Joe Sowka, OD
Course Description: There have been many recent advances in the area of neuro-ophthalmic disorders. This course examines a primary optometric approach to diagnosing neurogenic double vision with an emphasis on management of these patients. Pertinent information is provided to assist in properly neuroimaging patients, examining common neurogenic imposters, and differentiating serious from benign conditions to give the attendee an increased comfort level when patients say, “Doctor, I see double”.

Carolyn Majcher, O.D.
Course Description: Coming Soon

Tracy Offerdahal, PharmD, BPharm, RPh, FAAO
Course Description: This course reviews common metabolic diseases, including diabetes mellitus (Type 2), hyperlipidemia, and thyroid disease. This course will describe recent updates in treatment guidelines and side effects associated with medications used in these diseases, as well as a discussion about the impact of epigenetics. Patient case anecdotes will be integrated into the presentation, where differential diagnosis and work-up will be discussed.

Nate Lighthizer, O.D., F.A.A.O
Course Description: The use of laser energy, specifically laser peripheral iridotomy (LPI) and Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT), has been utilized in various forms of glaucoma for decades. They are accepted and relatively safe procedure performed by ophthalmologists nationwide, and optometrists in the states that allow OD’s to perform anterior segment laser procedures. Recently, evidence and arguments have emerged regarding LPI treatments possibly being overutilized. At the same time, evidence and arguments have emerged regarding SLT treatment being historically underutilized and now should be considered first line therapy. This interactive lecture will review and update clinical evidence and literature regarding laser peripheral iridotomy for narrow angle glaucoma and SLT for open angle glaucoma.

Joe Sowka, OD, FAAO
Course Description: 

Joe Sowka, OD, FAAO & Greg Caldwell, OD, FAAO
Course Description: This course with examine in detail the pathophysiologic mechanisms behind giant cell arteritis (GCAS), myasthenia gravis (MG) and thyroid eye disease (TED) and explain the requisite testing needed to diagnose each condition in suspect patients. Clinical features and pearls involved in diagnosing these autoimmune diseases will be detailed. Current treatments and advancements in management will also be addressed for each condition.

Greg Caldwell, OD, FAAO
Course Description: Every year the FDA approves numerous pharmaceuticals for treatment of diseases in the various medical therapeutic areas. This course will review the recently approved pharmaceuticals that are pertinent to blepharitis and dry eye disease. Indication of use, mechanism of action, and ocular side effects will be reviewed. When applicable case presentations will be used to show treatment benefit or adverse reaction.

Richard Madonna, OD
Course Description: Modern glaucoma management is challenging due to the rapid advancement of research and new technology that makes it very difficult to stay current. This course discusses approaches to some of the emerging questions in contemporary glaucoma management. Additions to the glaucoma evidence-base are emphasized along with real-life treatment approaches.

Mark Dunbar, OD
Course Description: Interesting retinal disease and glaucoma cases will be presented in a grand rounds style format. The focus will be on OCT imaging and how it can help in the diagnosis and management of conditions that we all see in our practices. Topics will include a potpourri of interesting cases from the common to the unusual.

Joe Sowka, OD, FAAO
Course Description: This course details in a case-based format the symptoms and clinical findings in patients with numerous clinical neuro-ophthalmic entities including Horner syndrome, pupil abnormalities, pituitary apoplexy, and giant cell arteritis. This course identifies the true neuro-ophthalmic urgencies and emergencies and provides numerous clinical pearls that practitioners can use to navigate through patients with neuro-ophthalmic disorders.

Greg Caldwell, OD, FAAO
Course Description: This is an oral pharmacology course that describes the appropriate use of opioid medications, with an emphasis on pain management within the scope of optometry and general pain management. Case anecdotes will include management of ocular pain, with specific emphasis on oral/systemic medications.  Opioid medications will be evaluated in terms of risk versus benefit, with an emphasis on appropriate use of pain medications, evaluation of potential addiction, and a description on how to protect both patient and practitioner.