Optometrists are well-placed to make a lasting difference in the experience of autistic patients and new research from Autism Spectrum Australia (Aspect) shows how simple changes to communication and pacing can make eye care more inclusive, practical and comfortable.
Conducted through the Aspect Research Centre for Autism Practice (ARCAP), the multi-stage study explored the experiences of autistic adults, parents of autistic children and eye care professionals.
It revealed that while most clinicians are motivated to provide supportive care, few have access to structured autism training.
Dr Chris Edwards, Research Fellow at ARCAP and lead author of the study, says the findings confirm that clinical expertise isn’t the barrier; it’s how appointments are structured and communicated that makes the most significant difference.
“Autistic patients told us the experience feels much more manageable when information is clear, when the pace allows time to think before responding, and when sensory considerations are taken seriously,” Dr Edwards said.
“These adjustments don’t change the clinical goals of the examination. They create conditions where the patient can participate more comfortably, which in turn supports more accurate assessment and trust in the care being provided.”
Common barriers and simple fixes
The research identified key challenges autistic people face in eye care settings, including bright lights, noisy waiting rooms, unfamiliar equipment, unclear communication and feeling rushed.
While these factors can make the experience overwhelming, Aspect’s findings show that straightforward adjustments can transform the appointment:
- Ask about sensory or communication preferences when booking appointments
- Provide a brief outline of what to expect, or share photos of the clinic and equipment ahead of time
- Give notice before using bright lights, eye drops or unfamiliar tools
- Allow extra time between instructions and responses
- Offer quieter waiting options or appointments during less busy times.
“These are small shifts in communication and pacing rather than major changes to clinical practice. They help the patient participate more comfortably and confidently, which also supports better clinical outcomes,” said Dr Edwards.
Understanding the training gap
In the international survey of 198 eye care professionals, most practitioners expressed a strong interest in improving accessibility, but only 14% had completed any formal autism-specific education.
Dr Edwards says the gap isn’t due to a lack of empathy or willingness; it’s about access to practical, eye-care-focused resources.
“Clinicians are already skilled at adapting their approach. What’s missing are clear, usable tools to make appointments feel more predictable and manageable for autistic patients.” To help close that gap, Aspect has released a professional resource, Accessible Eye Care for Autistic People, which provides simple communication strategies, environmental considerations and sample language that can be easily integrated into day-to-day practice.
Working with parents and carers
Parents and carers often bring valuable insights into what helps an autistic child or adult feel comfortable. Asking what has worked well in the past can guide communication, reduce anxiety and help the appointment run more smoothly.
However, Dr Edwards stresses the importance of addressing the patient directly wherever possible.
“Even if a caregiver is helping to explain or support, the autistic person should still be addressed, included and given time to respond in their own way.
When the clinician, patient and caregiver work together, the experience becomes more respectful and less stressful for everyone.”
Building inclusion into professional education
Aspect estimates that at least one-in-40 Australians is autistic and that they are more likely to experience vision conditions than the general population.
“Optometry clinics are already supporting autistic people, whether this has been recognised or not. And it’s not just the optometrist who matters. Reception staff and optical dispensers also shape the patient experience. Awareness needs to be shared across the whole clinic,” said Dr Edwards.
He also hopes to see autism inclusion built into optometry education and championed at a policy level.
“Accessible care should be supported and expected, not left for individual clinicians to figure out alone. When we design care that works for autistic people, we improve it for everyone,” said Dr Edwards.
Learn more
- Aspect’s summary: Eye care for Autistic people
- Research article: Experiences of Autistic adults and parents
- Research article: Eye care professionals’ perspectives
- Autism, vision and eye care resources (University of Manchester)
- Services: Aspect's Autism Friendly team
