Course Description

We learn 75% about our environment from our visual system but we are taught so little about vision in school. In this course, we will explore the role vision is playing in the functional difficulties of our patients, both adult and pediatric. We will learn how the visual system changes through the life span and how functional performance may be affected by these changes. We will discuss which eye doctors to send our patients to and gain an understanding of the most common visual diagnoses. We will learn to assess, document, and improve ocular motor skills to improve performance. By the end of the course, the therapists will better recognize functional issues caused by visual dysfunction and have solutions to improve the visual system to improve safety and performance in patients of all ages.

Objectives

• Discuss the research showing the link between vision dysfunction and functional performance
• Understand the difference between the various eye doctors w
• Assess, document, and improve ocular motor skills to improve functional performance
• Understand the refractive status of a patient and how it may affect behavior
• Understand the anatomy and physiology of the visual system
• Differentiate between the “What” and the “Where” visual system
• Understand the most common visual diagnoses and the functional effect of these diagnoses

Biography of the Presenter

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. It was here that 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 completed Clinical Level 1 and 2 training offered by the Neuro-Optometric Rehab Association.

Robert was also trained 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 in Pensacola, Florida. 

Robert has presented vision related courses since 2016, presenting through the US. His courses are engaging and full of personal experience and the latest evidence-based research. 

Robert has an online presence with a blog at VisionRehabOT.com, a Facebook Page at VisionRehab OT and a YouTube channel at Vision Rehab OT.