Online CE Course Library

Recent results from clinical trials and studies using animal models have challenged the traditional view that amblyopia is untreatable in adulthood due to insufficient cortical plasticity.  This course will review several of the biological and behavioral manipulations that have demonstrated restoration of neural plasticity in the human brain that may eventually be incorporated into safe and feasible amblyopia treatment.

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This course will give an overview of the systemic condition of Sickle Cell Anemia, its associated hemoglobinopathies and their ocular manifestations.

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Optometrists are often the doctors detecting the first signs of patients with neovascular glaucoma (NVG).  This course aims to update the practicing optometrist’s knowledge of NVG by reviewing the underlying ischemic processes that can result in NVG development, how to recognize the earliest signs of NVG, and how to select the best management options available for NVG.  A review of the latest thinking on surgical management options is also discussed.  Lastly, an update on the latest research as well as the potential future treatment options of NVG are discussed, specifically, topical anti-VEGF agents and the role of pigment epithelial derived factor in NVG.

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Optometrists are often the first doctors to recognize this potentially visually devastating disease in patients presenting with complaints of headaches and/or changes in vision.  This course aims to update the optometric clinician on the latest findings and current thinking in the management of patients with idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH).  This course will review the necessary criteria for diagnosis of IIH, the associated signs and symptoms to be aware of during the ocular examination sequence, the appropriate co-management team, and the available treatment options including both medical as well as surgical interventions in this day and age of treating this disorder.

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This course addresses recommended equipment, office setup, examination and management of the infant and young child.  It includes pearls for making the examination easier for the child, parent and doctor.  It also emphasizes the assessment and diagnosis of eye and vision conditions most likely encountered in the examination of an infant.  Differential diagnosis will be used to guide the optometrist into the appropriate treatment plan.

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This course will present a review of amblyopia diagnosis and treatment.  Attendees will become familiar with the different types of amblyopia.  Participants will become comfortable in performing an examination on a child with reduced vision, and will learn what examination techniques are helpful in arriving at a diagnosis of amblyopia.   Current treatment options, including occlusion, pharmacological penalization and vision therapy will be discussed.  A review of the Amblyopia Treatment Studies (ATS) and other research will be included.

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This course will present an overview of the pediatric exam from infancy to school age.  Attendees will learn how to perform all components of a pediatric eye and vision examination including evaluation of visual acuity, refractive error, binocularity/accommodation and ocular health.  Areas of concern including academic and/or health issues will be discussed along with recommendations for referrals or additional testing.

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Description: Obstructive sleep apnea is an often-underdiagnosed condition that has many implications for ocular and systemic health. This course will focus on the top five areas for optometric consideration concerning sleep apnea: the symptoms and underlying pathophysiology of sleep apnea, systemic co-morbidities, ocular manifestations in the anterior segment, posterior ocular segment considerations, and the optometrist role in patient management.

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Nutritional effects on ocular disease have been documented for diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, neurodegenerative disease, including multiple sclerosis, and more.  Given the aging population in the United States, awareness of nutritional issues in the elderly and the potential impact malnutrition may have on vision are increasingly important in the provision of vision care to the elderly population.  This course reviews the factors affecting nutritional status in elderly people, enumerates the potential effects of malnutrition on ocular and brain health, and summarizes strategies for identifying and managing issues related to malnutrition in patients that present to the optometric practice.

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There are processes in the course of visual development that have remained constant.  These concepts are being re-validated every day.  It is especially important in this modern age that we are aware of these concepts and that the assessment and management we provide is appropriate for that child.  Children may go through the stages at a faster pace or a slower pace but the markers along the way are consistent – and vision is the leader.  Issues arise because foundations are not set in one stage before moving on to the next stage of development.  This course will outline the steps for assessing visual development and show the critical role of vision in this process.

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Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) testing has become a mainstay of diagnosis and management of retinal disease in a large number of optometric practices. OCT scanning has traditionally been divided into scans of the macula (often cube type scans) or of the optic nerve (retinal nerve fiber layer scans), but now we have the ability to customize scans and obtain images not just of the macula and optic nerve, but throughout the retina. When used properly, this technology can provide insight and visualization of structure that would otherwise be hidden from view. However, poor scanning techniques or interpretation may lead to improper treatment or unnecessary testing. This lecture aims to assist the optometric physician in obtaining the most diagnostically beneficial scans and fine tuning his/her OCT interpretation skills. The presentation will be packed with case examples to provide an experience that is clinically meaningful to the practitioner on a daily basis.

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This course will give an overview of common oral medications prescribed in optometry, including indications of use, dose and duration, and other patient considerations. Drug categories will include antibiotics, antivirals, carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, analgesics, antihistamines, steroids, and nutritional supplements. Cases will be presented to allow viewers to become more comfortable with prescribing.

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Description: Introduction to primary care management for stroke and traumatic brain injury cases. This course will provide background on acquired and traumatic brain injury (A/TBI), highlight key examination techniques, and provide functionally-based management techniques.

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This course will review the various aspects of prescription writing to include the required elements of a prescription and information regarding controlled substances. The course also will discuss the acquisition of a DEA number and prevention of diversion. Finally, an overview of common prescribing errors will be presented and the course will conclude with suggestions to enhance patient compliance. This course meets all requirements by the Tennessee Board of Optometry for licensure purposes.

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