focus on low vision
Low Vision Takes Center Stage
by Stephanie K. De Long
Several upcoming educational events will help focus the spotlight onto low vision. The first, part of this month's International Vision Expo East, consists of three low vision programs. The second, scheduled for May, is the second annual Vision Summit in Washington, D.C.
This year, the two-day Summit will focus exclusively on low vision.
VISION EXPO EAST
Three COPE-approved low vision courses, sponsored by the Vision Council's Low Vision Division, are spread over two days.
The three parts of the program include:
• INTERACTIVE PROGRAM FOR PRACTITIONERS. Magnify Your Future 2008 will be held on April 12, from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m.
This interactive program, featuring course instructors Michael Politzer, OD, FAAO, FCOVD, and Thomas Porter, OD, FAAO, is designed for practitioners who want to add low vision care to their practices.
This three-hour session includes lectures and discussions on topics such as identifying distant, intermediate, and near low vision goals and devices associated with meeting patient needs. Reimbursement issues and tips for presenting a treatment plan are also covered.
• THE LOW VISION EXAM. Scheduled for April 12 from 12:45 to 2:45 p.m., this program will offer clinical pearls, tips, and techniques on how to conduct a low vision exam.
• WORKSHOP. From 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. on April 13, this interactive case study workshop will provide participants the protocol for evaluating low vision patients.
Formats will include lecture, group discussion, and video presentation of real-world low vision exams.
THE VISION SUMMIT
The Better Vision Institute, a unique body that brings together the three Os, is holding its second annual Vision Summit May 29 to 30 at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C. An independent, not-for-profit advisory board to the Vision Council, BVI will focus exclusively on low vision at this year's Summit.
| What ECPs Want |
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| Two years ago, Eyecare Business conducted a survey to learn more about the education needs of ECPs who had been offering low vision services for at least three years. Since then, the number of programs like the ones we detail in this column have increased. As witnessed by the answers below, however, there remains a huge need for more ECP education in this category. EDUCATION OPTIONS Q Where do you currently receive continuing education in low vision rehabilitation? A 48 percent trade show seminars; 36 percent professional association seminars; 2 percent online MORE HELP Q In what areas do you need more help to maximize your low vision rehabilitation practice? A 83 percent third-party reimbursement and coding; 80 percent staff education and training; 75 percent marketing; 67 percent device dispensing protocols |
| JUST THE FACTS |
|---|
| Here's a quick look at upcoming events, and how to register. ——— What: Magnify Your Future 2008 When: Saturday, April 12, 2008, 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. Where: International Vision Expo East, Javits Center, New York Registration: www.visionexpoeast.com or 800-811-7151 ——— What: How You Can Do a Low Vision Exam When: Saturday, April 12, 2008, 12:45 to 2:45 p.m. Where: International Vision Expo East, Javits Center, New York Registration: www.visionexpoeast.com or 800-811-7151 ——— What: Low Vision Case Study Workshops When: Sunday, April 13, 2008, 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. Where: International Vision Expo East, New York Registration: www.visionexpoeast.com or 800-811-7151 ——— What: The Vision Summit When: May 29-30, 2008 Where: National Press Club, Washington, D.C. Registration: Eve Zartman-Ball at 703-548-4650, x2250, or ezb@visionsite.org |
• NATIONAL LEVEL. One of the program's goals is to bring the ophthalmic community at a national level to discuss low vision and related disciplines. To that end, this year's program will encompass not just the three Os, but orientation mobility, occupational therapy, and vision rehabilitation specialists as well.
• ACTION PLAN. The goal, explains Eve Zartman-Ball, the Vision Council's director of advocacy and government relations, "is to create consensus behind an action plan for all the participants to move the agenda of bettering low vision awareness and care."
The agenda will include panels about the current low vision landscape, examples of diagnosis and treatment, and gold standards of care. Attendees will also have access to an educational area dedicated to low vision devices and techniques.
• COSTS. All registration and associated fees have been underwritten by The Vision Council. Participants will be asked only to cover their travel and hotel expenses during the event. EB
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