Platinum Sponsor
Patti Andrich MA, OTR/L, COVT, CINPP
IMPROVE VISION THERAPY OUTCOMES BY USING A BRAIN READY APPROACH
Learn how to improve your vision therapy outcomes by using a Brain-Ready approach to enhance sensory processing, reflex maturation, & vestibular functions that support vision skill acquisition. Supportive research on related topics will be shared along with examples of therapeutic interventions. Specific concepts will include Sensory Modulation, Sensory Discrimination, Postural-Ocular Disorder & Dyspraxia. This course will teach participants how to use sensory processing & reflex integration therapeutic interventions in a developmental progression. Participants will enjoy the demonstrations and hands-on activities that can be used in vision therapy programs to enhance the subprocesses of vision skill performance.
Dr. Elisa Haransky-Beck
THE ROLE OF MOVEMENT IN VISUAL DEVELOPMENT
In this course we’ll explore the underpinnings of visual development in movement both didactically and experientially in practical terms. The tools we’ll learn will be directly applicable to clinical testing and optometric vision therapy practice. We’ll explore and experience sensory motor amnesia (SMA) in our own bodies and learn how to detect this syndrome in our patients. Spoiler Alert: You’re already testing for SMA, and treating this condition, you just didn’t realize it! We’ll bring SMA to our conscious awareness in order to facilitate this training modality for our patients.
Dr. Grace Brasel
Aniseikonia is an undertreated condition that can cause significant visual symptoms negatively impacting quality of life. Most eye care providers are familiar with optically induced aniseikonia, however when retinally induced the condition commonly goes unrecognized. Patients struggling with aniseikonia are often repeatedly told that their vision is good and that no problem exists. This course will discuss both refractive and retinally induced aniseikonia and how we as eye care providers can appropriately diagnose and manage this condition. Proper assessment and treatment can improve the lives of these patients who suffer from symptoms associated with aniseikonia every day.
Dr. Phil Bugaiski
BUILDING BRIDGES - COOPERATIVE CO-MANAGEMENT WITH NEURO-OPTOMETRY
Inspired by President Marie Bodack’s call to build bridges with our colleagues, this presentation discusses relationships with various professions. While professional co-management requires clear communication and shared respect, a team-approach provides a win-win-win scenario for the optometrist, colleague, and the shared patient. This course will include case reports of successful co-management, as well as patient cases that likely could have benefited from a more collaborative approach.
Dr. Joanna Carter
Treating brain injured patients almost guarantees working with lawyers and lawsuits. This course will prepare doctors for litigation, including depositions and testifying in court. Examples and practice management tips will be given based on the speakers’ experience.
Dr. Amy Chang
This is a clinical course intended for optometrists who have prior education and/or clinical experience in diagnosing and managing the visual consequences of Acquired Brain Injury. The concept is to present an advanced course/workshop that allows for the clinical application of neuroscience principles to Neuro-Optometric Rehabilitation (NORT) diagnosis and therapy.
Dr. Debora Lee Chen
CROSS-EYED CONUNDRUMS: DIFFERENTIATING BETWEEN BENIGN VS PATHOLOGICAL ESOTROPIAS IN ADULTS
This course will aid clinicians in differentiating between benign and pathological causes of acquired esotropia. Key differentiating factors and high-yield clinical tests will be discussed in a case-based format. A systematic approach to evaluation and management will be reviewed, including prism prescribing and referral for strabismus surgery or neuro-imaging.
Dr. Jason Clopton
VESTIBULAR TREATMENT OF STRABISMUS
The vestibular system controls EOM function subcortically until we develop cortical control. Starting as an infant, reflex eye movements develop into controlled eye movements. Knowing the underlying pathways and mechanisms of strabismus allows us to develop correct visual function.
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Participants will learn what each kind of imaging does. Participants will understand how to order specific imaging for vision and brain pathologies. Participants will learn the most common LOINC codes. Participants will see real world imaging patients. Participants will learn when to image patients. Participants will understand how to discuss imaging with other colleagues and medical professionals.
Dr. David Cook
THE FOUR CIRCLES: VISION THERAPY BASICS
Learn the role of Skeffington's 4 Circles in treating both Strabismic and non-strabismic patients. The course includes hands-on experience using anaglyphic stereo slides. Numerous clinical pearls from over forty years of practice will be provided.
Dr. Jeffrey Cooper
We will develop a differentiation between new, decompensated, and congenital defects. We will discuss appropriate optometric testing, treatment using prims, vision therapy and surgery. We will discuss those that need to be referred vs those that do not need referral.
Dr. Stacey Coulter
YOU BE THE JUDGE! MASTERING MANUSCRIPT REVIEW
(with Dr. Patrick Quaid and Dr. Leonard Press)
Peer-review ensures that a scholarly work or research article meets quality standards; that it is rigorous, sound, coherent and adds to the literature. Understanding the requirements to be a reviewer and the elements of a good peer review are critical. This course provides the clinician an overview of manuscript review for research studies and case reports.
Dr. Steven Curtis
DIZZINESS - HOW TO STEER YOUR WAY THROUGH A PATIENT’S WHIRLING STORM
Dizziness is among the most challenging and complex symptoms for optometrists and other healthcare providers to manage effectively. Therefore, it is essential for the neuro/developmental optometrist to have a thorough differentiation process for dizziness. This presentation will provide a supportive guide to navigate this complex clinical scenario. An easy to use algorithm for dizziness sources, causes, and differential tests will be provided. In addition to vision-based, non vision-based causes of dizziness will be included to assist the optometrist in collaboration with other professionals.
Dr. Nick Despotidis
INTEGRATION OF MYOPIA MANAGEMENT INTO A BEHAVIORAL VISION PRACTICE: HOW AND WHY?
(Assisted By: Dr. Noah Tannen)
Understanding that myopia management encompasses more than just contact lens, atropine, or eyeglass treatments is maintaining a successful practice and avoiding frustration. This course aims to guide participants through a well-structured step-by-step process, enabling them to seamlessly integrate myopia management into their practice. Attendees will gain the knowledge and skills needed to motivate and train their staff effectively, while also cultivating patient interest in this captivating subspecialty.
Dr. Jennifer Fisher
GRAND ROUNDS - NEURO-OPTOMETRIC MANAGEMENT OF NEURO-OPHTHALMIC DISEASES
(with Dr. Tyler Phan)
This course will take the attendees through clinical cases that emphasize both neuro-ophthalmic disease process and neuro-optometric rehabilitation management. Optometrists should be well-versed with structural pathologies and vision rehabilitation of various neurological conditions. Cases will include sports-related concussions with dizziness, multiple sclerosis with nystagmus, and Wallenberg syndrome with skew deviation. Patients’ pertinent findings, differential diagnoses and management will be discussed.
~~~~~
CROSS-EYED CONUNDRUMS: DIFFERENTIATING BETWEEN BENIGN VS PATHOLOGICAL ESOTROPIAS IN ADULTS
This course will aid clinicians in differentiating between benign and pathological causes of acquired esotropia. Key differentiating factors and high-yield clinical tests will be discussed in a case-based format. A systematic approach to evaluation and management will be reviewed, including prism prescribing and referral for strabismus surgery or neuro-imaging.
Dr. Ronald Gall
ESOTROPIA: NORMAL CORRESPONDENCE CURE USING SEQUENTIAL MANAGEMENT CONSIDERATIONS (and Patching)
This Esotropia: normal correspondence cure using sequential management considerations (and patching) course is targeted to eye care professionals doing vision therapy to enhance efficient and effective skills in diagnosing binocular anomalies and implementing sequential management considerations for esotropia functional (normal correspondence) cure.
Dr. John Gelles
AMBLYOPIA OR PEDIATRIC KERATOCONCUS: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Keratoconus is more common than once thought. In this lecture, we will discuss the prevalence of keratoconus and newly established data from a new US-based pediatric population study. We will discuss the updated numbers, how they affect your pediatric care strategies, and the technology needed to rule out and monitor this disease.
Pilar Vergara Gimenez D.O.O.
NEW ADVANCED TREATEMENT OF AMBLYOPIA AND STRABISMUS
(with Dr. Robert Sanet)
The course will present the Optometric Evaluation of Amblyopia and Strabismus with a strong emphasis of a new and more effective treatment model for these conditions. Current neuroscience literature supporting the new model will also be presented, as well as vision therapy evaluation and therapeutic techniques.
Thomas Headline, COVT
(with Julie Petteruto, COVT)
This course will discuss various Visual-Perceptual Motor Evaluation techniques to create an understanding about a patient’s level of ability in each of the various skill areas. Therapy procedures will be demonstrated and experienced in this presentation. Participants are highly
encouraged to participate in workshop activities, wear comfortable clothing and removable shoes and may bring a personal yoga mat. It is highly recommended that participants have previously attended VT 101 or possess good understanding of basic visual concepts & terminology. Participants will be provided a list of recommended equipment to bring which will facilitate their full engagement during the workshops.
Dr. Karen Kehbein
ACCOMMODATIONS IN THE CLASSROOM: WHAT IS OUR ROLE?
(with Dr. Clint Prestwich)
This course will provide an overview of the different types of common classroom accommodations and how and when optometrists play a role in their implementation. The various US federal laws that regulate classroom accommodations will be reviewed with relevant sections highlighted. Additionally, instruction will be given from a teacher’s perspective on the information and communication that is most helpful when recommending classroom accommodations.
Dr. Riyad Khamis
HOW DO YOU GET 2022 NHL’S FASTEST SKATER EVEN FASTER? HIS VISION!
This course will cover the importance of testing and training vision in sports including in professional (NHL) athletes. It will cover how to write an simple but effective sports vision report, how to create and execute an off-season sports vision training plan and how market and grow a neuro-vision/sports vision practice.
Dr. Barry Kran
(with Amanda Lueck, Ph.D)
Cerebral visual impairment (CVI) remains poorly understood by a majority of vision care providers. The aim of this course is to enrich attendee’s knowledge about the diversity of presentation of CVI, teachers of students with visual impairments and orientation and mobility specialists and finally how to construct an effective report which provides knowledge, direction and advocacy and, at the same time be accessible to all stakeholders.This course will expand the practitioner’s view of this condition and provide additional tools and knowledge to better care for this population of patients.
Dr. Hannu Laukkanen
CEREBELLUM MEDIATED ADAPTATIONS IN VISUOMOTOR REHABILITATION
(with Dr. Shun-nan Yang)
Recent cerebellar research has revealed two distinct levels of visuomotor learning connected to monitoring of cortical and subcortical adaptive learning. This proposed course includes three parts: 1) provide the most up-to-date understanding of cerebellar-mediated learning in young learners and adults; 2) highlight examples of ocular and traumatic brain injury; 3) identify factors and strategies facilitating ocular rehabilitation can occur at the subcortical and cortical levels. It is hoped that this understanding can help guide optometric practitioners to identify the most effective elements of vision therapy regimens to stimulate cerebellar adaptation for different aspects of visuomotor dysfunctions.
Dr. Scott Lewis
SEQUENCING VISION THERAPY, A BINOCULAR APPROACH
This is a binocular sequence to perform vision therapy that can be used with patients from skills cases, to strabismics and amblyopia to TBI and stroke patients.
Amanda Lueck Ph.D
(with Dr. Barry Kran)
Cerebral visual impairment (CVI) remains poorly understood by a majority of vision care providers. The aim of this course is to enrich attendee’s knowledge about the diversity of presentation of CVI, teachers of students with visual impairments and orientation and mobility specialists and finally how to construct an effective report which provides knowledge, direction and advocacy and, at the same time be accessible to all stakeholders.This course will expand the practitioner’s view of this condition and provide additional tools and knowledge to better care for this population of patients.
Dr. Douglas Major
The cerebellum works as a network hub for optimizing eye movements with many neuro-circuits. This session will provide an overview of the three key areas in the cerebellum that, when fully understood, can be applied for optimal control of eye movements and their vestibular and motor inter-connections, providing better clinical outcomes.
Dr. Breanne McGhee
This case-based course will explore the epidemiology, prevalence, differential diagnoses, diagnostic factors, and treatment of some common and rare visual hallucinatory symptoms that patients may present with.
Robert Nurisio, COVT
WHAT ARE YOU SAYING? UNDERSTANDING HOW COMMUNICATION CAN CHANGE PATIENT CARE AND OFFICE DYNAMICS
For effective patient care, it is important to maintain open lines of communication with our patients while understanding how to overcome the barriers. This course will dive into the many types of communication we use each and every day to get our ideas out and help to demonstrate how much of the message we are sending has little to do with the words we speak. Applications and demonstrations will be available in this course as audience participation will be both welcomed and encouraged as we offer first hand experiences of the importance of acknowledgement and validation without judgement.
IMPROVE VISION THERAPY OUTCOMES BY USING A BRAIN READY APPROACH
(with Patti Andrich MA, OTR/L, COVT, CINPP)
Learn how to improve your vision therapy outcomes by using a Brain-Ready approach to enhance sensory processing, reflex maturation, & vestibular functions that support vision skill acquisition. Supportive research on related topics will be shared along with examples of therapeutic interventions. Specific concepts will include Sensory Modulation, Sensory Discrimination, Postural-Ocular Disorder & Dyspraxia. This course will teach participants how to use sensory processing & reflex integration therapeutic interventions in a developmental progression. Participants will enjoy the demonstrations and hands-on activities that can be used in vision therapy programs to enhance the subprocesses of vision skill performance.
Dr. Angela Peddle
THE CENTRAL PERIPHERAL VISUAL DANCE
(with Dr. Nancy Torgerson)
Have you noticed that people seem stressed? With stress, our central and peripheral visual streams can be in disequilibrium. This impacts all people but especially those: suffering from acquired brain injuries and concussions, burdened with perfectionism, overwhelmed with anxiety and depression, having imposter syndrome, being bullied, on the autism spectrum or inattentive, frustrated with learning at school, work, sports and/or relationships, and those whose life doesn’t seem of value. As optometrists, we have tools to help with awareness, development, and rehabilitation of our central peripheral visual system. By creating a space with psychological safety for your team and patients you can arrange conditions to guide individuals to look and see with a new perspective using their central vision or peripheral vision as there is demand. Integrating the dorsal/ventral streams the central/peripheral visual dance may appear seamless. These conditions may be accomplished with your favorite optometric tools: yoked prisms, microprisms, lenses, sectoral occlusion, optometric phototherapy, and/or vision therapy but changing the signal/noise ratio. Empower through connection and relationships to hold space for others to imagine life from a different vantage and discover their true potential through integration of the central peripheral visual dance.
Julie Petteruto, COVT
(with Tom Headline, COVT)
This course will discuss various Visual-Perceptual Motor Evaluation techniques to create an understanding about a patient’s level of ability in each of the various skill areas. Therapy procedures will be demonstrated and experienced in this presentation. Participants are highly
encouraged to participate in workshop activities, wear comfortable clothing and removable shoes and may bring a personal yoga mat. It is highly recommended that participants have previously attended VT 101 or possess good understanding of basic visual concepts & terminology. Participants will be provided a list of recommended equipment to bring which will facilitate their full engagement during the workshops.
~~~~~
Spot it! is a $12 commercially available product. In this hands-on course, we will dive into the visual skills that can be strengthened using this fantastic and approachable tool. Expect to take home multiple procedures that you can put into action right away.
Dr. Tyler Phan
GRAND ROUNDS - NEURO-OPTOMETRIC MANAGEMENT OF NEURO-OPHTHALMIC DISEASES
(with Dr. Jennifer Fisher)
This course will take the attendees through clinical cases that emphasize both neuro-ophthalmic disease process and neuro-optometric rehabilitation management. Optometrists should be well-versed with structural pathologies and vision rehabilitation of various neurological conditions. Cases will include sports-related concussions with dizziness, multiple sclerosis with nystagmus, and Wallenberg syndrome with skew deviation. Patients’ pertinent findings, differential diagnoses and management will be discussed.
Dr. Leonard Press
YOU BE THE JUDGE! MASTERING MANUSCRIPT REVIEW
(with Dr. Stacey Coulter and Dr. Patrick Quaid)
Peer-review ensures that a scholarly work or research article meets quality standards; that it is rigorous, sound, coherent and adds to the literature. Understanding the requirements to be a reviewer and the elements of a good peer review are critical. This course provides the clinician an overview of manuscript review for research studies and case reports.
Dr. Clint Prestwich
ACCOMMODATIONS IN THE CLASSROOM: WHAT IS OUR ROLE?
(with Dr. Karen Kehbein)
This course will provide an overview of the different types of common classroom accommodations and how and when optometrists play a role in their implementation. The various US federal laws that regulate classroom accommodations will be reviewed with relevant sections highlighted. Additionally, instruction will be given from a teacher’s perspective on the information and communication that is most helpful when recommending classroom accommodations.
Dr. Patrick Quaid
YOU BE THE JUDGE! MASTERING MANUSCRIPT REVIEW
(with Dr. Stacey Coulter and Dr. Leonard Press)
Peer-review ensures that a scholarly work or research article meets quality standards; that it is rigorous, sound, coherent and adds to the literature. Understanding the requirements to be a reviewer and the elements of a good peer review are critical. This course provides the clinician an overview of manuscript review for research studies and case reports.
Dr. Harvey Richman
CLINICAL EXAMPLES IN VT CODING
(with Dr. Maria Richman)
Finally a coding course for vision therapy that combines practical cases with the mechanisms behind the code choice.
Dr. Maria Richman
CLINICAL EXAMPLES IN VT CODING
(with Dr. Harvey Richman)
Finally a coding course for vision therapy that combines practical cases with the mechanisms behind the code choice.
Dr. Robert Sanet
NEW ADVANCED TREATEMENT OF AMBLYOPIA AND STRABISMUS
(with Pilar Vergara Gimenez D.O.O.)
The course will present the Optometric Evaluation of Amblyopia and Strabismus with a strong emphasis of a new and more effective treatment model for these conditions. Current neuroscience literature supporting the new model will also be presented, as well as vision therapy evaluation and therapeutic techniques.
Dr. Jen Simonson
INFANT AND TODDLER EXAMINATION WORKSHOP
This workshop provides hands-on experience in performing examination procedures to test vision in infants, toddlers, and developmentally delayed patients. Specific techniques developed for pediatric eye examinations will be practiced to assess visual function and perceptual processing. Participants will learn testing protocol, scoring, and interpretation. This course will emphasize clinical observations and how to make age-appropriate modifications of optometric testing.
Dr. Barry Tannen
(with Dr. Amy Chang)
This is a clinical course intended for optometrists who have prior education and/or clinical experience in diagnosing and managing the visual consequences of Acquired Brain Injury. The concept is to present an advanced course/workshop that allows for the clinical application of neuroscience principles to Neuro-Optometric Rehabilitation (NORT) diagnosis and therapy.
Dr. Nancy Torgerson
THE CENTRAL PERIPHERAL VISUAL DANCE
(with Dr. Angela Peddle)
Have you noticed that people seem stressed? With stress, our central and peripheral visual streams can be in disequilibrium. This impacts all people but especially those: suffering from acquired brain injuries and concussions, burdened with perfectionism, overwhelmed with anxiety and depression, having imposter syndrome, being bullied, on the autism spectrum or inattentive, frustrated with learning at school, work, sports and/or relationships, and those whose life doesn’t seem of value. As optometrists, we have tools to help with awareness, development, and rehabilitation of our central peripheral visual system. By creating a space with psychological safety for your team and patients you can arrange conditions to guide individuals to look and see with a new perspective using their central vision or peripheral vision as there is demand. Integrating the dorsal/ventral streams the central/peripheral visual dance may appear seamless. These conditions may be accomplished with your favorite optometric tools: yoked prisms, microprisms, lenses, sectoral occlusion, optometric phototherapy, and/or vision therapy but changing the signal/noise ratio. Empower through connection and relationships to hold space for others to imagine life from a different vantage and discover their true potential through integration of the central peripheral visual dance.
~~~~~
(with Dr. Joanna Carter)
Treating brain injured patients almost guarantees working with lawyers and lawsuits. This course will prepare doctors for litigation, including depositions and testifying in court. Examples and practice management tips will be given based on the speakers’ experience.
Dr. Shun-nan Yang
CEREBELLUM MEDIATED ADAPTATIONS IN VISUOMOTOR REHABILITATION
(with Dr. Hannu Laukkanen)
Recent cerebellar research has revealed two distinct levels of visuomotor learning connected to monitoring of cortical and subcortical adaptive learning. This proposed course includes three parts: 1) provide the most up-to-date understanding of cerebellar-mediated learning in young learners and adults; 2) highlight examples of ocular and traumatic brain injury; 3) identify factors and strategies facilitating ocular rehabilitation can occur at the subcortical and cortical levels. It is hoped that this understanding can help guide optometric practitioners to identify the most effective elements of vision therapy regimens to stimulate cerebellar adaptation for different aspects of visuomotor dysfunctions.
Updated 04/17/2023