Vision course live online: Understanding and Managing Visual Deficits with Dr. Mitchell Scheiman

Coming in May!
Register Today!

Register Here 

May 14 and May 15, 2022 8:30 am to 3:30 pm each day Live Online Participants will receive a certificate of completion.  Course Description This two-day course is designed to help therapists develop a comprehensive understanding of vision and how vision can impact on the therapy process in children. A three-component model of vision will be reviewed stressing the importance of optical, visual efficiency and visual information processing disorders. Screening procedures that allow therapists to test for the most common vision problems will be presented. Treatment options will be discussed at length including both compensatory strategies and rehabilitative techniques (vision therapy). Target Audience This seminar is designed for therapists and assistants (occupational, physical, speech) who work with children (birth though 18 years), and teachers (preschool, special and early education, visually impaired). Course Schedule For the first day of the course, the audience is combined to include all registrants (pediatrics and ABI). The information on Day One (May 14) is identical for the two groups. However, Day Two is specialized for either pediatrics (May 15) or ABI (May 16). Some attendees will attend two days in a row, others will have one day off between the two sessions. Learning Objectives • Understand the complexity of the visual system • Identify the three major components of the visual system • Describe how various vision deficits affect performance in play, learning, and sports • Administer a screening battery to identify common vision disorders that can affect therapy • Understand the various treatment approaches available • Plan and implement compensatory strategies to manage vision problems interfering with therapy • Plan and implement direct intervention to manage vision problems interfering with therapy Speaker Biography Dr. Mitchell Scheiman is a nationally known optometric educator, lecturer, author and private practitioner.  He is the author of Understanding and Managing Visual Deficits: A Guide for Occupational Therapists and Low Vision Rehabilitation: A Guide for Occupational Therapists published by Slack Incorporated.  Dr. Scheiman has a long and close relationship with occupational and physical therapists.  He has worked closely with occupational and physical therapists in his practice co-managing patients and has lectured to therapists on numerous occasions. He has specialized in vision therapy for the past 46 years.  Dr. Scheiman is currently Dean of Research at Salus University.  He has written four books for optometrists covering the topics of binocular vision and vision therapy, pediatric optometry, and learning related vision problems and he has published over 220 articles in the professional literature.  He is a Diplomate in Binocular Vision and Perception and a Fellow in the College of Optometrists in Vision Development. Register Here

May 14 and May 16, 2022 8:30 am to 3:30 pm each day Live Online Participants will receive a certificate of completion.  Course Description This two-day course is designed to help therapists develop a comprehensive understanding of vision deficits commonly associated with acquired brain injury.  Included will be the most common vision disorders and basic pathologies of the visual system, as well as their functional implications. A three-component model of vision will be presented stressing the importance of optical, visual efficiency and visual information processing disorders. A screening battery that allows therapists to test for the most common vision problems will be presented. Treatment options will be discussed at length including both compensatory strategies and rehabilitative techniques (vision therapy). Details will be provided about establishing a vision rehabilitation service for both inpatient and outpatient services. Target Audience This course is designed for therapists and assistants (occupational, physical, speech) who work with patients with acquired brain injury. Course Schedule For the first day of the course, the audience is combined to include all registrants (pediatrics and ABI). The information on Day One (May 14) is identical for the two groups. However, Day Two is specialized for either pediatrics (May 15) or ABI (May 16). Some attendees will attend two days in a row, others will have one day off between the two sessions. Learning Objectives • Understand the complexity of the visual system • Identify the three major components of the visual system • Describe how various vision deficits affect performance in play, learning, and sports • Administer a screening battery to identify common vision disorders that can affect therapy • Understand the various treatment approaches available • Plan and implement compensatory strategies to manage vision problems interfering with therapy • Plan and implement direct intervention to manage vision problems interfering with therapy Speaker Biography Dr. Mitchell Scheiman is a nationally known optometric educator, lecturer, author and private practitioner.  He is the author of Understanding and Managing Visual Deficits: A Guide for Occupational Therapists and Low Vision Rehabilitation: A Guide for Occupational Therapists published by Slack Incorporated.  Dr. Scheiman has a long and close relationship with occupational and physical therapists.  He has worked closely with occupational and physical therapists in his practice co-managing patients and has lectured to therapists on numerous occasions. He has specialized in vision therapy for the past 46 years.  Dr. Scheiman is currently Dean of Research at Salus University.  He has written four books for optometrists covering the topics of binocular vision and vision therapy, pediatric optometry, and learning related vision problems and he has published over 220 articles in the professional literature.  He is a Diplomate in Binocular Vision and Perception and a Fellow in the College of Optometrists in Vision Development.

Greetings from Florida! teaming up with Calgary's vision mechanic

_________________________________________

Calgary’s own Dr. Charles Boulet (visionmechanic.net) and me, Robert Constantine, OTR\L (VisionRehabOT.com) are teaming up to present two days of vision instruction that will take you from curious to confident.

This conference promises to be full of usable information that you can use on your first day back to clinic. 

Feb 29-March 1 

Delta Hotels by Marriott Calgary South

135 Southland Drive S.E
Calgary, AB T2J 5X5

It will be loaded with activities from myself and Dr. B that are easy and inexpensive to make and fun for your pediatric patients to do.  

Here is a video to get you really excited. You can sign up today at VRROnline.com

https://visionmechanic.net/the-rehabilitation-therapist-as-vision-mechanic/

I look forward to meeting you all!!

Robert Constantine, OTR\L

visionrehabot@gmail.com

_______________________________________

Calgary Vision Event September 2015

Vision remains a core construct in rehabilitation.

COME JOIN US AT THE CALGARY VISION EVENT 2015

Saturday & Sunday September 19/20, 2015

Calgary, Alberta

Presenting:

Dr. Leonard Press: Editor-in-Chief, Vision Development & Rehabilitation. Author: Applied Concepts in Vision Therapy. Adjunct Professor - Southern College of Optometry. Past-President, COVD.

Dr. Curt Baxstrom: President, Neuro-Optometric Rehabilitation Association

Dr. Yves Sauvé: Director of Research in Ophthalmology, University of Alberta

This two-day program will review core concepts in visual neurology and how this may be exploited in varied aspects of vision development and neuro-optometric vision rehabilitation. All participants will receive free copies of the new vision development game ‘GeoBee!’. Seehttp://visionmechanic.com/geobee

Fees/Registration: $475 per person. Groups of three may enroll for $375 per person, but fees must be paid as a group. Early Registration Discount: Before August 1, 2015 $400 per person.

Contact: info@dvvc.ca or see http://vild.info/cve2015.html for more information. 

Calgary Vision Event 2015

The Calgary Vision Event 2015 is coming in September. This multidisciplinary two-day seminar will review elements of visual rehabilitation for TBI, learning, and child development.

Guests include world-reknown speakers Dr. Curtis Baxstrom and Dr. Len Press. Join in for a power-packed two-days of intensive learning you can apply to your own clinical work.

Learn more here: http://vild.info/cve2015.html

Behavioural Optometrist in Edmonton

I am a behavioural optometrist with a Masters of Education/Visual Function in Learning. I am available for consultation services, professional development workshops/presentations in addition to routine eye exams, vision assessments and vision therapy. I enjoy working with other professionals to provide multidisciplinary care to my patients to ensure the best chance at success. Information can be found on my blog atwww.tumblingEs.wordpress.com and I can be contacted via email at tumbling.es at gmail.com. 

Routine Eye Exams are offered at Sears Optical in Kingsway Garden Mall or Southgate Center (www.drkevintsen.com to schedule appointment online). 

All services (Routine Exams, Vision Assessments and Vision Therapy) are offered at Precision Eye Care off Ellerslie and Parsons at 2965 Ellwood Drive SW. 

Children's Vision Assessment Act

Alberta's Bill 203 - Children's Vision Assessment Act, was introduced last week in the Legislature. This historic Bill would ensure ALL Alberta children would have the benefit of at least one vision exam by an optometrist or ophthalmologist before they start school. As we all know, vision development is critical in behaviour, learning, and development. 

Vision concerns impact upon everything from reading, to visuomotor and gross-motor skills, balance, coordination, and cognitive performance. Currently, at best 20% of children do have an exam before Grade 1, meanwhile as many as 25% of all children have some sort of vision impediment that goes undetected/unmanaged. 

You can read the Bill here.

All OTs are encouraged to share this news and follow the progress of the Bill through the Legislature. You are also encouraged to write to MLA Mary Anne Jablonski to voice your support for something that is long overdue.

Dr. Charles Boulet, a consultant on this, is available to speak with OT groups about the history of the Bill and its implications. Contact Dr. Boulet at info@dvvc.ca.

JULY VISION AND LEARNING SYMPOSIUM 2014

July 19/20, 2-14 (Saturday/Sunday) in Airdrie, Alberta.

 

Featuring: Dr. Curt Baxstrom and Dr. Charles Boulet

 

More information, including program details, updated program, and pricing available at  drboulet.com

This event is much more than your average CE event, with a strong didactic program, immediate practical hands-on techniques and training, and engaging discussions and sharing with child development specialists from a number of medical and para-medical domains. 

Program in brief - See http://drboulet.com for more detail and to sign up for program updates:

We are all looking for a better approach to the common concerns we struggle when attempting to assist our clientele. There is often a tendency to wonder who is the best to deliver a comprehensive solution. In the end, the best clinical solution is not so much in 'who' does 'what' - we ALL have to do ‘it’: Assist using evidence-based approaches to fundamental developmental needs first – neuromuscular and neurosensory.

 

The question is more 'what' do we do? This 'what' we do is to apply exactly the notions described and training provided in this program. The program emphasizes:

 

·      The role of vestibular function

o   As support for vision

o   As a function of visual processing

·      Vestibular function, vision, and coordination.

·      The role and impact of gross-motor and reflex development in visual-motor integration, and fine oculomotor skills.

·      Description of visual functional concerns and how these affect learning and behaviour.

·      Implementation of principles in clinic to achieve accelerated results

o   Gross-motor

o   Coordination

o   Visuomotor skills

o   Attention and impulse control

o   Spatial awareness

·      Principles apply equally well to child development as to ABI/TBI.

 

To round things off, we will even spend a few minutes discussing myopia control. Non-surgical and complementary means of addressing amblyopia and strabismus.

Eyesight to Insight: Visual/Vestibular Assessment and Treatment Course in Ontario

kidsTHERAPY and The Spiral Foundation are pleased to announce the course

Eyesight to Insight: Visual/Vestibular Assessment and Treatment

Course      ▪    May 9-10, 2014    ▪     Guelph, Ontario

Carl Hillier, OD, FCOVD and Mary Kawar, MS, OT/L 

http://www.scribd.com/doc/198931662/Eyesight-to-Insight-Course-Summary-and-Registration-Form-for-May-9-10-2014-Guelph-Ontario

An excellent opportunity for new graduates and those looking to advance their clinical assessment and treatment skills.

This is an exciting opportunity to be taught by a dynamic, collaborative team and is pertinent to individuals and professionals interested in vision and its impact on learning and motor function.

The information is this course is also relevant to professionals working within adult populations.

Please contact us if you require more information.  Our registration form and course summary can be viewed or downloaded via the above link.

Please feel free to forward this information to others who may be interested.

Elizabeth J. Bell,

Occupational Therapist

Director of Program Services

kidsTHERAPY  

Optometry Child Development Consultation Services

Dr. Charles A. Boulet
Child Development Consultation Services

Now serving Edmonton area and Calgary area.  Click here for brochure.
   
For appointments: 
SOUTH: 403-933-5552 Diamond Valley Vision Care, Black Diamond, Alberta  www.dvvc.ca info@dvvc.ca 

NORTH: 780-458-0335 St. Albert Optometrists’ Clinic, St. Albert, Alberta www.st-albert-eye.com stalberteye@gmail.com

Visual Rehabilitation and Development Clinic for Northern Alberta

Visual Rehabilitation and Development Clinic for Northern Alberta
Dr. Charles Boulet is pleased to announce he will be taking patients for visual rehabilitation and development support starting in October in St. Albert. Services include case analysis, consultation, diagnostics, and treatment planning.

Who should be seen?
Any child with a developmental or learning concern has an 80% or better chance of having some significant concern with refractive error, binocular alignment and control, strabismus/amblypia, fine visuomotor skills. Dr. Boulet encourages collaborative approaches to care and prefers to work closely with OTs to integrate visual rehabilitation activities with existing therapy planning.

See this recent press release re: vision and child development:

http://www.uleth.ca/unews/article/visual-impediments-key-factor-childhood-learning-difficulties

You can contact Dr. Boulet directly at caboulet@mac.com, or at his clinic in Black Diamond:

Phone: 403-933-5552

Email: info@dvvc.ca

 

You can book appointments in St. Albert by contacting St. Albert Optometrists:
http://st-albert-eye.com/
Phone: 780 458 0335
Email: stalberteye@gmail.com

Visual Impediments in childhood learning and behavioural difficulties

Article by Dr. Charles Boulet on Visual Impediments in childhood learning and behavioural difficulties.

A University of Lethbridge researcher is calling for more comprehensive, and compulsory, early childhood vision assessments to help reduce potential learning and behavioural difficulties that affect children with impairments to eyesight and visual function.

In a paper recently published in the Journal of Optometry and Vision Performance (http://www.oepf.org/visual-impediments-to-learning), co-authors Dr. Noëlla Piquette of the University’s Faculty of Education and developmental optometrist Dr. Charles Boulet assert that visual impediments to learning (VIL) are rarely detected in common sight screenings, leading to difficulties with reading, memory, emotional awareness and impulse control in children. The resulting effect, enhanced by the greater visual demands of today’s neo-traditional classrooms, alters children’s academic outcomes, health and behaviour, leading to limited socioeconomic success and even decreased social skills.

http://gatewaygazette.ca/u-of-l-visual-impediments-key-factor-in-childhood-learning-and-behavioural-difficulties/

Click here for full article.

Last Registration Reminder for VT for OTs

Hi everyone!

Just letting you know that the 2-day workshop Vision Therapy for Occupational Therapists WILL be proceeding on Thursday and Friday May 30 & 31.  This is the "North" version of this workshop and is your chance to attend without having to travel and pay for accommodations!  Though we have lower numbers than I boldly predicted (!), Dr. Boulet has generously offered to keep the tuition door-prize an option, so you will have the best odds of your life at "winning" $400! 

Please register by Tuesday May 21st so we can order enough Lobster Bisque for everyone.  ;)

Here is the info below:

Please see the brochure for content details.

Dates:
Thursday and Friday May 30 & 31, 2013

Where: 
Black Gold Regional Division Central Office
County Centre
5th Floor, 1101 5th St
Nisku, AB  T9E 7N3


Driving directions: take the airport exit off Hwy 2 and go East.  You will see County Center on the North side of the road - 5 floor building, big yellow sign!  Park in the overflow lot on the East side of the building. 





Cost: 
$400 including coffee, snacks, lunch

Registration: 
Please note that there are a maximum of 40 registrants, and registration is first come first serve by telephone only.  Please call Dr. Boulet's office at 403-933-5552 to pay by credit card and complete your registration.

Please feel free to email ab.ot.pedintgroup@gmail.com with any questions.  Once your registration is confirmed, please contact this email with any special diet requirements or other requirements or questions. 

Vision Resources for OTs

April 24, 2013

Re: Vision’s Role in Learning, Behaviour, and Therapy

Hello OT’s!

I hope you’re all enjoying a sunny day, wherever you are in this great Province!

It was a real treat to share thoughts on the role of vision in child behaviour with the Edmonton regional pediatric OT interest group this past Saturday (April 20). OT’s, it seems, are much more attuned to the simple logic that vision plays a key role in child development than many other child development workers. I mean it when I say that the most valuable piece of diagnostic information I need, as a doctor focusing on child visual development, is the thorough and thoughtful assessment of an occupational therapist.

Here are a few things for your professional interest:

1    See attached document : Association betweenreading speed, cycloplegic refractive error, and oculomotor function in readingdisabled children versus controls (Patrick Quaid & Trefford Simpson, Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol (2013) 251:169–187)

a.       This is an excellent review of visual dysfunction in a comparison of children with IEPs (Individualized Education Plan) vs. those who did not require them.

b.      Note this paper was published via ophthalmology, not optometry where most of this research has been done traditionally. This is a reflection of a growing recognition that a) vision is important, and b) you can manipulate it to benefit child development.

c.       Among other observations, the fact is most children with visual impediments go on to be diagnosed with other endogenous, so-called ‘neurobiological’ concerns, undergo oftentimes arduous testing and treatment, and cost taxpayers countless millions in wasted funds.

d.      This document is homologous and complementary to my soon to be published paper ‘Visual Impediments to Learning’, co-authored with University of Lethbridge psychologist Dr. Noëlla Piquette. If you do not have a copy of this paper, please write to me at info@dvvc.ca (my clinic address in Black Diamond.)

3    See attached pdf ‘Saccadic Testing For VisualImpediments to Learning’. Another clinical treat for you, sort of a teaser. This document is one of the elements we will review during Day 2 of the VT for OD’s training sessions.

a.       Observations of saccadic behaviour is quick and provides excellent clinical insight into a child’s current neurodevelopmental status, health, reading prospects, and clues into other behaviours such as ADHD concerns.

b.      Saccadic measurements are also a great way to track progress of therapy, such as with vestibular treatments.

4      
      See attached ‘VIL Symptom Checklist and Notes.pdf’. It’s pretty well self-explanatory. Feel free to pass this around to colleagues, teachers and parents, and to use in your own clinics.

5.      Finally, always remember to recommend vision exams to your clients’ parents. ALL children need to have vision assessed, whether they appear to have difficulty with vision or not. Remember: A full vision exam requires more than simply checking health and visual acuity. (There was a referral template circulated on this list recently, let me know if you need a copy: info@dvvc.ca). 

I hope you find this information helpful. Feel free to write or call the clinic if you need help or have questions.

Sincerely,

Dr. Charles Boulet

info@dvvc.ca

403-933-5552

dvvc.ca | learningmanagement.ca

Vision Therapy for Occupational Therapists - Workshop May 30, 31st

We are pleased to partner with Dr. Charles Boulet to offer the 2-day workshop Vision Therapy for Occupational Therapists.  Please see the brochure for content details. 

Dates:
Thursday and Friday May 30 & 31, 2013

Where: 
Black Gold Regional Division Central Office
County Centre
5th Floor, 1101 5th St
Nisku, AB  T9E 7N3

Cost: 
$400 including coffee, snacks, lunch

Registration: 
Please note that there are a maximum of 40 registrants, and registration is first come first serve by telephone only.  Please call Dr. Boulet's office at 403-933-5552 to pay by credit card and complete your registration.

Please note that we will be holding a door prize and one lucky registrant will win her registration fee!  Draw to be made at the conclusion of the workshop! 

Please feel free to email ab.ot.pedintgroup@gmail.com with any questions.  Once your registration is confirmed, please contact this email with any special diet requirements or other requirements or questions.