Lesson Summary

Welcome to the Vision Therapy Masterclass, designed to deepen your understanding of binocular vision and vision therapy to effectively help your patients.

Common Challenges Addressed:

• Patients returning frequently for glasses despite 20/20 vision
• Vision issues unresponsive to patching treatment
• Engaging "squirrely" pediatric patients during exams

Thanks to ODs on Finance for providing the educational platform supporting this course.

Course Goals:

• Expand foundational knowledge: Cover basics of binocular vision to level the playing field.
• Binocular vision exam: Learn about testing methods and handling different pediatric diagnoses.
• Perceptual testing and training: Understand brain processing of visual information.
• Treatment approaches: Binocular methods for treating strabismus and amblyopia.
• Vision therapy procedures: Hands-on insights into therapy activities, loading/unloading techniques for patient success.
• Practice management: Tips on incorporating vision therapy profitably into your practice.

Course Structure:

• Part 1 – Foundations: History, core concepts, binocular vision exams, strabismus and amblyopia basics, and practical practice integration.
• Part 2 – Therapy: Setting up therapy rooms, therapy initiation, and detailed explanations of each activity.
• Part 3 – Perceptual Course: Addressing memory, recall, letter reversals, and basics of neurorehabilitation.

Introduction of Instructors:

Dr. Joanna Carter OD, FOVDR:

• Practices in Southern Oregon, founder of Inside Vision Therapy focusing solely on vision therapy and neurorehabilitation.
• Personal experience with accommodative esotropia and lack of 3D vision shaped her passion.
• Started VT practice after a family hiatus; founder of VTODs Facebook group fostering community among vision therapy practitioners.
• Achieved COVD Fellowship (FOVDR) signifying advanced expertise.
• Dedicated to growing knowledge-sharing community in vision therapy locally, nationally, and internationally.

Dr. Miki Zilnicki OD, FOVDR:

• Pediatric-focused optometrist, specialized in vision therapy and neurorehabilitation; co-owner of Twin Forks Optometry.
• Completed residency under renowned VT experts and achieved COVD Fellowship validating advanced skills.
• Developed a niche private practice emphasizing specialty vision therapy care with a broad patient base.
• Active speaker, podcaster ("Vision is More Than 20/20"), and writer spreading awareness and education about vision therapy.
• Personal motivation stems from early clinical experiences with autistic non-verbal children and family life as a mother of four.
• Financial disclosure: Creator of "Zilnicki Antisuppression Squares," a vision therapy tool with a small royalty from sales.

Closing Note: This masterclass equips you to change lives through comprehensive vision care. Both instructors are deeply passionate about helping you incorporate these vital tools into your daily patient care.