Course List

"Enhancing Vision: Tips and Tricks with Multifocals" - 1 hr.
Melissa Barnett, OD

Contemporary multifocal contact lens options off much promise. Multifocal fitting will be simplified to match the lens design to patient needs at ocular characteristics. The challenges that presbyopia contact lens wearers face and solutions to these challenges will be reviewed. the importance of communication will be highlighted. 

"Twelve New Treatments in Eyecare" - 2 hrs. 
Mile Brujic, OD  

With the advancements in eye care, it is critical that the clinician understands these advancements and also how to incorporate them into clinical practice. This course will discuss ten new treatments in eye care that are important to understand and how to incorporate them into clinical practice.

"Anterior Uveitis Diagnosis and Treatment" - 2 hrs.
Mile Brujic, OD  

Management of both acute and chronic inflammation is critical. This is no more important than when managing the patient with anterior uveitis. This course will outline proper protocols for diagnosing and managing this patient presentation along with the systemic considerations that must be taken into account. 

"OCT: Practical Applications of Advanced Technologies" - 2 hrs. 
Mile Brujic, OD  

Optical Coherence Tomography OCT has changed the way we image the eye. This course will discuss OCT technology starting with basic principles of interpretation along with practical applications of the technology including how to optimize its use for best patient outcomes.

"Diabetes Case Studies" - 2 hrs.
A. Paul Chous, OD  

This talk will consider several diabetes and diabetes-related eye disease case studies from an optometric practice specializing in diabetes care.

"Sleep Disorders: What Optometrists Need to Know" - 2 hrs.
A. Paul Chous, OD  

This course will consider a range of sleep disorders and their impact on systemic health as well as ocular disease. Testing for sleep disorders will be discussed along with therapies for their improvement. Evidence linking hypersomnia, hyposomnia, and obstructive sleep apnea to diabetic retinopathy, AMD, glaucoma, and OSD will be presented, along with environmental strategies to improve sleep quality and a range of therapies for sleep apnea.

"MS: Some Basics Worth Understanding" - 1 hr.
A. Paul Chous, OD  

Optometrists are often the first to uncover clinical findings consistent with multiple sclerosis MS. It is important to be familiar with some of the presenting signs and symptoms as related to eye care and appropriate steps to take. The latest MS treatments will also be reviewed.

"AMD: Contemporary Thinking in Diagnostics and Management" - 2 hrs.
Jeffry Gerson, OD

As AMD becomes a bigger problem in the general patient population, it becomes more important to detect it earlier and treat it appropriately. This course will discuss what ODs can do to help with risk education, prevention, early detection, and treatment.

"The Art of Optometry" - 1 hr.
Jeffry Gerson, OD

This course will discuss the importance of optometry beyond the science. Art is needed in practicing optometry to its fullest extent, and this course will discuss the importance of the art of optometry and how to practice our profession to its fullest.

"Diabetes: What you Find May Surprise You" - 2 hrs.
Jeffry Gerson, OD

With the number of Americans with Diabetes and pre-diabetes nearing 100 million, care for these patients is becoming an everyday issue in optometric practice. With optometry at the front line of diabetes care, it is important to be proficient in caring for our patients with diabetes. Statistics, clinical findings, and treatments will all be discussed to try to help form ideas for protocols for care.

"Anterior Laser Comanagement" - 1 hr.
Jennifer Gould, OD

This course will provide discuss anterior segment laser therapies.  Specific laser procedures that will be discussed include laser peripheral iridotomy (LPI), selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT), and YAG capsulotomy.  The course will include information from patient selection, through potential post-operative complications. for co-management of each treatment. 

"OCT-A in Retinal Disease" - 1 hr.
Jennifer Gould, OD

This course will provide attendees an understanding of utilizing OCT-Angiography (OCT-A) in the evaluation of various retinal conditions.  The OCT-A technology itself, currently available systems, and vascular abnormalities that can be identified will be discussed.  The course will include many case discussions where OCT-A was utilized.  These cases will include diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration,  and retinal vascular occlusions.  

Dry Eye Management: An Evidence-Based Approach" - 2 hrs.
Jennifer Gould, OD

  This course will provide and evidence-based approach to diagnosing and managing dry eye disease (DED).  The DEWS II definition of DED will be broken down to help provide a systematic approach to screening and evaluating patients.  In addition, the four step DEWS II treatment recommendations will be reviewed including new treatment options for dry eye and neurotrophic related conditions. 

Neuroimaging 101 For the Optometric Physician - 1 hr.
Spencer Johnson, OD

This course examines current neuroimaging techniques used in eye care, discusses indications for their use, and explains how to write appropriate orders for neuroimaging.

You Were Expecting Viral Conjunctivitis - 1 hr.
Spencer Johnson, OD

This course reviews basic morphological and functional characteristics of viruses with specific emphasis on the adenovirus and its role in eye disease. Current diagnostic and therapeutic treatment approaches are examined. Novel diagnostic and therapeutic approaches are presented to enhance the clinician's ability to diagnose and treat adenoviral conjunctivitis. 

The ABCs of Omega-3s for Dry Eye and More - 1 hr
Spencer Johnson, OD

This course reviews the biochemistry of omega-3 fatty acids, examines various supplements on the market, and discusses their role in the treatment of dry eye and other diseases in optometric practice.

"Myopia Obligation and Opportunity" - 1 hr.
Justin Kwan, OD

Slowing the progression of myopia in children requires an all hands on deck approach. The reason is clear: both prevalence and severity are increasing and the higher likelihood of eye disease leading to visual impairment will be devastating. Thankfully there are treatments that allow us to make a difference in myopia the disease and give children with myopia a brighter future.

"Scleral Lenses with 2021 Knowledge" - 1 hr.
Justin Kwan, OD

Scleral lenses have completely evolved from even 15 years ago. There are many considerations to achieve success for the patient and the practitioner. Be sure that you are armed with the most knowledge before embarking on these life-changing contact lenses.

"What Do I Do with the Meibomian Glands?" - 1 hr. 
Justin Kwan, OD

86% of dry eye is due to meibomian gland dysfunction. This course reviews the complex yet simple pathophysiology of MGD and likewise the vast amount of treatments available to help our patients feel better and see more clearly and comfortably for both the short and long term.

"Lumps and Bumps A Practical Guide to Evaluation and Removal Techniques" - 2 hrs.
Nathan Lighthizer, OD  

Optometrists evaluate and manage eyelid and ocular adnexa lesions, including hordeolum, papillomas, nevi, basal cell carcinoma, among others, across all 50 states. This interactive lecture will provide a comprehensive and thorough review of all eyelid lesions, from the very benign to the very cancerous. The interactive part of this lecture will include Name that lesion where attendees will get to vote on what actual lesions are from patients that have presented to our clinic.  

"In-Office Electrodiagnostics For the Non-Glaucoma Patient" - 2 hrs.
Nathan Lighthizer, OD  

Electrodiagnostics can be a confusing, intimidating area in optometry. These tests VEP, pERG, ERG, mfERG, EOG are often the key to diagnosis and prognosis of a number of inherited and acquired conditions. Although in the past most optometrists didn't perform these tests on a regular basis, that is now changing with evolving technology, and this testing is now being incorporated into private practice optometry. VEP and pERG are being used much more often in more common ocular disease conditions such as glaucoma, plaquenil toxicity, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy. The flicker ERG is being used in the early diagnosis of diabetes and diabetic retinopathy. This interactive two hour lecture will review these concepts in electrodiagnostics.

"Alzheimer's Disease: The Eye - Brain Nexus" - 2 hrs
Suart Richer, OD

We discuss the 6th leading cause of death in America, and how the medical professions distinguish AD from myriad other causes of dementia. We review the pathophysiology, anatomy, and commonalities of AD brains including the association with aging, inflammation, microglial priming activation, and mitochondrial collapse. Many of these processes have visual consequences and overlap with ocular pathology occurring in the lens, optic nerve, and retina, that can be diagnosed with new instrumentation. A clean environment avoiding synergistic toxicity, along with nutritional micronutrient modulation appear to offer hope for addressing the AD eye-brain nexus.

"Let There Be Light" - 2 hrs
Stuart Richer, OD

Management of visible and invisible light, with prescription of specific lighting sources and or spectacle filters, is an under-appreciated and under-utilized therapeutic modality. Yet greater awareness of the science of light plays an important clinical role in the management of AMD, cataract, migraine, traumatic brain injury, photosensitive epilepsy, myopia, autism, and other disorders regularly encountered in clinical eye care. Explore the characteristics of visible and near-visible light and research underway allowing optometrists to both protect, promote and enhance human potential.

"The Blueprint for Managing MIGS: Cases and Considerations" - 1 hr.
Justin Schweitzer, OD

Minimally invasive glaucoma surgery has become a safe and effective option for glaucoma patients after topical therapies have failed and filtration surgery is deemed to be too aggressive.  Optometrists will continue to see an influx of patients that have undergone MIGS procedures.  This course will provide the OD an overview of MIGS, discuss case presentations, and cover the most common encountered postoperative complications.  

"Stuck in a Rut: Corneal Ulcers" - 1 hr.
Justin Schweitzer, OD

This course will provide the attendee with the latest research related to corneal ulcers in 2020.  Various presentations, differential diagnoses, and treatment options for corneal ulcers will be discussed.  A review discussing the most effective medications to treat corneal ulcers will be presented in 2020. 

"The ABCs of Omega-3s for Dry Eye and More" - 1 hr
Justin Schweitzer, OD

 This course reviews the biochemistry of omega-3 fatty acids, examines various supplements on the market, and discusses their role in the treatment of dry eye and other diseases in optometric practice.

"Insights into Autism" - 1 hr.
Glen Steele, OD  

This course addresses the growing awareness that vision and observation of vision characteristics can aid in early identification of children on the autism spectrum. Research studies are increasingly showing this and raises the need for earlier identification and intervention which is a service that optometrists can provide. It emphasizes the assessment and diagnosis of eye and vision conditions most likely encountered in the examination of this population. Differential diagnosis will be used to guide the optometrist into the appropriate treatment plan and potential referral sources.

"The Good, The Bad and Ugly of Digital Device Use in Children" - 2 hrs.
Glen Steele, OD  

This course will address all issues of device use and present guidelines for helping parents manage children's device use. This generation that has grown up using devices is very new to our society. Adults use their phone and the internet for everyday activities that previously required a phone call or physically talking with a person. Products and services, including food can be ordered and delivered in record speed through a phone app. The issues are starting young and prolonged use of such devices for gaming and social media.

"Glaucoma Update" - 2 hrs.
James Thimons, OD

This course will highlight the latest developments in glaucoma, including diagnostic technology, pharmaceutical development and therapeutic intervention. Special emphasis will be placed on the implementation of these advances into the primary care practice.

"Top Ten Drugs - What's in the Cabinet" - 2 hrs.
James Thimons, OD

This course will review the common and uncommon applications of the most popular drugs used in the ophthalmic arena. Special attention will given to the indications, contraindications, and side effects of these important therapeutic agents.

"The Changing Paradigm in Diabetes Mellitus: America's New Healthcare Epidemic" - 2 hrs.
James Thimons, OD

Diabetes mellitus is a disease of growing concern for all healthcare practitioners in the U.S. This course provides essential evidence-based information for the eye care provider.