Current optometry and ophthalmic dispensing learners will be practising in a world where AI is ever present. It is essential that they have the grounding and knowledge of how to use it whilst also being wary of its capabilities. Tom Margrain and Amy Sheppard give their insights into how AI is being incorporated into optometry teaching.

Guest contributor, Dr Maggie Woodhouse, OBE gives her advice on how optometry and ophthalmic dispensing learners can interact with patients with learning disabilities.

Treating paediatric patients in optometry requires adapting communication strategies to accommodate their developmental stages, emotional responses, and individual needs.

To follow on from January's feature by Dr Peter Frampton, ABDO's Alex Webster and Max Halford give their insights into opportunities for advanced practice for dispensing and contact lens opticians.

Teaching optometry students how to delegate effectively enhances both clinical and professional development. Dispensing Optician, Cheryl Hill gives her thoughts on how optometry and ophthalmic dispensing learners can develop delegation skills.

Dr Peter Frampton, a visiting lecturer for Independent Prescribing at the University of Hertfordshire, and Honorary Lecturer at Manchester University gives his view of opportunities to engage in advanced practice.

Whilst clinical professionals are committed to providing excellent care, complaints can and do arise. This month we discuss strategies to help students effectively manage complaints.

Consent is a legal obligation and fundamental ethical principle in healthcare. Approaches and style must be adapted according to the individual patient.

This month we look at ways in which optometry and ophthalmic dispensing learners can employ an adaptive and personalised approach to patient care.

David Jameson, optometrist, discusses how to help students know when to call in the supervisor, and how to encourage effective clinical decision making in trainees.

Whilst all courses should equip learners with the knowledge and skills to do well in exam situations, they can be a source of anxiety, so must be managed to ensure optimal performance.

Optical professionals place great emphasis on making decisions based on evidence, but it can be difficult to connect research findings with the patient experience. Specialist Optometrist, Matt Roney answers key questions on how to develop decision making skills in learners.