Little Eyes: Improving Ocular Motor Skills to Improve Function in Children ecourse
So much of what we know about our world comes through our visual system. It affects reading, writing, posture, use of a communication board and so much more, yet we are taught so little about this system that has such a huge impact on the functional abilities of our children.This engaging course will explain the anatomy and physiology of the visual system through evidence-based research and demonstrate the role vision plays in making academics more difficulty 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. Attendees will then learn easy and fun techniques for improving these skills.
Suggested items to have on hand for the best course experience:
- A Brock String- This is a string, about 24-30 inches long, with 3 or 4 beads. This is used throughout the courses an intervention activity. They can also be found on Amazon by searching for brock string.
- A craft/popsicle stick- This will be used during the assessment process as a fixation stick. There are few choices available on Amazon as well found by searching for fixation stick.
Suggested items to have on hand for the best course experience:
- A Brock String- This is a string, about 24-30 inches long, with 3 or 4 beads. This is used throughout the courses an intervention activity. They can also be found on Amazon by searching for brock string.
- A craft/popsicle stick- This will be used during the assessment process as a fixation stick. There are few choices available on Amazon as well found by searching for fixation stick.
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
- Identify the eye care professional best suited for your patient’s vision problem
- Identify the parts and function of the near vision triad
- Differentiate ocular motor difficulties from dyslexia
- Document ocular motor and near vision focusing problems
- Differentiate when to perform visual perception testing and when to wait
- Observe 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
Contact hours pre-approved for:
- 7 Hours
- CIAO is an ASHA Approved Provider #AAWA (0.7 ASHA CEUs) bubble sheet required
- CIAO is an AOTA Approved Provider of professional development. AOTA Course approval ID#01694
- AOTA does not endorse specific course content, products, or clinical procedures.
- This course meets PDU requirements for NBCOT (7 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
- The assignment of Texas PT CCUs does not imply endorsement of specific course content, products or clinical procedures by TPTA or TBPTE
- This activity meets continuing competence requirements for PT/PTA license renewal in TX
- 7 Hrs. PT/PTAs in AR, IL, TX (7 CCUs)
- 8 Hrs. OT/COTAs in FL (CE Broker#20-844122)
- 8.4 Hrs. PT/PTAs in NY
The assignment of AOTA CEUs does not imply endorsement of specific course content, products, or clinical procedures by AOTA.
Intermediate Level
0.7 ASHA CEUs
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.
CIAO is recognized on the NBCOT Provider Registry (meets PDU requirements for NBCOT)