Envision Conference - Low vision rehabilitation & research news

Envision Conference 2012 Sneak Preview

The peer review committees have made their final program selections and the schedule for clinical education and research sessions is now underway. Here is a sneak preview of what you can expect at this year's conference:

Pre-Conference Workshops, Wednesday September 12

Addressing the Psychosocial Impact of Vision Loss, Diane B. Whitaker, OD. Historically, the psychosocial impact of vision loss has been overlooked or ignored by the eye care community, even though it has a tremendous impact on an individual’s functional performance. Recent studies have shown that vision rehabilitation may improve functional ability, and, therefore, lessen the frustration, anxiety, and sense of loss associated with visual impairment. However, identifying and addressing the underlying psychological issues related to loss are critical to ensure an optimal vision rehabilitation outcome.

Treating Older Adults With Dual Sensory Impairment, Jean-Pierre Gagné, PhD. This session will address the effects and consequences of acquired hearing loss in older adults and present strategies than can be used to optimize communication.The psychosocial effects of hearing loss in older adults will be presented.The effects of hearing loss on older adults with visual impairments will be discussed.

Just in Time - News about the Aging Brain: How it Works; How we can Work with It, Colleen O’Donnell, OTR/L, CLVT. The scientific community’s latest research is just in time for booms in the aging population, aging eye diseases and dementia. This workshop will review new research on the aging brain and brain health. Specific techniques to enhance the vision rehabilitation program using this information will be illustrated through case studies.

Kitchen Skills 101: Envisioning Independence, Debra Sokol-McKay, MS, OTR/L, SCLV, CVRT, CDE, CLVT. Is your patient unsafe or having difficulty with meal preparation tasks? Teach him or her to use “marked” settings on a stove, identify canned beans, and utilize a talking food thermometer. Discover low vision and non-visual techniques and adaptive equipment ranging from reading food directions to food identification, preparation and cooking.

Clinical Education Session Highlights, September 13-15

A VA/VCE Perspective on TBI-Related Vision Impairment and Dysfunction. Gregory Goodrich, PhD , Felix Barker, OD, Kia Eldred, OD, Ronald Schuchard, PhD. TBI-related vision loss has been highlighted by troops injured in Iraq and Afghanistan. In this session we will address the types of loss, services for veterans, the coordinating role of the Vision Center of Excellence, and current research efforts relevant to evidence based practice in veteran and civilian clinical settings.

Bioptic Telescopes for Wheelchair Mobility: A Continuum of Evaluation & Training Tools. Erika Andersen, LVT,  Shannon Kessler, OD, Douglas Muir, ABO, COMS, Jaqueline Wolz, PT. Bioptic telescopic spectacles (BTS) provide hands-free access to the environment potentially facilitating community mobility for users with low vision of manual or power wheelchairs. This presentation addresses integration of visual skills, orientation and mobility skills and propelling or driving skills. Participants will learn protocols for evaluating and training a continuum of skills from basic component visual skills for BTS use to integration in a dynamic, uncontrolled community environment including practices to enhance effective referral to and collaboration with multidisciplinary seating professionals. Evidence-based and best practices will be referenced throughout the presentation with identification of strength of evidence based on general consensus rating scales.

Beyond the Amsler: Current Trends in Vision Self-monitoring Approaches for Age-related Macular Degeneration. Ava  Bittner, OD, PhD, Gislin  Dagnelie, PhD. This course will review of the importance of early detection of vision changes in age-related macular degeneration (AMD), include discussion of recently developed tools for home vision monitoring for AMD, and the role of the low vision provider in fostering patient education regarding self-referrals immediately following new onset vision loss.

Driving with a Visual Impairment: Is this a Contradiction? Mark Wilkinson, OD. Concerns about whether an individual can drive with decreased central acuity or a reduced visual field can be a source of anxiety for the individual, their family and the ophthalmic practitioner. Although extensive research has been done concerning vision and driving, there is still much controversy surrounding this subject. This presentation reviews what should be considered when determining who should and should not drive. New testing procedures and case examples will be reviewed.

Visual Search Training for Hemianopsia and Visual Inattention. Lind Stevens, OTR. This course will look at various techniques used by occupational therapists to improve visual search in those with hemianopsia and visual inattention. Emphasis will be placed on the use of the Dynavision for assessment and treatment in order to promote critical thinking and encourage further inquiry into its use in the clinic.

Evaluation and Treatment of the Child with Vision Impairment. Dawn DeCarlo, OD. This course will cover clinical vision testing that goes beyond the basic acuity tests to fully evaluate the visual function of children with vision impairment. Common etiologies for pediatric vision impairment as well as their medical and rehabilitative treatment will be discussed.

The Importance of Multi-Disciplinary Care in Low Vision Rehabilitation: Benefits to Patient Care vs. The Challenge in Implementation. Tara LeBlanc, OD, OT. This presentation describes various models of low vision rehabilitation and the team members that are included in the rehabilitation team and the roles and goals of each. This will be demonstrated by case examples of a patient in each setting type. The advantages and barriers to patient care will be discussed for each model of practice. Also, for each practice modality described, challenges in implementing true multi-disciplinary care will be discussed.

Vision Research Sesssion Highlights

Modern Medicine: Development of Mobile Device and PC-based Vision Testing, Assessment and Education. Moderator: Ava Bittner, OD, PhD. This panel includes research presentations on:

• A new method for testing letter contrast sensitivity in a clinical setting: Comparing M&S smart system II letter contrast test with Pelli-Robson chart. Manokaraananthan Chandrakumar, MSc.
• Handheld Shape Discrimination Hyperacuity Test on a Mobile Device for Remote Monitoring of Visual Function in Maculopathy. Yi-Zhong Wang, PhD.
• Telerehabilitation for Artificial and Low Vision Rehabilitation. Amy Nau, OD.
• A new PC-based pediatric vision-screening test. Tomohiko Yamada, OD.
• A Survey of Smartphone Usage in Low Vision Patients. Raman Bhakhri, OD.
• Calibration system for PC-based vision testing. Gislin Dagnelie, PhD.

What Does Eye-Tracking Research Teach Us about the Use of Residual Vision? Moderator: Olga Overbury, PhD.This panel includes research presentations on:

• Investigating eye movements during tasks of daily living. Aaron Johnson, PhD
• Understanding the impact of central field loss on eye-hand coordination. Laura Renninger, PhD
• Eye-tracking on the go: Navigation in a shopping mall by people with low vision. Caitlin Murphy, MSc
• Fundus-guided eye tracking: Advantages and disadvantages. William Seiple, PhD
• Tracking the learning process involved in visual rehabilitation: Use of an eye-tracker. Marie-Chantal Wanet-Defalque, PhD

New Methods and Approaches to LV Rehabilitation. Moderator, Walter Wittich, PhD. This panel includes research presentations on:

• Dual Sensory Impairment and Deafblindness: Terminology in Clinic and Research. Walter Wittich, PhD
• Developing Traditional Chinese Characters-version Macular Mapping Test Using Contrast-Based Thresholds Properties for Letter Discrimination. Li-Ting Tsai, OT, PhD
• Evaluation of a recently implemented clinical eccentric viewing training program. Josée Duquette
• Investigating the legibility of prescription medicine labels. Susan Leat, OD, PhD
• Rehabilitative approach with MP1-microperimeter in patients with visual field defects following lesions of the central visual pathways: preliminary results. Francesca De Rossi, MD

This is only a sampling of the more than sixty sessions to choose from. Check the Envision Conference website Sessions & Events page to review updates to the complete program.

Envision Conference 2012 will take place September 12-15 in St. Louis, Missouri. To register or learn more about Envision Conference, visit the website at www.envisionconference.org or contact Michael Epp, Director, Professional Education, at michael.epp@envisionus.com. For updates from Envision Conference, follow us on Twitter (@EnvisionConf) or find us on Facebook.

2012 Envision - Atwell Award Presented at ARVO

Concetta Alberti Awarded the 2012 Junior Investigator Envision-Atwell Award

Last week nearly 12,000 eye and vision researchers gathered in Fort Lauderdale, Florida for the 2012 Annual Meeting of The Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO). During ARVO, the Low Vision Research Group had its annual meeting, social and presentation of the Envision-Atwell Award for Low Vision Research.

This year, Concetta Alberti, PhD, was selected as the forth annual Envision-Atwell Award winner for research in low vision and vision rehabilitation. Ms. Alberti, a Research Fellow in Ophthalmology at the Schepens Eye Research Institute, Boston, was recognized for her research abstract investigating whether drivers with hemianopia have significant blindside detection deficits, entitled Scanning And Detection Of Static And Moving Pedestrians By Drivers With Hemianopia In A Simulator.

The award was originally named the Atwell Award, in honor of long-time low vision research supporter Constance Atwell. While on staff at the National Eye Institute, Dr. Atwell played a pivotal role in encouraging and motivating high quality low vision research. The Envision-Atwell Award is given to an ARVO presenter who is a junior investigator, defined as an individual who is currently a student, post-doctoral researcher, or junior faculty member with less than five years since their last professional degree. The award consists of a $500 stipend and a trophy celebrating the spirit of the award. Congratulations to Concetta Alberti!

The Low Vision Research Group social was also a time when the Envision Conference Research Review Committee gathered to finalize programming for this year's research track. As a follow-up to the Envision-Atwell Award, the Envision Award in Low Vision Research is presented to a mid-career senior investigator in low vision and vision rehabilitation research at the annual Envision Conference.

Envision Conference 2012 will take place September 12-15 in St. Louis, Missouri. To register or learn more about Envision Conference, visit the website at www.envisionconference.org or contact Michael Epp, Director, Professional Education, at michael.epp@envisionus.com. For updates from Envision Conference, follow us on Twitter (@EnvisionConf) or find us on Facebook.

Low Vision Knowledge

Call For Presentations: Whether you are a vision scientist, an OD in private practice, an OT in a rehab hospital, an O&M at a private agency for the visually impaired, a TVI from a school district or an MD retinal specialist, we want to hear the challenges you've faced and solutions that have worked for you.

Multi-Disciplinary Topic Areas:

• Assistive Technology
• Optical Devices and Prescribing
• Contact Lenses as Component of Low Vision Rehabilitation
• Low Vision and Driving
• Geriatrics
• Vision Loss and Fall Prevention
• Diabetes Management
• Traumatic Brain Injury and Vision Loss – Neuro-Visual Rehabilitation
• Practice Management - Professional Issues
• Pediatrics, Early Intervention
• Orientation & Mobility
• Vision Replacement Strategies
• Clinical Practice Applications
• Employment for people who have vision loss or blindness
• Psychosocial Issues in Vision Loss
• Eccentric Viewing
• Disease Etiology
• Multi-Disciplinary Models of Low Vision Rehabilitation
• Adding Low Vision Rehabilitation to Your Practice
• Low Vision Research

 See "How To Submit a Presentation or Abstract" for more detailed information.

Submissions Deadline: Submit your proposals to Envision Conference 2012 Call for Presentations, addressing clinical interventions or research abstracts, now through March 19, 2012 via the online submissions form.

Envision Conference 2012 will take place September 12-15 in St. Louis, Missouri. To register or learn more about Envision Conference, visit the website at www.envisionconference.org or contact Michael Epp, Director, Professional Education, at michael.epp@envisionus.com. For updates from Envision Conference, follow us on Twitter (@EnvisionConf) or find us on Facebook.

Share, Learn and Earn in 2012

Share your knowledge. Help address current practice gaps in standards of care for low vision rehabilitation. We want want to hear the challenges you've faced and solutions that have worked for you. Submit your proposals to Envision Conference 2012 Call for Presentations, addressing clinical interventions or research abstracts, now through March 19, 2012 via the online submissions form.

Learn from leaders in the field. Envision Conference 2012 is the place to learn from internationally known researchers and clinicians. Choose from over 100 hours in clinical education and research sessions. Network with colleagues and industry representatives. Online registration is now open.

Earn valuable continuing education units. Envision Conference is the only multi-disciplinary low vision rehabilitation and research conference, offering accreditation for occupational therapists, optometrists, ophthalmologists, ACVREP-certified professionals and rehabilitation counselors in one venue. Last year, Envision Conference 2011 attendees were able to receive up to 27 hours of continuing education. Learn more information about continuing education units and accrediting bodies on the Continuing Education page.

Envision Conference 2012 will take place September 12-15 in St. Louis, Missouri. To register or learn more about Envision Conference, visit the website at www.envisionconference.org or contact Michael Epp, Director, Professional Education, at michael.epp@envisionus.com. For updates from Envision Conference, follow us on Twitter (@EnvisionConf) or find us on Facebook.

Envision Conference 2011: Resounding Success!

Thank You to everyone that made Envision Conference 2011 a resounding success for vision rehabilitation and research! Many hours of planning and executing went into designing the leading venue for low vision clinical education and research.

This conference is unique in its focus on low vision.The combination of research and workshop platforms is critical to those of us in the teaching field who are required to use information and strategies that are "research based". -Envision Conference 2011 attendee 

Send us Feedback. Your feedback can help Envision Conference continue to grow and better serve you as an attendee. Please take 10 minutes to complete our post-conference survey. To say thank you for your time, you can enter your email address into a drawing for $50 off Envision Conference 2012. Deadline for entry is Friday, October 7. Access the survey at http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/EnvisionConference2011.

This was my first experience with Envision. It was a very rewarding experience and will help me in my efforts to provide the best low vision services to my patients. The team effort of disciplines was embraced by this conference and it was a great opportunity for networking and professional growth! The Envision Conference will be on my list of must attend conferences!  - Shirley Anderson, OTR/L, CLVT, Envision Conference 2011 attendee.

Exceptional Speakers. Many thanks are also due to the skilled presenters in clinical education and low vision research who helped to make this year's program the best to-date. Additional thanks to the Envision peer review committees who reviewed the hundreds of clinical education and research abstracts, that ultimately lead to the first rate program.

The quality of the speakers at Envision was exceptional. Many times it was difficult to choose between sessions occurring at the same time. -Envision Conference 2011 attendee.

One-Stop-Shop for Low Vision Resources and Services. Thanks to our exhibitors and sponsors, the Envision Conference 2011 Exhibit Hall was the place to be for special events and in between sessions. Leading edge low vision technologies were on demonstration for attendees to experience and add to their practices.

Ready for Envision Conference 2012. Registration for attendees, exhibitors and sponsors is already underway as we make plans to return to St. Louis, Missouri, September 12 -15, 2012. See you in St. Louis for Envision Conference 2012!

Important Dates

• March 19, 2012 – Deadline for Clinical Education and Research Submissions
• June 29, 2012 – Deadline for Early Bird Registration
• July 6, 2012 - Deadline for Advance Price Exhibitor Registration
• August 17, 2012 - Hotel Room Block Deadline
• September 12-15, 2012 – Envision Conference 2012 at the Hilton St. Louis at the Ballpark

Register Today. Envision Conference 2011 will take place September 12-15 in St. Louis, Missouri. To register or learn more about Envision Conference visit the website at www.envisionconference.org or contact Michael Epp, Director, Professional Education, at michael.epp@envisionus.com. For updates from Envision Conference, follow us on Twitter (@EnvisionConf) or find us on Facebook.

Envision Conference 2011 Sneak Preview

The peer review committees have made their final program selections and the schedule for clinical education and research sessions is now underway. Here is a sneak preview of what you can expect at this year's conference:

Pre-Conference Workshops, Wednesday September 21

Workshop on Prism Adaptation Therapy for Hemispatial Neglect Associated With Brain Injury or Stroke. Kevin Houston, OD; Kia Eldred, OD. Hemispatial neglect is a common and debilitating condition occurring after brain injury characterized by a failure to respond to sensory stimuli on, or execute movements towards, the side of the body opposite the brain lesion. Prism adaptation has been shown to be a leading treatment option for left neglect. This workshop will include a lecture portion including background on the disorder and literature review of prism adaptation and neuroimaging studies. Videos will be used to illustrate testing and treatment with actual patients. The hands-on second half will offer an opportunity for the participant to pair up with a partner to learn to perform prism adaptation therapy with the intent of having the skills to implement the treatment in their clinic.

Diabetes and the Low Vision Rehabilitation Team: The Great Escape. Emilie Hagan, ARNP-CNS, MS, CDE; William Park, OD; Karen Kendrick, OTR/L, CLVT. Diabetes presents with a complex metabolic nature of ongoing long-term challenges. Diabetic retinopathy is the most common cause of blindness in adults. Treatment and management plans require multifaceted interventions of pharmacotherapy, patient education and rehabilitation to manage the patient’s long-term health. The diabetic dilemma can only be overcome by treating the patient through a multidisciplinary team approach.

Evaluating the Macula and Establishing PRL for Low Vision Rehabilitation. Donald Fletcher, MD; Karen Kendrick, OTR/L, CLVT. The purpose of this workshop is to provide a better understanding of the etiologies and implications of central field defects. Participants will gain knowledge on how to perform macula scotoma and Preferred Retinal Locus (PRL) assessments. This session will identify the progression of visual skills to obtain good PRL fixation for completion of daily activities. Participants will also have a hands-on opportunity with central visual field screening tools.

Overview and Field Practice Using Accessible GPS Devices to Create Routes and Establish a Position in Space. Craig A. Phillips, RN, COMS, TVi. Participants will learn about the basics of Global Positioning Systems (GPS) for the traveler who is blind and visually impaired, the basic functions of accessible GPS devices, and how to integrate the these devices into orientation and mobility lessons.

Program Topics and Clinical Education Session Highlights, September 22-24

Optical Devices and Prescribing

Seeing Is Believing – Case Presentations of How Low Vision Devices Can Help. Ana M. Juricic, OD. This course will present real-life case presentations of the benefits and vision outcomes achieved through various distance viewing, near viewing and glare controlling devices. Patients of all ages suffering from various eye conditions, such as macular degeneration, Stargardt’s, glaucoma and bilateral hemianopsia, will be highlighted. Clinical pearls will be shared.

Low Vision and Driving

West Virginia Bioptic Driving Program: Overview and Update Chuck Huss, COMS, CDRS. Following passage of legislation (2008) and promulgated rules (2009), the State of West Virginia now allows bioptic driving. This presentation will provide an overview and two-year update of progress regarding the formalized program of bioptic driving services offered by the West Virginia Division of Rehabilitation Services.

Traumatic Brain Injury

Severe Brain Injury and Vision Loss: Challenges and Steps Toward Progress. B.J. Le Jeune, COMS. This introductory presentation is designed to help clinical and instructional staff who, for the first time, may be working with a person who has had a severe brain injury in addition to vision loss. The discussion will include an overview of various brain functions impacted by injury including vision, methods of measuring brain injury severity, potential impact of brain injury on behaviors and functional abilities, implications for teaching and learning and resources.

Professional Issues

Medicare Reimbursement and Low Vision Rehabilitation: Current Status. James Deremeik, CLVT. This presentation will provide a brief history of Medicare reimbursement for low vision rehabilitation services and equipment. Current Medicare policy for low vision rehabilitation services and equipment will be reviewed. Strategies for future consideration for Medicare reimbursement for low vision service providers and equipment will be identified.

Pediatrics, Early Intervention

A Longitudinal Approach to Low Vision Rehabilitation in Children. Rebecca Coakley, TVI, CLVT; Terry Schwartz, MD. This session demonstrates the process for a systematic approach to evaluating low vision, prescribing devices, interpreting information and follow-up care. This algorithm provides a road map for comprehensive rehabilitative assessments and care.

Clinical Applications

Vision Rehabilitation: Using Theory and Research in the Exam Room. Shirin Hassan, OD, PhD; Elli Kollbaum, OD. Using real-life case examples, this course will show how low vision theory and the results of low vision research can be successfully applied to the clinical management of functional problems presented by individuals with visual impairment. The clinical cases that will be presented will cover such topics as prescribing distance and near magnification, assessing and managing the low vision driver, and maintaining the efficiency and safety of ambulatory mobility in low vision patients.

Vision Research Sesssion Highlights

Dual Sensory Impairment. Moderator: Walter Wittich, PhD. In the coming decades, the number of seniors affected with dual sensory impairment (hearing/vision) will drastically increase and rehabilitation agencies need to prepare for efficient service provision. Resource allocation is based, in part, on the clientele profile; however, little information is available describing this population. This panel includes research presentations on:

• Dual Sensory Impairment Rehabilitation: Who Are Our Clients?
• The Relevance of Providing Both Auditory and Visual Speech Cues to Older Adults With Sensory Impairments
• Pilot Studies in Speech Reading and Wayfinding With Dual Sensory Loss Impairments
• Psychosocial Impact of Vision and Hearing Loss: Counseling as Preparation for the Rehabilitation Experience
• Psychosocial Adjustment for Persons Aging With Hearing and Vision Loss

Sleep Disturbances – Trouble Seeing. . . Trouble Sleeping: How are They Related? Moderator: Olga Overbury, PhD. Sleep disorders appear to be relatively common but, to date, have not been extensively studied in people who are visually impaired. They are certainly not a topic of discussion in typical evaluations or intake interviews that occur in low vision clinics and rehabilitation agencies. Ophthalmologists, optometrists and vision rehabilitation therapists should become more familiar with the connection between these two conditions because sleep problems are not without potentially serious consequences. This research panel includes presentations on: 

• Prevalence of Circadian Rhythm Disorders Among Blind People With and Without Light Perception
• Eyes Wide Shut: Lens Properties and Sleep Disturbances
• Visual Impairment and Sleep Quality: Searching for the Link
• Photic and Nonphotic Effects on Human Circadian Rhythms in the Blind
• Sleeplessness and its Consequences

Health States of Patients Seeking Outpatient Low Vision Rehabilitation Services Within the Low Vision Research Network (LOVRNET). Moderator: Judith Goldstein, OD. Patients seeking vision rehabilitation services often report other co-morbidities or otherwise impaired health states. This research panel looks at the health states of nearly 800 patients in the LOVRNET study. Research presentations include:

• The Relationship Between Physical Ability and Functional Ability in Patients Seeking Outpatient Services Within LOVRNET
• Functional Ability and Depressed Mood Among Patients in the LOVRNET
• The Prevalence of Cognitive Deficits in Patients Within the LOVRNET and Their Relationship to Functional Ability
• The Measurement of Personality Traits Among Patients in the LOVRNET
• Visual Impairment Measures and Functional Ability in Patients Within LOVRNET

Research on Visual Impairment and Employment. Moderator: Deborah Gold, PhD. Unemployment rates of people who are blind or visually impaired are greater than 70 percent. Studies also reveal that high school graduates who are blind or visually impaired were 21 percent less likely to be employed than those with other disabilities. This research panel identifies barriers that inhibit access and participation in social activities, learning and employment for people with vision loss and evidence-based intervention models that lead to better employment outcomes. Research will be presented on:

• Pre-employment Skills for Children Aged 5-14 With Vision Loss: An Evidence-based Model for Resource Development
• Transition Services That Lead to Competitive Employment Outcomes for Transition Age Individuals With Blindness or Visual Impairments
• Work Focus: UK Employment Pilot Projects – Research to Practice
• Supervising People Who are Blind or Visually Impaired: An In-depth Qualitative Analysis of Six Employers’ Perspectives 

 

This is only a sampling of the more than sixty sessions to choose from. Check the Envision Conference website Sessions & Events page to review the complete program.

Register Today. Envision Conference 2011 will take place September 21-24 in St. Louis, Missouri. To register or learn more about Envision Conference visit the website at www.envisionconference.org or contact Michael Epp, Director, Professional Education, at michael.epp@envisionus.com. For updates from Envision Conference, follow us on Twitter (@EnvisionConf) or find us on Facebook.

Envision - Atwell Award Presented at ARVO 2011

Hannah Dunbar Awarded the 2011 Junior Investigator Envision-Atwell Award

Last week nearly 12,000 eye and vision researchers gathered in Fort Lauderdale, Florida for the 2011 Annual Meeting of The Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO). During ARVO, the Low Vision Research Group had its annual meeting, social and presentation of the Envision-Atwell Award for Low Vision Research.

This year, Ms. Hannah Dunbar was selected as the third annual Envision-Atwell Award winner for research in low vision and vision rehabilitation. Ms. Dunbar, a student at the Visual Neuroscience, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, and Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, United Kingdom was recognized for her research abstract investigating the effectiveness of low vision intervention for patients with diabetic eye disease, entitled Relationship Between Severity Of Disease And Visual Ability And Function In Diabetic Eye Disease.

The award was originally named the Atwell Award, in honor of long-time low vision research supporter Constance Atwell. While on staff at the National Eye Institute, Dr. Atwell played a pivotal role in encouraging and motivating high quality low vision research. The Envision-Atwell Award is given to an ARVO presenter who is a junior investigator, defined as an individual who is currently a student, post-doctoral researcher, or junior faculty member with less than five years since their last professional degree. The award consists of a $500 stipend and a trophy celebrating the spirit of the award. Congratulations to Hannah Dunbar!

The Low Vision Research Group social was also a time when senior researchers from Envision Conference gathered to make plans for this year's research track. As a follow-up to the Envision-Atwell Award, the Envision Award in Low Vision Research is presented to a mid-career senior investigator in low vision and vision rehabilitation research at the annual Envision Conference.

Register Today. Envision Conference 2011 will take place September 21-24 in St. Louis, Missouri. To register or learn more about Envision Conference visit the website at www.envisionconference.org or contact Michael Epp, Director, Professional Education, at michael.epp@envisionus.com. For updates from Envision Conference, follow us on Twitter (@EnvisionConf) or find us on Facebook.

 

Vision Loss and Stroke

Vision Rehabilitation Following Stroke

Strokes, or cerebral vascular accident (CVA), occur in more than 795,000 people each year in the United States. Stroke causes more serious long-term disabilities than any other disease, and is also the third leading cause of death in the country. A stroke occurs when there is a disruption of blood flow in the brain. The effects of stroke depend on the part of the brain that is affected, and can include impaired body movement, speech or sensory function.

There are two different kinds of stroke: ischemic and hemorrhagic. Transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) are like a “mini-stroke” that can occur when the blood supply to the brain is briefly interrupted. 

The two most common vision loss symptoms of stroke include hemianopia and diplopia. When a stroke injures the optic nerve, which sends information from the eyes to the brain, this creates a visual field deficit known as hemianopia. Hemianopia blanks one side or one quadrant (quadrantanopia) of the visual field in each eye. With diplopia, or double vision, the two eyes fail to work together properly.

The most common functional complaints include difficulty reading, walking, driving and bumping into things. Patients with hemianopia may have a tendency to veer or lean in one direction while walking. Vision rehabilitation can restore some of these functions, thereby improving the individual’s overall quality of life.

Vision rehabilitation following stroke is one of the many current vision rehabilitation and neuro-ophthalmic topics at Envision Conference addressing public health issues and identifying solutions to standards of care practice gaps. "Workshop on Prism Adaptation Therapy for Left Hemispatial Neglect After Stroke or Brain Injury, " presented at Envision Conference 2010 by Kevin Houston, OD, Kia Eldred, OD and Tonya Mennem, OTR/L, SCLV, CLVT was one of several sessions addressing vision rehabilitation interventions for patients with vision loss due to a stroke. Look for this session topic to be on the program again this year.

Share your Knowledge. Add to the currently existing evidence-based strategies for vision loss following stroke. We want want to hear the challenges you've faced and solutions that have worked for you. Deadline for Submissions, March 28: Submit your work addressing clinical interventions or research now through March 28, 2011 via the online submissions form.

Mark your calendars for Envision Conference 2011, September 21-24 in St. Louis, MO. To register or learn more about Envision Conference visit the website at www.envisionconference.org or contact Michael Epp, Director, Professional Education, at michael.epp@envisionus.com. For updates from Envision Conference, follow us on Twitter (@EnvisionConf) or find us on Facebook.

 

 

Focus on Fall Prevention

Vision Loss and Falls

One-third of adults age 65 and older fall each year according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). For older adults, the most frequent cause of admission to a hospital for injury or trauma is a fall, and falls are the leading cause of injury-related death for adults in this age group. Statistics indicated in another (CDC) report, Trends in Vision and Hearing Among Older Americans, linking low vision and vision impairment to be the second leading cause of falls among the elderly. The CDC study found that 1.8 million elderly not living in nursing homes reported difficulty with bathing, dressing and navigating around their home, in part because of a visual impairment. However, fewer than two percent reported using assistive equipment such as telescopic lenses and canes, which could improve their safety.

Vision problems increase fall risk by decreasing the ability to detect obstacles and increasing instability. Loss of depth perception and contrast make it difficult to see or detect the height of steps, curbs, or furniture. Clearly, vision rehabilitation professionals have a role to play in fall prevention- from routine vision screening and correction- to assessing and identifying possible safety hazards within the home and making recommendations to improve safety.

Vision loss and fall prevention is one of the many current low vision rehabilitation topics at Envision Conference addressing public health issues and identifying soulutions to standards of care practice gaps. "Keeping Grandma Safe: Mobility Considerations and Fall Prevention," presented at Envision Conference 2010 by Anne T. Riddering, OTR/L, CLVT, COMS, was one of several sessions addressing practical routine fall screenings and modifications to increase safety and reduce falls for older adult clients. Look for this session topic to be on the program again this year.

Share your Knowledge. Add to the currently existing evidence-based strategies for fall prevention and risk reduction. We want want to hear the challenges you've faced and solutions that have worked for you. Submit your work addressing clinical interventions or research on fall prevention now through March 28, 2011 via the online submissions form.

Mark your calendars for Envision Conference 2011, September 21-24 in St. Louis, MO. To register or learn more about Envision Conference visit the website at www.envisionconference.org or contact Michael Epp, Director, Professional Education, at michael.epp@envisionus.com. For updates from Envision Conference, follow us on Twitter (@EnvisionConf) or find us on Facebook.

Contribute Your Expertise

Vision Rehabilitation and Research Submission Topics

In the recent issue of Visibility, Walter Whitley, OD, MBA, FAAO, succinctly described the interdisciplinary nature and challenges of vision rehabilitation: "From low vision specialists to occupational therapists to psychologists, we all must acknowledge the fact that we can't be all things to all patients. Vision rehabilitation specialists must work together to provide our patients with the best of all our services." The Envision Conference strives to meet the following outcomes through multi-disciplinary educational programing:

• Provide opportunities to build collaborations between low vision researchers, practitioners, educators and health care organizations.
• Identify strategies for addressing eye health at the local level.
• Facilitate a national and international exchange of vision rehabilitation information among individuals, groups and institutions.
• Explore diverse and innovative ways of translating vision research into action.
• Develop strategies for strengthening the role of low vision on the public health agenda.
• Address disparities in access to low vision care.
• Identify practice gaps in low vision care delivery methods.
• Provide opportunities and training to address national eye health epidemics (e.g. diabetes and diabetic retinopathy).

Multi-Disciplinary Topic Areas

Many program topics are selected to help meet these outcomes. Here is a partial list:

• Assistive Technology
• Optical Devices and Prescribing
• Contact Lenses as Component of Low Vision Rehabilitation
• Low Vision and Driving
• Geriatrics
• Vision Loss and Fall Prevention
• Diabetes Management
• Traumatic Brain Injury and Vision Loss – Neuro-Visual Rehabilitation
• Practice Management - Professional Issues
• Pediatrics, Early Intervention
• Orientation & Mobility
• Vision Replacement Strategies
• Clinical Practice Applications
• Employment for people who have vision loss or blindness
• Psychosocial Issues in Vision Loss
• Eccentric Viewing
• Disease Etiology
• Multi-Disciplinary Models of Low Vision Rehabilitation
• Adding Low Vision Rehabilitation to Your Practice
• Low Vision Research

The above topics cover many of the areas we receive submissions to the Envision Conference Call For Presentations. Whether you are a vision scientist, an OD in private practice, an OT in a rehab hospital, an O&M at a private agency for the visually impaired, a TVI from a school district or an MD retinal specialist, we want to hear the challenges you've faced and solutions that have worked for you.

Submission Deadline Approaches

Submissions are open through March 28, 2011. We invite you to share your valuable field experiences, research proposals and clinical applications with your colleagues. Submission is easy via the online submissions form. See "How To Submit a Presentation or Abstract" for more detailed information.

Mark your calendars for Envision Conference 2011, September 21-24 in St. Louis, MO. To register or learn more about Envision Conference visit the website at www.envisionconference.org or contact Michael Epp, Director, Professional Education, at michael.epp@envisionus.com. For updates from Envision Conference, follow us on Twitter (@EnvisionConf) or find us on Facebook.