “every now and then”, by providing an overview of these two most common neurodegenerative diseases and how they can interact with eye health. Alongside this, helpful information is provided from recent research to support provision of primary eyecare for people with cognitive impairment.
Learning Objectives:
- Understand why the optometrist has an important role in routine care for people living with dementia and/or Parkinson Disease.
- Understand the relationship between cognitive impairment associated with dementia, eye care access inequities and poor visual outcomes.
- Understand how dementia and Parkinson Disease can impact ocular motility and binocular function, and what to look for during the routine eye examination.
- Learn ways to modify your approach during the routine eye examination to accommodate cognitive impairment.
