Envision Conference - Low vision rehabilitation & research news

Low Vision Practitioners: Help Celebrate Occupational Therapy Month!

The broad and comprehensive educational preparation of occupational therapy practitioners enables them to address multiple dimensions of disability that prevent children and adults from engaging in meaningful daily occupations. Each year in April, occupational therapists, occupational therapy assistants, and students in practice, education and research host a month long observance of the occupational therapy profession. This month is a good time to reflect on the role occupational therapists play in providing low vision rehabilitation services.

Occupational therapy practitioners use the term "occupation" to represent activities that individuals need and want to do and that are meaningful to them. The American Occupational Therapy Association defines occupational therapy as “helping people across the lifespan participate in the things they want and need to do through the therapeutic use of everyday activities (occupations). Common occupational therapy interventions include helping children with disabilities to participate fully in school and social situations, helping people recovering from injury to regain skills, and providing support for older adults experiencing physical and cognitive changes.”

In low vision rehabilitation, occupational therapists (OTs) use their training in activity analysis and environmental modification to assess how vision impairment has limited the person’s ability to complete specific daily tasks. Modifications to tasks and the environment are made to minimize or remove those limitations. For example, the OT may recommend adding lighting and contrast to increase visibility in the home or work environment, or removing an environmental hazard to reduce the risk of falls.

Occupational therapists also use their expertise with adaptive aids and assistive technology to enable older adults to use optical and non-optical devices to complete activities of daily living (ADLs). The OT may work with the person to use a prescribed optical device such as a hand-held magnifier to complete shopping, or a non-optical device such as a talking glucometer to complete diabetes self-management. OTs also work with persons to use their remaining vision as efficiently as possible to complete ADLs. This may include teaching a person with central vision loss how to use another part of the retina to see letters more clearly when reading, or teaching a person who has lost vision on one side from a stroke to scan the environment more quickly and completely on the vision loss side to avoid missing objects that hinder safety or the ability to read print.

Occupational therapists work as members of a multi-disciplinary team of vision rehabilitation experts that may include optometrists, ophthalmologists, certified low vision therapists, certified orientation and mobility specialists, vision rehabilitation therapists, teachers of the visually impaired and other vision rehabilitation professionals involved in comprehensive patient care. The role of occupational therapy in vision rehabilitation has been a frequent topic addressed in learning sessions at previous Envision Conferences, and continues to be an area of continuing education training that focuses on developing best practices in patient care.

Envision Conference at AOTA. April is Occupational Therapy Month. Come celebrate with us and stop by booth #26 at the AOTA Annual Conference & Expo April 26 - 29, 2012, Indianapolis, Indiana. Learn what is new in continuing education for occupational therapists and receive the latest information on Envision Conference 2012.

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.

Exhibit at the Low Vision Showcase

On behalf of Envision Conference, we invite you to take part in the seventh annual Envision Conference, to be held September 12-15, 2012 in historic St. Louis, Missouri. The Envision Conference is a multi-disciplinary low vision rehabilitation and research conference dedicated to improving the quality of low vision care through professional collaboration, advocacy, research and education. Our focus this year is “Excellence in Education,” and we are excited to meet the hundreds of attendees who serve as advocates on behalf of individuals who are blind or low vision.

By sponsoring, exhibiting or advertising, you have the rare opportunity to share your message or products and services with hundreds of low vision professionals involved in the clinical and research arenas.

Conference attendees include:

• Family practice doctors
• Optometrists
• Occupational therapists
• Ophthalmologists
• Vision research scientists
• Teachers of the visually impaired
• Vision rehabilitation professionals

You can meet face to face with industry and field leaders. In addition to your exhibitor fee, you also have the option to register for sessions and workshops, giving you the opportunity to expand your knowledge about the important field of low vision rehabilitation and research. Please mark your calendars and consider making St. Louis your destination in September 2012. For exhibit rates and details, see Exhibitor Information.

Your company is invited to co-sponsor the Envision Conference or to sponsor specific conference events, such as receptions, luncheons, breakfasts, and coffee breaks. Please see Sponsorship Information for details.

Your company is invited to advertise in the Envision Conference program, include flyers in the attendee packet, and distribute advertising materials via a "Take One" display. See Advertising Information for options and pricing.

To apply for exhibit space, advertising, or sponsorship, use the Online Application form.

If you would like to explore other opportunities for supporting the Envision Conference, please don’t hesitate to contact the Envision Conference Exhibit Manager at (316) 440-1526 or email shelly.chinberg@envisionus.com.

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.

Don't Delay, Register Today!

There is still time to register for Envision Conference 2011. Don't miss out on the most comprehensive, multi-disciplinary low vision rehabilitation and research conference. The leader in low vision education, Envision Conference has the most low vision CME/CE anywhere: With eight workshops, fifty-seven clinical education sessions and ten research panels attendees can receive up to a maximum of 27 education units. Accreditation is available form ACCME, ACVREP, AOTA, COPE and CRCC.

In addition to clinical education, you will not want to miss out on the late-breaking vision research panels. The low vision research panels will weigh in on determining which interventions are most effective and scientifically evaluated, leading to improved clinical and rehabilitative care. Cost/benefit analysis included in outcome studies and tracking healthcare utilization as well as the efficacy of assistive way-finding technology or other technology based replacement vision strategies will be covered.

Online registration will close September 13, 2011. All registrations after that point must be made onsite, and will be charged the onsite registration fee. Don't miss this opportunity to network with the leading experts in the field of low vision rehabilitation and research. Register online today at www.envisionconference.org.

Check the Envision Conference website Sessions & Events page to review the complete low vision research 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.

Increased Prevalence of Low Vision Creates Need for Continuing Education Among Medical Professionals

The number of individuals in the United States age 65 or older is expected to more than double to nearly 70 million by 2030. As the population of older adults increases, so too does the number of people with vision impairments that significantly impact their quality of life.

Additionally, vision loss or blindness can originate from injury or trauma, congenital or genetic origin or disease beginning at birth or early childhood. That means virtually every medical professional will come into contact with a patient with low vision. As such, they need the most up-to-date information and education available to make good clinical decisions for patients in their care.

Armed with the theme, “Excellence in Research,” Envision Conference 2011, the largest inter-disciplinary low vision conference in the United States, takes place Sept. 21-24 at the Hilton St. Louis at the Ballpark in St. Louis, Missouri, and features clinical education, workshops and research presentations offering some of the most advanced research and treatments by top experts in low vision rehabilitation from across the globe.

“While we recognize vision loss cannot typically be reversed, we believe comprehensive vision rehabilitation, carried out in a multi-disciplinary fashion that involves everyone from physician to occupational therapist to optometrist—and even teachers in the case of children—can significantly enhance the quality of life for these individuals,” says Conference Director, Michael Epp, who also serves as Director of Professional Education for Envision.

Noted a 2010 attendee: The format of the research sessions is particularly effective. Truly promotes the multi-disciplinary uniqueness of this conference.

Activities kick-off Wednesday, Sept. 21 with pre-conference workshops. The full conference begins at 8 AM, Thursday, Sept. 22 with Professor Gary Rubin, Gold Fellow of the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology and Honorary Fellow of the College of Optometrists in the UK, delivering the opening keynote address, “Excellence in Research.”

In addition to publishing more than 100 scientific papers and book chapters, some of Dr. Rubin’s more noted research includes reading and face recognition in people with impaired vision and the effects of visual impairment on older people’s daily lives. He is also heavily involved in the development and validation of new clinical vision tests used in a wide range of eye diseases including cataracts, macular degeneration, and diseases of the optic nerve.

Another conference highlight that afternoon is a five-person panel to include Olga Overbury, PhD; Walter Wittich, PhD; Sheila Xi Huang; Erin Flynn-Evans; and Joseph Hull, PhD. This group will present previously unconsidered issues related to the relationship between sleep disorders and visual impairment. The panel will discuss the relationship between sleep quality and visual impairment; prevalence rates of sleep disorders among the visually impaired; and the physical and cognitive effects of sleeplessness.

The Thursday evening welcome reception offers networking opportunities and a chance to meet invited speakers and vendors. On Friday, Sept. 23, Ronald Schuchard, PhD of the Alto Research Center, will moderate a panel of experts presenting research on Functional Performance and Outcomes. Deborah Gold, PhD, will also moderate a panel presenting research on various aspects of employment for people who are blind or low vision. On Saturday, Sept. 24, George Timberlake, PhD, and Schuchard will team up to moderate a panel of experts, sharing late-breaking low vision research.

Continuing education credits will be available for optometrists, ophthalmologists, occupational therapists, rehabilitation therapists, licensed visual therapists, nurses, vision researchers and other low vision rehabilitation professionals from across the country, through the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), Association of Regulatory Boards of Optometry (ARBO) Partial COPE Approval, Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), Academy for Certification of Vision Rehabilitation and Education Professionals (ACVREP) and the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification (CRCC).

Additionally, the Envision Conference benefits special education teachers, community agency personnel, government policy makers and assistive technology practitioners. 

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 Conference 2011 Exhibit Hall: Your One-Stop-Shop for Low Vision Products

Get up-to-date on the latest in low vision products, optical, technology and services at Envision Conference 2011 Exhibit Hall. Exhibits open in the Arch View Ballroom on Thursday, September 22 at 12:00 PM with a special evening reception from 6:00-8:00 PM. Exhibit hours on Friday, September 23 are 7:00 AM to 1:15 PM and include a buffet lunch hour. Be sure to stop by and visit our vendors:

Ai Squared. Ai Squared is a worldwide leader in computer access software for the visually impaired. Stop by and see what's new in ZoomText, the industry standard for screen magnification and reading. Get a hands-on demonstration, free trial software, and check out our ZoomText Large-Print Keyboard and ZoomText Express!

Alphapointe. Alphapointe is a premier provider of vision rehabilitation services to people with vision loss from throughout the Midwest. Since 1911, Alphapointe has existed to better the lives of people with vision loss through vision rehabilitation, support, and employment services.

American Foundation for the Blind. The American Foundation for the Blind (www.afb.org) broadens access to technology; elevates the quality of information and tools for the professionals who serve people with vision loss; and promotes independent and healthy living for people with vision loss by providing them and their families with relevant and timely resources.

American Macular Degeneration Foundation. The mission of the American Macular Degeneration Foundation is to work for the prevention, treatment and cure of macular degeneration by raising public awareness and knowledge about the increasing threat of macular degeneration, providing support and advocacy for those afflicted with the disease and their families and supporting scientific research.

American Printing House for the Blind. APH is the world’s largest company devoted solely to making products for people who are visually impaired, and is the official supplier of educational materials for blind students in the U.S. Visit our website at www.aph.org or call one of our friendly Customer Service representatives at 800-223-1839 for more information.

AOA Vision Rehabilitation Section. The AOA Vision Rehabilitation Section supports the interdisciplinary approach to vision rehabilitation of patients who are legally blind and/or visually impaired.

Association for Research in Vision & Ophthalmology. ARVO is a community of more than 12,500 vision and ophthalmology researchers from 80 countries; we are the largest and most respected eye and vision research organization in the world. Our aim is to help cure and prevent blindness by encouraging and assisting research, training, publication and knowledge-sharing in vision and ophthalmology.

Beecher Optical Products, Inc. Beecher Optical Products, Inc., has been in the Low Vision market for 25 years. We manufacture headbourne telescopic aids for the visually impaired market. These aids are designed in many magnifications; near viewing for computer work or hobbies, and distant viewing at sport events or watching television.

Brightlines Paper. Brightlines paper is adaptive writing paper effective for low vision, visual-perception, attention disorders. The lower 1/2 of the writing area is highlighted in yellow or blue. The tablets come in 3 widths- wide, regular, and narrow. A new style has been release: Raised line in regular and wide. The lower line is raised to provide visual and tactile cues!

Chadwick Optical, Inc. Custom prescription eyeglass solutions for the legally blind. -Prescription Medical Filters (for visual stress, contrast enhancement and glare control) - Customized lenses: high add bifocals, laminates, franklins, button and sector prisms and the PeliLens™ -Prescription prismatic spectacles and microscopics Showcasing our incredible Lens Museum. We make the impossible happen.

Enhanced Vision. Enhanced Vision is the leading developer of innovative products designed specifically for people who are legally blind, have macular degeneration, or other low-vision conditions. Offering a comprehensive line of electronic magnifying solutions, we proved individuals with the ability to read, write, watch TV, enjoy hobbies and maintain an active lifestyle.

Eschenbach Optik. Eschenbach manufacturers and distributes a complete line of magnifiers, telescopes, filters, and video magnifiers for vision impairments due to macular degeneration and other eye conditions. Our Complete Low Vision Program includes in-office staff training, a comprehensive diagnostic system of low vision aids, marketing, and practice management support materials.

Fork in the Road Vision Rehabilitation Services. Fork in the Road sells low vision simulators -- excellent educational tools for helping students, staff, colleagues, and family members understand the impact of low vision; the Pepper Visual Skills for Reading test (VSRT); and the Learn to Use your Vision (LUV) Reading Workbook. Great tools for low vision rehabilitation professionals.

Freedom Scientific. Freedom Scientific manufactures the world’s most complete line of products for vision impairments – visit our booth to see our latest innovations – SARA™ CE, the next-generation scanning and reading appliance for blind or low vision users; our MAGic® Large Print Keyboard; and our newly redesigned TOPAZ and TOPAZ XL video magnifiers.

Good-Lite. Manufacturer of the Lea Test System including Lea Symbols and Lea Numbers. Complete range of vision testing products including the new self-calibrating ETDRS Standardized Viewer. Low vision, color vision, preferential looking tests and much more will be on display at the ARVO 2009 Meeting.

Hemianopia.org. BIG BAND AID FOR FIELD CUTS - The Peli Lens™ -Expands visual field up to 30 degrees. -Aids in obstacle avoidance and mobility. - 74% patient acceptance rate in NEI-NIH funded clinical trials NEW- Glasses for Prism Adaptation Therapy (Neglect).

INSIGHT Journal/Allen Press. INSIGHT Journal: Research and Practice in Visual Impairment and Blindness is AER’s newest member benefit, providing information on excellent research that can be applied in a practical setting. The journal also features best practice examples that contain enough detail to be implemented by other practitioners. The journal reports on informative and helpful practices, research findings, professional experiences, experiments, and controversial issues. Institutions can purchase INSIGHT Journal from Allen Press.

International Association of Audio Information Services. IAAIS is a volunteer-driven membership organization of services that turn text into speech for people who cannot see, hold or comprehend the printed word and who may be unable to access information due to a disability or health condition.

Magnified Vision, Inc. Magnified Vision, Inc. offers and supports one of the largest selection of video magnifiers in Illinois and is known for its excellent service and customer care.

Mutual of America Life Insurance Company. Mutual of America is a highly-rated company specializing in group retirement plans since 1945. We have salaried representatives in 34 Regional Offices across the United States to provide personalized one-on-one service. Our Full-Service approach means you only need to contact one location for your every need.

NIDEK, Inc. NIDEK is a global leader in eye care products for Ophthalmology and Optometry. With diversified clinical research and continual development, an array of Laser and Optical Scanning products are offered that lead the way for improved diagnosis and treatments. The relentless commitment to customer satisfaction means NIDEK will do whatever it takes to continually exceed expectations.

OCUTECK, Inc. Manufacturer of state-of-the-art bioptic telescope systems for the blind and visually impaired.

Precision Vision, Inc. Precision Vision will display quality high and low contrast vision tests, low vision tools, interactive computerized acuity systems, the World Standard ETDRS Illuminator Cabinet® and ETDRS charts, portable illuminator cabinet, color tests, occluders, fixation tools and more. Visit and pick up a new catalog and learn more about us and our products or discuss custom product development needs.

ProxTalker.com, LLC. Manufacturer of the Logan (R) ProxTalker (R) AAC Device providing moveable picture communication. Encoded picture sound tags are used to form sentences and produce voice output. The Logan (R) BrailleCoach (TM) Braille teaching device accelerates the attainment of Braille literacy by allowing convenient, independent self teaching of Braille.

University of Alabama at Birmingham. A graduate certificate for occupational therapists to develop clinical expertise in providing low vision rehabilitation. Students complete five three credit hour graduate courses in evaluation and intervention for adults with vision loss from age related eye disease and brain injury. The program is offered through a web-based distance education platform.

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.

Focus on the Basics of Low Vision Rehabilitation

Are you thinking about adding low vision rehabilitation to your practice? Where can you find instruction in the basics of getting started? Several workshops and clinical education sessions at Envision Conference 2011 address the basics of low vision rehabilitation. Learn from the experts about preferred practice patterns, patient eligibility, technology and staffing needs, reimbursement issues and referral options. Check out a sampling from these sessions:

Applied Optics of Low Vision Devices. David Lewerenz, OD. This course is a combination lecture/hand-on workshop that will present the basic optical principals of low vision devices. Their features as well as relative advantages and disadvantages will be discussed. Training tips on the effective use of each category of low vision device will be explained and demonstrated.

Adding Low Vision Services in Your Private Practice. Kendall Krug, OD and Lori Grover, OD. A practical, how to guide to providing low vision services in private practice. Exam pearls including entrance questionnaires, exam techniques, dispensing of different types of aids and practice management considerations to making this service viable. Current CMS documentation and billing requirements will be discussed along with instructions on how to write a Low Vision Rehabilitation treatment plan.

Low Vision 101 - Overview of Low Vision Devices. Ana M. Juricic, OD. This presentation provides a general understanding of distance viewing, near viewing and glare controlling aids that are used in a low vision examination and expected vision outcomes.

Vision Rehab Boot Camp I: Bring Vision Impairment On!Lori Grover, OD. Are you ready to take on vision impairment?! Let's rock your practice in a new direction! Get set for an intense interactive lecture packed with clinical drills targeting those "soft spots" of vision rehabilitation (VR) care. New to OD VR? Haven't VR'ed since school? We want YOU! You'll emerge toned & tight with tools of strength to grow VR patient care. The only doc's permission needed for this training program is YOURS! And you get it all in only 60 minutes! (Recommended for newbies" as prerequisite to VR Boot Camp II).

Lenses, Lighting and Lemonade: Getting Back to the Basics! Sandra Fox, OD and Melva Perez-Andrews,CVRT,OT. This course will discuss the importance of utilizing lenses to enhance functional vision in the low vision patient and provide tips on refracting, prescribing and training as well as utilizing lighting to enhance task performance. Guiding the patient in realistic goal setting and addressing depression will be discussed.

Documentation and Billing of Low Vision Rehabilitation Services. Kendall Krug, OD. A discussion of the current documentation and billing strategies for low vision rehabilitation services as required by Medicare. A special emphasis will be placed on specific billing codes and the proper documentation for both low vision consultation services and rehabilitation services.

Basic Concepts in Vision Rehabilitation: Stages of Visual Processing and Visual Acuity vs. Visual Utility. August Colenbrander, MD. The course discusses a systematic approach to topics that are fundamental to vision rehabilitation, but that are often taken for granted, without in depth discussion. Including: Aspects of vision and vision loss-How the EYE functions vs. how the PERSON functions; Assessment of visual functioning-Different aspects require different assessments; Stages of visual processing-The MENTAL MODEL vs. the retinal image; Estimates of Visual Utility-The SHARPNESS of vision vs. its USEFULNESS; and The Functional Vision Score-Putting numbers to visual functioning.

Check the Envision Conference website Sessions & Events page to review the complete educational 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.

Focus on Older Adults and Vision Loss

Visual impairment among older adults is a significant health problem. The Centers for Disease Control reports that between now and the year 2020, low vision and blindness will double throughout the United States, increasing to epidemic proportions. A large part of this increase can be attributed to the aging of the U. S. population. More than two-thirds of visually impaired adults are over the age of 65. As of 1999, almost 34 million persons in the United States were 65 years of age or older; that number is also expected to more than double by 2030. As the population of older adults grows larger, the number of people with visual impairment that will significantly impair their ability to complete daily living activities and impact their quality of life will increase. The National Institutes of Health, National Eye Institute-sponsored Eye Disease Prevalence Study Group (Archives Ophthalmology, 2004) reports that today, people 80 years of age and older make up only 8 percent of the population. However, this group also comprises 69 percent of all cases of blindness. As today’s baby boomer generation becomes the largest senior group in history, age-related vision loss will correspondingly increase. In older adults, age-related macular degeneration is the leading cause of vision loss, with other eye conditions such as cataracts, glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy also contributing to visual impairment. Left untreated, visual impairment leads to physical handicap, increased incidence of falls, depression, social isolation and dependency. These statistics suggest the need for medical and rehabilitation professionals to increase their presence in the field of vision rehabilitation.

Several education sessions at Envision Conference 2011 address the topic of age-related vision loss and the potential for rehabilitation, including:

Addressing Health Literacy in Older Adults with Low Vision. Mary Warren, MS, OTR/L SCLV, FAOTA. Lecture, case example and demonstration are used to educate the participant in the importance of promoting adequate health literacy skills to prevent further vision loss in older adults with age-related eye disease and how to modify written communications to ensure they are visible and readable for persons with low vision.

Pearls from Challenging Geriatric LVR Cases. Donald Fletcher, MD. Several challenging cases of geriatric visual impairment will be presented and discussed to illustrate some of the issues that can complicate rehabilitation. Issues of variation in visual function parameters as well as personalities and lifestyles will be considered. Audience participation will be encouraged.

Depression and Dementia: Managing Common Comorbidities in Vision Rehabilitation. Patricia Grant, Kara Crumbliss, OD, David  Rakofsky, PsyD and Alfred Rosenbloom Jr, OD. Depression and Dementia are prevalent in patients undergoing vision rehabilitation. Subtle case presentation may not be identified by the low vision practitioner. Research has shown that effective identification and management of these comorbidities is important to successful vision rehabilitation outcomes. This presentation will provide an overview of the medical literature indications about memory lapses, depression, mild and advanced cognitive impairment including Alzheimer's disease. Clinical tests for diagnosis will be reviewed. Psychologic and research perspectives on the management and indications for advanced treatment will be discussed in the context of illustrative cases involving clinical diagnostic findings and management options.

Special Considerations for the Oldest Patients in Low Vision Rehabilitation. Jennifer Gendeman, OTD, Lauren Nisbet, OT and Kimberly Schoessow, OTD. This presentation will explore unique factors affecting uptake of vision rehabilitation by the oldest of the old including personal and environmental barriers associated with aging. Residential options for the elderly will be discussed. Data will demonstrate how changing an OT model in one clinic enhanced rehabilitation for the oldest old.

Check the Envision Conference website Sessions & Events page to review the complete educational 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.

Focus on Pediatrics, Early Intervention and Education

There are more than 90,000 U.S. students currently receiving  special-education assistance due to a visual impairment. Because of an increase in premature births, between 14,000 to 16,000 premature infants are born with Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) each year. New insights into brain development, early low vision rehabilitation interventions and our approach to education is changing our approach to serving infants, children and youth who are blind or low vision. Several clinical education sessions at Envision Conference 2011 cover this topic, including:

Reading Literacy Intervention for Students with Low Vision. Chrissy Cowan, TVI. This session will review the effects of different eye conditions on reading fluency, present ways to measure reading fluency and stamina, and discuss instructional strategies to compensate for poor reading fluency in order to improve the reading literacy performance of the academic student with low vision.

Contact Lenses as an Adjunct of Vision Rehabilitation. William L. Park, OD. Contact lenses are often ignored as a component of providing low vision rehabilitation for the visually impaired. This course emphasizes contact lenses should be the first choice for best corrected visual acuity; with high refractive error and/or nystagmus, aniridia, albinism, cone dystrophies and ocular trauma. Age should not be a factor in inclusion or exclusion for fitting a pediatric patient.

Clinical Low Vision Examinations and the IEP Process: What Do Parents Really Think? Kerry Lueders, TVI, COMS, CLVT. This presentation explores the relationship and gaps between clinical low vision examinations and the Individualized Education Program (IEP) process, via the experience of parents of children who have low vision. Results of a parent survey administered by the William Feinbloom Vision Rehabilitation Center (Philadelphia, PA) will be presented.

Pediatric Low Vision Rehabilitation. Deena Sandall, OD. Treating children with vision impairments or special needs can sometimes be intimidating. This lecture will give the participants greater ease in interacting with visually impaired or special needs children.

Trends in Low Vision Education: Learning from the Past; Looking Toward the Future. Amanda Lueck, PhD. This presentation examines past and present trends in key areas of education for children with low vision. Current practices are placed into historical and research-based perspectives, leading to a discussion of critical directions for the development of collaborative models of educational-medical services in the future including personnel preparation needs.

My eyes work but my brain doesn’t see: How do we unlock the potential of young people with neurological vision impairment? Carolyn Palmer, PhD, TVI. This presentation raises critical issues in relation to understanding and working with this group of students to ensure that positive learning outcomes occur. The findings emerge from an in-depth study of current literature on this topic and consultation with experts in this field. The findings to be presented focus on the implications for the education and rehabilitation of students with neurological vision impairment. The presentation will define the condition, outline associated behaviours and provide an overview of educational intervention and important pedagogical and rehabilitation considerations.

Vision Development for Children with Low Vision. Bill Takeshita, OD. This workshop will teach attendees about the most common causes of vision impairment among children, and how to promote the development of vision of children with cortical vision impairment, optic nerve hypoplasia, and retinopathy of prematurity. The use of patching and glasses will also be discussed.

Start planning your itinerary early. Take advantage of the many clinical education and research sessions on a wide range of multi-disciplinary topics, including optical devices and prescribing, low vision and driving, traumatic brain injury, pediatrics and early intervention, and many more. The Envision Conference Sessions & Events page has been updated with events, clinical education and research sessions.

Register Today. Register by July 8 to receive $100 off your regular registration. 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 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.