Seeing the Big World: The Role of Vision in Pediatric Therapy

This course presents the most complete pediatric vision course curriculum ever offered. This expanded course will explain the anatomy and physiology of the visual system and, through evidence-based research, demonstrate the role vision plays in making academics more difficult for some children. Therapists will learn to recognize the simple signs of undiagnosed vision-based learning impediments so they might better interpret the results of standardized testing. Through lab practice and case studies, attendees will gain confidence in assessing ocular motor and near vision focusing skills then design programs and use modifications to get the best possible outcomes. Therapists will learn the common signs of dyslexia and get the truth on computer vision syndrome. Attendees will then learn easy and fun techniques for improving these skills. This course offers a curriculum to make the novice therapist into the "go-to" vision resource.

Course Objectives

Upon successful completion of this course, participants will be able to:

Interpret behaviors and difficulties that could indicate an undiagnosed vision problem
Illustrate the role vision is playing in the development of their pediatric patients
Describe the development of the visual system
Observe glasses to identify the condition they are managing
Explain the eye care professionals best suited for your patient’s vision problem
Describe the parts and function of the near vision triad
Summarize basic vision related diagnosis and the therapist’s role in their management
Assess ocular motor skills and the near vision focusing system
Utilize strategies to improve ocular motor skills
Describe computer vision syndrome and the role of blue light
Recognize ocular motor problems from dyslexia
Indicate when to perform visual perception testing and when to wait
Choose modifications during treatment to compensate for visual dysfunction

Course Instructor(s)

Robert Constantine

OTR\L

Robert Constantine, OTR\L is a 1997 graduate of University of Alabama at Birmingham Occupational Therapy program where he was awarded the Charles Brooks Award for Creativity. He has practiced in home health, and skilled nursing contexts and spent 9 years as the clinical specialist in brain injury at the West Florida Rehabilitation Institute where he developed a passion for evidenced-based treatment, sharing information and the functional effects of the visual system. Beginning in 2013, he enjoyed a 3 year tenure at an optometry practice where he learned techniques working closely with low vision, pediatric and adult optometrists. He has received Clinical Level 1 and 2 training offered by the Neuro-Optometric Rehab Association. He was also instructed in sports vision training working with the High Performance Vision Associates, a national group of optometrists that offer sports vision screenings to elite athletes. He developed specialized Drag Racing Glasses and has worked with NHRA Sportsman and Professional Drag Racers. He continues to provide vision rehabilitation services to pediatric and adult patients at the Pearl Nelson Center and Kindred at Home in Pensacola, Florida. Robert has been a national and international presenter for since 2016. His courses are engaging and full of personal experience and the latest evidence-based research.
Financial Disclosure: Rob receives honoraria from CIAO Seminars for the presentation of this course. Non-Financial Disclosure: None

Course Agenda

Day 1

08:00 - 08:45

Introduction to the problem and our role

08:45 - 09:00

Understanding the Who and What of the Pediatric Eye Exam

09:00 - 09:30

Vocabulary of the Eye doctor’s office

09:30 - 10:15

Better or worse…glasses and their purpose

10:15 - 10:30

Break

10:30 - 10:45

Development of the Visual System

10:45 - 11:15

Anatomy and Physiology of the Visual System from Cornea to Cortex

11:15 - 11:35

Common Congenital Visual Disorders

11:35 - 11:45

Discussion/Q&A

11:45 - 12:45

Lunch

12:45 - 02:30

Assessing Ocular motor and near vision focusing skills

02:30 - 02:45

Break

02:45 - 03:15

Understanding Common Vision Diagnosis

03:15 - 03:45

Is it dyslexia? Vision problem? Both??

03:45 - 04:00

Q&A session

Day 2

08:00 - 08:30

Q&A/Review

08:30 - 09:15

Visual Profiles of Common Pediatric Diagnosis

09:15 - 10:15

Treating Ocular Motor and Near Vision Focusing

10:15 - 10:30

Break

10:30 - 11:00

Telehealth and Vision

11:00 - 12:00

Treating Posture and Balance through the Visual System

12:00 - 01:00

Lunch

01:00 - 01:30

Visual Perception and Visual Motor Integration

01:30 - 02:00

Case Study #1

02:00 - 02:30

Case Study #2

02:30 - 02:45

Break

02:45 - 03:15

Case Study #3

03:15 - 03:30

Resources to Learn More

03:30 - 04:00

Q&A session

Contact hours pre-approved for:

13 Hours
CIAO is an ASHA Approved Provider #AAWA (1.3 ASHA CEUs) bubble sheet submission required
ASHA CE Provider Approval and use of the Brand Block does not imply endorsement of course content, specific products, or clinical procedures.
This course meets PDU requirements for NBCOT (16.25 PDUs)
CIAO is an Illinois Approved Provider for PT/PTA Continuing Education
CIAO is recognized as an Approved Provider for PT/PTAs by the NYSE Dept State Board for PT
This activity is provided by the Texas Board of PT Examiners Accredited Prov #2202009#TX
This activity meets continuing competence requirements for PT/PTA license renewal in TX
The assignment of Texas PT CCUs does not imply endorsement of specific course content, products or clinical procedures by TPTA or TBPTE
13 Hrs. PT/PTAs in IL, TX (13 CCUs)
15.6 Hrs. PT/PTAs in NY
15.5 Hrs. OT/COTAs in FL (CE Broker #20-860666)

Introductory Level
1.3 ASHA CEUs

CIAO is recognized on the NBCOT Provider Registry (meets PDU requirements for NBCOT)

CIAO Automatically reports to CE Broker for Florida Occupational and Physical Therapists and Assistants. Florida SLPs can either use the ASHA CE Participant Form (Bubble Sheet) or self-submit through CE Broker.