Reading List

The resources below expand on topics covered in this course. Some documents are aimed at clinicians, managers or other health and care staff; apply their guidance within your role, supervision and local procedures.

Dementia awareness and communication

• Skills for Health - Dementia Training Standards Framework
  https://www.skillsforhealth.org.uk/app/uploads/2026/03/Dementia-Training-Standards-Framework-Final.pdf
  Defines dementia training tiers from basic awareness to specialist practice.
• NHS - About dementia
  https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/dementia/about-dementia/
  A plain-language overview of dementia, common symptoms and why it is not a normal part of ageing.
• NHS - Sudden confusion (delirium)
  https://www.nhs.uk/symptoms/confusion/
  Guidance on recognising sudden confusion, when urgent medical help is needed and what to do while waiting.
• NICE NG97 - Dementia: assessment, management and support
  https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng97
  Authoritative guidance on assessment, care, support and involving carers.
• Alzheimer's Society - How to communicate with somebody who has dementia
  https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/about-dementia/stages-and-symptoms/dementia-symptoms/how-to-communicate-dementia
  Practical communication tips relevant to reception, retail and appointments in optical practice.
• Alzheimer's Society - Communicating with a person with dementia and sensory impairment
  https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/about-dementia/stages-and-symptoms/dementia-symptoms/communicating-dementia-sensory-impairment
  Notes on how sight and hearing loss interact with dementia and how to adjust communication.
• Alzheimer's Society - Resources for organisations
  https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/get-involved/dementia-friends/dementia-friendly-resources
  Materials designed to support customer-facing services in becoming more dementia-friendly.

Optical guidance and standards

• College of Optometrists - Dementia and the eye examination
  https://www.college-optometrists.org/clinical-guidance/supplementary-guidance/dementia-and-the-eye-examination
  Clinical guidance for examining patients living with dementia.
• College of Optometrists - Examining patients with dementia or other acquired cognitive impairment
  https://www.college-optometrists.org/clinical-guidance/guidance/knowledge%2C-skills-and-performance/examining-patients-with-dementia-or-other-acquired
  Guidance to help registrants plan adapted examinations and follow-up care.
• GOC - Care of patients in vulnerable circumstances
  https://optical.org/standards-and-guidance/guidance/care-of-patients-in-vulnerable-circumstances.html
  GOC advice on supporting patients who require additional care or protection.
• GOC - Standards for Optical Businesses
  https://optical.org/standards-and-guidance/standards/standards-for-optical-businesses.html
  Business standards covering safe care, suitable environments, clear communication, consent, confidentiality, governance and staff support.

Accessible information and capacity

• NHS England - Accessible Information Standard implementation guidance
  https://www.england.nhs.uk/long-read/accessible-information-standard-implementation-guidance/
  Guidance on identifying, recording, flagging and meeting communication needs linked to disability, impairment or sensory loss.
• GOV.UK - Mental Capacity Act Code of Practice
  https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/mental-capacity-act-code-of-practice
  England and Wales guidance on assessing decision-specific capacity, supporting decision-making and acting in a person's best interests.
• Scottish Government - Adults with Incapacity Act principles
  https://www.gov.scot/publications/adults-with-incapacity-act-principles/
  Principles for supporting and protecting adults who may lack capacity for some decisions in Scotland.
• Department of Health Northern Ireland - Mental Capacity Act code of practice and key documents
  https://www.health-ni.gov.uk/articles/mental-capacity-act-code-practice-and-other-key-documents
  Guidance and practice documents on capacity law in Northern Ireland.

Use these sources alongside local booking procedures, accessible-information processes, confidentiality rules, safeguarding routes and registrant or manager guidance.