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.

Envision Conference “Excellence in Research” Award

Do you know a researcher who has made a difference in the field of low vision rehabilitation? The Envision “Excellence in Research” Award will be presented to the individual, individuals or organization that has demonstrated an outstanding career, program, research outcome or effort in low vision research with national or international impact for people who are blind or low vision. The “Excellence in Research” Award will be presented at Envision Conference 2012 in St. Louis, Missouri.

Several areas of impact are included in low vision rehabilitation research, including: 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; and efficacy of assistive way-finding technology or other technology based replacement vision strategies. Please send us your nominations for people and organizations working to make a difference in theses areas. Nominate today by visiting the Envision Conference website nominations page.

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.

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.

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.

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 Low Vision Research

The prevalence of low vision and blindness estimates indicate that almost 14 million Americans suffer from visual impairment. Visual impairment is also included among the 10 most prevalent causes of disability in the United States. Among the population that has a vision impairment, older adults represent the majority. There were almost 34 million Americans older than age 65 years in 1992 and it is estimated that this number will more than double by 2030.

One clear take-away from these statistics is the need to support vision rehabilitation research. Particularly in the area of large, outcomes-based studies on the effectiveness of vision rehabilitation interventions. Recent needs assessments and the National Eye Institutes's National Plan for Eye and Vision Research reflect common goals in low vision rehabilitation research, including: 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; and efficacy of assistive way-finding technology or other technology based replacement vision strategies. Several vision research panel sessions at Envision Conference 2011 approach these goals, including:

Health States of Patients Seeking Outpatient Low Vision Rehabilitation Services within LOVRNET. Judith Goldstein, OD; Katherine White, OD; Sonya  Braudway, OD; John  Coalter, OD; Kimberly Schoessow, OTD. 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 within the Low Vision Research Network (LOVRNET) study.

Trouble Seeing ... Trouble Sleeping: How are they related? Olga Overbury, PhD; Walter Wittich, PhD; Sheila Xi Huang, MD; Erin Flynn-Evans, PhD; Joseph Hull, PhD. This panel presents previously unconsidered issues related to the relationships between sleep disorder and visual impairment, including; 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, as well as others.

Mobility Panel

• Can Pedestrians Judge the Time-to-Arrival of Approaching Vehicles? - Shirin Hassan, OD, PhD.
• The Development of the Falling Less in Kansas (Falling LinKS) Toolkit - Shannon Riley, MA and Karen Kendrick, OTR/L, CLVT.
• Enhanced Orientation and Mobility in the Visually Impaired using Virtual audio-based Environments - Erin Connors.
• Objective Measurement of Real-world Physical Activity in Glaucoma and Macular Degeneration Using Accelerometer Devices - Pradeep Ramulu, MD.
• Restriction of travel outside the home in Glaucoma and AMD: Direct measurement using a cellular network-based tracking device. - Pradeep Ramulu, MD.

Functional Performance and Outcomes

• Impact of Glaucoma on Activity Participation - Monica Perlmutter, OT, CLVT & Bhorade Anjali, MD.
• Visual Field Loss Due to Neurological Event; the Team Approach to Rehabilitation vs. the Prescription of Gottlieb Prisms. - William Park, OD, FAAO & Shannon Riley, MA.
• Key life stages and transition points for young people with sensory impairments between birth and age 25 years. - Carolyn Palmer, PhD.
• Sleep Disturbances in Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP) are Predicted by Reduced Vision and Physical Inactivity - Ava Bittner, OD, PhD.
• Increased Visual Field Variability in Newly Diagnosed Glaucoma Patients is Partly Related to Increased Depressive Symptoms or Worry about Blindness - Ava Bittner, OD, PhD.

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.