Conference Thematic - ”the language of vision - Understanding? - being understood?"

Presenters

 
  • Robert B. Sanet, OD, FCOVD

Inaugural Keynote Presentation:

Maximizing the Therapeutic Outcome: Communication in Optometric Vision Therapy

Abstract:

Effective communication with VT patients and parents is the most crucial aspect of the therapeutic process.

  • Establishing and communicating the goals of the VT program.
  • The essential elements to make every VT procedure most effective.
  • Speaking to the neurology of the visual system.
 
  • Petri Eskola

Invitational Presentation:

Blue light - is it just a hype or should we protect ourselves from it

Abstract:

High Energy Visible Light is an emerging issue that concerns the scientists all around the world. The issue is becoming more alarming considering that the sources of the blue light has become more present in our daily lives during last decades. The evolution has taken care of this in the past by adjusting the level of blue light by setting the sun down on the evenings. Humans are working against this evolution by making the evenings and night like a day with the artificial light.

The challenge in the artificial light is that the modern light sources, like CFL lamp for energy

Learning objectives:
To understand the impact of excessive short wave length blue light through the following:
To be able to identify the sources of blue light. To analyse the symptoms and relate them to causative factors.
To be able to understand how the elements of a dispensing consultation and eye examination can be taken into consideration to minimise blue light related effects.
To be able to identify the means of protection from advanced technical perspective.

Description of the content and how it meets the learning objectives:
Participants will gain knowledge how exposure to blue light have evolved during the recent decades and how the patient’s visual and/or medical condition can be enhanced or worsened by selecting certain lens treatment types. Participants will also learn the basic fundaments that should be investigated while evaluating the need and suitability of enhanced technical protection. Participants will gain an extensive overview of most common symptoms that currently are associated to the blue light, especially how the children may react on it. This lecture will also cover the most common solutions that are available at the moment to reduce the blue light impact.

 
  • Geoff Shayler, BSc, FCOptom, FCSO

Presentation:

Language of Vision?

Abstract:

Language is about communication. Light, via the eye, communicates information about our
environment to our brain and body. This innovative presentation investigates visual concepts and
neurology to provide us with an understanding of the development of the complex internal language
of vision and how it changes throughout life

 
  • Deborah Zelinsky, OD, FNORA, FCOVD

Presentation:

The Visual Impact of Eyeglasses on Neuroplasticity

Abstract:

PART 1:
Clues, Cues and Cruise Control: Three pathwaysaffecting visual motor reactions and responses
This interactive presentation will categorize brain function into the BODY and MIND.  Body functions should be on “cruise control” --  automatically working without requiring attention from the mind.  Mental functions are separated into “clues” which require attention, energy and thought, and “cues” which are habitual and require much less attention and energy. Both syntonic and behavioral optometric testing probes those three pathways for comfort and tolerance ranges of movement. Syntonic optometry emphasizes the BODY’s cruise control reactions, and behavioral optometric testing assesses the MIND’s responses to central and peripheral stimuli.  Participants will leave understanding how to determine patients’ weak pathways as well as strengths based on case history, patient comments and test results.

PART 2:
Traits, Tests and Tools: How to select appropriate optometric tools for individual patients
Visual processing is complex because people are unique.  However, it can be categorized into four general categories, each of which can be tested.  Two categories represent survival functions of the body, and two represent executive functions of the mind.  Environmental changes affect both the BODY and the MIND’s functions.  Optometric testing includes shifting the incoming environment in various ways by lenses, prisms and/or filters and quantifying the results.  Identical environmental changes affect people differently. A new, general framework on how to choose which tool is most effective for which patient is presented.  Prescribing by use of a Z-Bell™ test will be discussed.  In addition, recent research on brain function will be presented. Participants will leave with a new viewpoint of visual processing and how optometric tools affect posture, biochemistry, attention and awareness.

 
  • Lynnette Burgess, OD, FCOVD

Presentation:

Vision + Learning = Hope

Abstract:

The visual process is a highly sophisticated and    integral part of human development that allows     exploration, understanding and interaction with ones environmentand allows for the unique human      attribute of being able to remember/"see" the past and to dream/"imagine" the future. We will explore how vision develops through movement and experience, its sequential and bi-modal nature, and its   relation to posture and balance. How delays,        interruptions or insults to the visual process impact our patients, and how providing new learning experiences particularly with the use of light, lenses, prisms, and movement can reorganize the neural pathways. Ultimately providing hope for our patients.

 
  • Todd Wylie, OD, FCOVD

Presentation:

Synergy - Changing Lives

Abstract:

PART 1:
Yoked Prism…Changing Timing…Changing Lives
The late Rick Collier, OD from Allen, Texas was brilliant. For 30 years he spent a day a week in a medical library studying brain research and biophysics. I had the pleasure of knowing him for 10 years and learning his view of how yoked prisms instantly effect our body physiology. I will be presenting the biophysics support of yoked prisms as well as testing procedures you can use in the office to instantly demonstrate to patients (and parents) the life changing power of yoked prisms.

PART 2:
Synergy - Bemer Vascular Therapy and Syntonics
Thank you German engineering and Swiss craftsmanship for improving health and wellbeing of more and more people worldwide with Bemer!  Bemer is just now starting to be recognized by more and more USA physicians…”better late than never!” We will be looking at Bemer application in an optometric practice for ocular health as well as seeing significant quality of life benefits of combining Bemer with Syntonic light therapy.

 
  • Philip C. Bugaiski, OD, FCOVD, FCSO

Presentation:

Effective Communication for Optometrists: Speaking the Patient’s Visual Language

Abstract:

How often do we see a patient in desperate need of our services, yet the patient does not start treatment?  Why does a patient begin treatment, but discontinue before reaching their potential?  What about other professionals who work with people with vision problems, but do not refer them for care?  Frustrations for behavioral optometric providers often stem from communication challenges.

Principles of effective communication can be applied through all aspects of optometric care, staff management, and even into daily life.  The Latin origin of “communication” means “to share, to make common.”  When communication is effective, shared knowledge and awareness become the common ground.  In this course, learn about barriers to communication and opportunities for building common ground, with special emphasis on practicing behavioral optometry and syntonic phototherapy.