Eye care professionals motivated to support Autistic patients but call for more training and practical guidance
Sydney, NSW - New research from Aspect (Autism Spectrum Australia) has revealed that Autistic people face significant barriers when accessing eye care, highlighting the need for more inclusive and affirming services across Australia.
The multi-stage study, conducted by Aspect’s Research Centre for Autism Practice (ARCAP) in partnership with international collaborators, explored the experiences of Autistic adults, parents of Autistic children and eye care professionals. The findings highlight how everyday aspects of eye care, from sensory sensitivities to communication styles, can profoundly shape an Autistic person’s experience in the clinic.
Dr Chris Edwards, Research Fellow, ARCAP said eye health is essential for everyone, but for Autistic people, the experience of accessing care can often be overwhelming.
“From bright lights and noisy waiting rooms to unclear communication or rushed appointments, these barriers can make it difficult for Autistic people to get the support they need,” said Dr Edwards. “Small, thoughtful changes can make an enormous difference.”
The first study surveyed 127 Autistic adults and 69 parents of Autistic children. Participants described a range of barriers to accessible eye care, including:
- Sensory discomfort during eye exams including sensitivities to light, sound and touch.
- Anxiety or stress in unfamiliar environments.
- Unclear instructions and limited understanding about autism from practitioners.
- Feeling rushed or pressured to make decisions, such as when choosing frames.
- Financial costs and limited flexibility in scheduling.
Parents of Autistic children reported similar challenges, particularly around communication, sensory distress and the use of eye drops or unfamiliar equipment.
When asked what would make eye care more accessible, participants consistently called for:
- Eye care staff with greater understanding of autism.
- Calm, reassuring environments.
- Clear, plain-language communication.
- Visual supports and information provided before appointments.
- Flexible scheduling and the ability to take breaks.
Inga, an Autistic adult, said understanding and communication can make all the difference. “It really depends on how well they interact with you,” said Inga. “Clear communication that shows real understanding of my sensory experiences and needs, along with patience and awareness, can transform the appointment for me."
Professionals eager to improve but need more support
The second part of the research surveyed 198 eye care professionals internationally, revealing that while most practitioners are motivated to provide good care, few have received formal training on autism.
- 61 percent of professionals had a personal or professional connection to autism.
- Yet, only 14 percent had completed formal autism training.
- Confidence levels were generally moderate to high, but many expressed a need for more guidance and practical resources.
Dr Paul Constable, an Adelaide-based optometrist, said giving time and listening well may be the most valuable tools to supporting people on the autism spectrum. “Every patient is different, and I adapt my technique depending on their needs,” said Dr Constable. “For Autistic patients, that might mean allowing extra time for the appointment, explaining each step carefully before starting and being flexible with how we conduct tests. Also engaging with the parent as they are the best person to explain how best to communicate with their child.”
Making change possible
Through analysis of more than 600 participant comments, Aspect researchers identified three key themes:
- It all comes down to how they interact with you – The quality of communication and interpersonal interactions strongly shaped whether experiences were positive or distressing.
- The experience is too much – Many Autistic people described the sensory and emotional overwhelm of standard clinical settings, many of which are based in busy shopping centres.
- Financial barriers put care out of reach – The cost of specialist appointments and prescription glasses was a major obstacle for many Autistic adults.
To support change, Aspect has published a new professional guide, Accessible Eye Care for Autistic People, which provides practical strategies for creating inclusive environments and communication approaches tailored to individual needs. The guide draws directly on voices of Autistic people, families and clinicians and offers actionable steps for each stage of the appointment process, from pre-visit communication to clinical examination and follow-up.
Dr Chris Edwards added, “Our goal is to bridge understanding between Autistic people and healthcare providers. When professionals understand how to adapt the environment and communication style, they can deliver care that feels safe, respectful and effective for everyone.”
Aspect estimates one in 40 Australians are on the autism spectrum.
Next steps
Aspect’s research forms part of its broader commitment to improving healthcare access for Autistic people and promoting autism-informed practice across disciplines. The organisation hopes the findings will encourage eye care providers, universities, and professional associations to integrate autism inclusion into training and policy.
To access the full guide or learn more about Aspect’s autism and eye care research, visit www.aspect.org.au/our-research/latest-research/eye-care
For more information or to arrange an interview:
Karen Keech 0411 052 408 karen@establishedpr.com.au
About Aspect
Aspect (Autism Spectrum Australia) is one of Australia’s largest autism-specific service providers, with one of the world’s most extensive autism-specific educational programs. A not-for-profit organisation, we work in partnership with people of all ages on the autism spectrum to co-develop, co-produce and co-deliver supports and services that are individualised, goal driven and grounded in evidence-based practices.
