title: The mentally handicapped patient: a perspective.
abstract: The patient exhibiting decreased cognitive abilities (mental retardation) requires full scope optometric care, but may often receive little or no vision care whatsoever. This paper will provide the optometrist with a review of the history of exceptionality, Public Law 94-142, the educational classification of mental retardation, and various examination techniques appropriate for this population. The optometrist should contribute his/her knowledge and skill as a member of the patient's rehabilitation team and provide those services required by this unique population.
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D008607:Intellectual Disability / Q000145:classification / Q000150:complications*; D007883:Legislation, Medical; D014786:Vision Disorders / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis*