Day 2 :
Keynote Forum
Lisa Brothers Arbisser
Eye Surgeons Associates, USA
Keynote: Mastering the posterior capsule: Thinking out of the bag paradigm change
Time : 09:35-10:00
Biography:
Lisa Brothers Arbisser teaches cataract and anterior segment surgery worldwide. Currently Adjunct Professor at the University of Utah Moran Eye Center after an NIH
research fellowship in neurobiology and retina, Texas MD and residency at the University of Iowa, she specializes in refractive and complex adult and pediatric cataract
surgery. Known for teaching complication avoidance and management, as a surgical coach, researcher and lecturer, she retired from patient care, after 30 years of high
volume surgery in the practice she co-founded. Having performed live interactive satellite surgery at major national and international meetings, she regularly teaches
vitrectomy for the anterior segment surgeon and skills transfer labs. She reviews, edits and authors textbook chapters, journal articles, the American Academy Online
News and Education Network, Focal Points and writes two regular columns. She is former president of the American College of Eye Surgeons, serves on the Arunodaya
CharitableTrust board, is secretary of Women in Ophthalmology and has been designated a Living Legend by the American Women’s Medical Association. She is honored
with numerous awards and distinctions both educational and philanthropic. Designated in the top 50 ophthalmic opinion leaders by CRST.
Abstract:
Reasons for and methods of creating a hyaloid sparing posterior capsulotomy to be described by video and discussed. Techniques
including manual, femtolaser (off label), Zepto, and CapsuLaser, being developed for anterior and posterior capsulotomy are
to be demonstrated. Retro-lenticular anatomy will be delineated. Cases include conversion of PCR in complications, resolution
of unpolishable plaques and primary rhexis in pediatrics, uveitis and routine adults shown. Posterior optic capture into Berger’s
space and innovative sulcus bicapsulotomy capture will be shown and discussed. Prospective evidence both published and, as
yet unpublished, will be reviewed proving the value and safety of the posterior optic capture technique originally described in
1994 by Howard Gimbel. Benefits will be stressed; in particular, a zero rate of secondary cataract for all ages without vitrectomy,
improved initial stable vision and other potentially profound advantages with regard to lens subluxation, retinal pathology and
glaucoma. Economic realities and impact will be covered. At the conclusion of the symposium the attendee will be knowledgeable
enough to consider a hyaloid sparing posterior capsulorhexis and optic capture technique as the future of cataract surgery, know
developing automated technology for capsulotomy and its learning curve and understand the paradigm changing advantages of
making cataract surgery a permanent visual solution for all ages eliminating the need for Yag capsulotomy and planned pediatric
anterior vitrectomy. PCO can, must be eliminated. The knowledge, technology and technique exists; the economic impact is huge.
The benefits of intact hyaloid for all; legion.
Keynote Forum
Paul Charles Knox
Institute of Ageing and Chronic Disease, University of Liverpool, UK
Keynote: Early detection of macular disease: AMD, DMO and beyond
Time : 09:00-09:35
Biography:
Paul Knox is a Physiology graduate from the University of Glasgow, from where he also obtained his PhD in Neurobiology. After appointments in the Universities of Hull
and Edinburgh, a Wellcome Trust Vision Research Fellowship allowed him to develop his research interests in vision and eye movement. Currently the Reader in Vision
Science in the University of Liverpool, he now conducts research on human vision and visually-guided behaviour in development, ageing, health and disease. He has been
a member of the NICE Medical Technologies Advisory Committee since its inception in 2009. This led to an active interest in the generation and assessment of clinical
evidence, including evidence demonstrating the performance of vision tests deployed on mobile devices. He is currently one of the investigators in the UK HTA-funded
MONARCH study researching tests for home monitoring in neovascular AMD patients.
Abstract:
New treatments for neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) and diabetic macular oedema (DMO) have
transformed the prognosis for patients. But there is a pressing need for improved, cost-effective methods of detection and
monitoring of these conditions. The handheld radial shape discrimination (hRSD) test has shown potential for the early detection
of macular pathologies. We followed patients diagnosed with nAMD in their first eye, with no evidence of nAMD in their other eye
(study eye, SE) over consecutive, routine, clinic visits at which they undertook the hRSD test presented on an Apple iPod Touch.
We also examined hRSD test performance in patients referred from diabetic screening as being at risk of DMO (screening grade
M1). Of 179 nAMD patients, 19 (10.6%; “converters”) developed nAMD in the SE; hRSD thresholds in the converters began to
decline 190 days before diagnosis. At an hRSD cut-off of -0.60 logMAR, sensitivity was 0.79 (95% CI: 0.54–0.94) with a specificity
of 0.54 (0.46–0.62). Of 145 M1 patients, 44 (30.3%) were found to have centre involving macular oedema; hRSD thresholds were
significantly worse in these patients, compared both to those with no DMO and those with non-centre threatening DMO. Thus,
the hRSD test is sensitive, both to the earliest stages of pathology (in the nAMD patients) and to different stages of pathology (in
DMO). Given high levels of patient acceptability, that it can be done by patients away from clinics, and that it runs on inexpensive,
well connected devices, the hRSD test could have a role in both improved detection and monitoring of macular disease away from
hospital clinics.
- Neuro Optometry | Glaucoma | Ocular Diseases | Lenses
Location: Edinburgh
Chair
Nicholas Gidosh
Michigan College Of Optometry, USA
Session Introduction
Julia Pulliam and Angelina F. Bonner
St.Louis Healthcare System, USA and VA Illiana Health Care System, USA
Title: Challenges beyond the phoropter: Part II retina/OCT symposium
Biography:
Julia Pulliam attended Indiana University College of Optometry and graduated with Doctor of Optometry degree. Dr. Julia is staff Optometrists at the St. Louis VA Medical
Centre. Julia is an active member of the Armed Forces Optometric Society (AFOS), the American Optometric Society (AOA), the American Academy of Optometry
(AAO), and the St. Louis Optometric Society (SLOS). At St. Louis VA, she served as both Optometry Residency and Externship Coordinator in addition to Contact Lens
Coordinator. Currently, she is serving as the Acting Chief of Optometry.
Angelina Bonner earned her Bachelor of Science from Bradley University and her Doctor of Optometry degree from Indiana University. As a doctoral candidate, Dr. Bonner
performed contact lens research and presented on developing a method to assess on eye contact lens wettability at the 2009 Academy of Optometry meeting. During her
residency at the St. Louis Veterans Affairs Medical Center(VAMC), she specialized in ocular disease, specialty contact lenses, and primary care. Dr. Bonner has presented
on several complex ocular disease cases both locally and nationally during her career. Following residency, Dr. Bonner’s passion for serving veterans led her to the Dallas
VAMC where she managed complex ocular disease, traumatic brain injury cases, and specialty contact lens care. Dr. Bonner currently enjoys working as the Director of
Specialty Contact Lenses, staff optometrist, and attending at the VA Iliana Healthcare System in Danville, IL. In addition to educating students and residents with didactic
activities and clinical training, Dr. Bonner holds adjunct faculty positions at several universities. In fall 2017, she earned the distinguished title of Fellow of the American
Academy of Optometry. Dr. Bonner is currently licensed in Texas, Illinois, and Missouri.
Abstract:
The eye exam does not stop there. Eyecare practitioners have the privilege and ability to diagnose a variety of retinal conditions
using the Ocular Coherence Tomography (OCT). With the OCT, we can extend our reach beyond the phoropter to aid in
the diagnosis and management of our patients’ ocular and or systemic health. We will present a variety of clinical cases that
demonstrate the importance of the OCT in order to accurately diagnose and subsequently manage and coordinate the care of our
patients.
Joseph Hallak and Jeffrey Becker
State University Of New York, USA and Pennsylvania State University, USA
Title: Neuro-optometric rehabilitation of Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI)
Biography:
Joseph Hallak is an Optometrist. He was a Founder and Chairman of a continuing education study group and Director of the Contact Lens and Low Vision Clinics.
Hallak is an adjunct Assistant Clinical Professor, the State University of New York, College of Optometry and Adjunct Clinical supervisory faculty, the New England
College of Optometry and Salus University. He is a contributing editor to Primary Care Optometry News. He is a member of certain Optometry societies.
Jeffrey Becker is a graduate of the Pennsylvania State University and graduated from The Illinois College of Optometry. He has been a practicing Optometrist in
Northeastern Pennsylvania for over 34 years, with a specialty practice in Rehabilitative Optometry. Becker is an adjunct faculty member at Misericordia University,
Dallas. He examined and treated over 3000 head injury, stroke, and neurologically impaired patients ranging in ages from birth to senior citizens. Becker recently
accepted an appointment by Governor Wolfe to be a board member on the State board of Optometry in 2017.
Abstract:
MTBI is by definition a complex pathophysiological process affecting the brain, induced by biomechanical forces. It is an
injury to the brain resulting in three categories of symptoms: physical/somatic, e.g. headache, vision, GI disturbance;
cognitive, e.g. attention, memory and; psychiatric, e.g. mood swing, personality changes. Most of these symptoms should get
better within 2–3 weeks of total rest (sometimes more) barring any second impact syndrome. A concussion lasting less than
30 minutes with a Glasgow coma scale (GCS 13–15) is considered mTBI. It can result in temporary or permanent neurological
symptoms. Neuro-imaging tests such as CT scan or MRI may or may not show evidence of any damage. High school football
accounts for 47% of all reported sports concussions, followed by ice hockey and soccer. An mTBI accounted 82% of the 340,000
cases of blast injuries in the US military between 2000 and 2015. Highlights of clinical vision and perception examination
and rehabilitation of the mTBI patients include the following: thorough history, correction of small errors, out of instrument
subjective examination, contrast sensitivity and glare assessment, monocular, bi-ocular and binocular accommodative facility,
vergenses, saccades and fusional ranges. Treating patients with equipment that offers visual, vestibular and proprioceptive
abilities will provide the best outcome. Devices and methods tapping multisensory system and featuring feedback with
proprioceptive and balance capability are essential for office and home. That is because the main goals of rehabilitation
are endurance, integration and internalization of learned skills for lasting long term benefits and avoiding regression after
therapy. Keep in mind the three phases of neuro-optometric rehabilitation: visual stabilization: postural/peripheral awareness,
monocular skills; binocular vision integration: oculomotor/accommodative, convergence, stereopsis, localization–static and
dynamic; visual automaticity: multisensory integration.
Nicholas Gidosh
Lehigh Valley Eye Care Associates, USA
Title: Toric orthokeratology contact lenses for patients with corneal elevation differences
Biography:
Nicholas Gidosh is an Optometrist at Lehigh Valley Eye Care Associates in Allentown Pennsylvania. He has received his Doctor of Optometry Degree from
the Pennsylvania College of Optometry at Salus University, where he is currently doing his part time as a Clinical Instructor. He has also completed a Cornea/
Contact Lens Residency at the Michigan College of Optometry at Ferris State, and is a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry. He has served as a Clinical
Investigator for studies involving hybrid, scleral, multifocal, and orthokeratology lenses. He has also presented lectures and posters at several conferences.
Abstract:
Orthokeratology is a well-established process by which the corneal surface is reshaped in order to correct refractive
ametropia through the use of specific contact lens designs. Orthokeratology lenses are reverse geometry lenses specially
designed to have very low clearance over the pupil. These designs are comprised of different zones to either provide treatment
or stabilize the lens and can be organized into two broad categories: corneal refractive therapy (CRT, Paragon vision sciences,
Inc.) or vision shaping treatment (VST, Bausch + Lomb). This lecture will review fundamentals in orthokeratology as well
as troubleshooting common problems faced in practice. The presentation will then discuss more advanced design options
available to apply ortho-k fitting to more patients by focusing on toric designs as well as describing other ways of customizing
a fit. This will be done through discussion of elevation data obtained through a corneal topographer including how to measure
the values and apply it when designing an orthokeratology lens. Topographical data is critical in understanding the shape of a
patient’s corneal surface and thereby designing an appropriately fitting contact lens. Topographical maps will be discussed and
analyzed to explain how to troubleshoot different problems and guide custom lens design.
Alejandra Mendivelso Suárez
Universidad de la Salle, Colombia
Title: Ocular burning-smartphone and symptoms in university students
Biography:
Alejandra Mendivelso Suárez is a assistant professor at El Bosque University Bogotá and KOL for Coopervision in Colombia. Alejandra did her education in
magister vision sciences at University of La Salle. She is also an optometrist at University of La Salle. Alejandra relevant course work includes El Bosque University
- course in scientific writing and evaluation in research; University of Oklahoma - Designing courses for significant learning, etc.
Abstract:
Communication is one of the primary needs of young people, since technological evolution has generated the creation
of devices such as smart mobile phones in order to entertain, communicate, and generate access to different sources of
information. Most university students have a smart mobile device that they use in all their daily activities. The overuse of
these smartphones can produce general and ocular symptoms. During 2017, we studied 204 university students in Bogotá -
Colombia to evaluate symptoms by use of smartphone.
Aditi Chinmay Deshpande
Bharati Vidyapeeth Deemed University, India
Title: Amblyopia And Its Management With Vision Therapy Program
Time : 12:40-13:05
Biography:
Aditi Chinmay Deshpande MOptom., FAAO, FIACLE—is working as an Assistant Professor at Bharati Vidyapeeth Deemed University, School of Optometry, Pune, India. She specializes in Binocular Vision and Orthoptics predominantly, and practices Low Vision at private eye hospital in Pune. She has presented paper at the American Academy of Optometry (AAO) in 2012 and has facilitated workshops on Binocular Vision in popular national and international optometry conferences.
Abstract:
Statement of the Problem: Amblyopia is a developmental disorder resulting from anomalous binocular visual input early in life in the absence of visible ocular or visual pathway disease caused by an uncorrected refractive error, strabismus or form and light sense deprivation. Those with amblyopia may suffer from poor visual acuity, poor special acuity, and low sensitivity to contrast, impaired stereoacuity and abnormal binocular summation. In children, undetected and untreated amblyopia may preclude children’s visual development and impair productive participation in society.
Purpose: To assess the course of amblyopia treated with vision therapy exercises in children.
Method: A total of 50 subjects ageing from 3–11 years were enrolled in this hospital based study. All the subjects had undergone preliminary eye examination to rule out various types of amblyopia. The visual acuity measured with Snellen’s Visual Acuity chart and stereo-acuity measured with TNO test were compared, for the amblyopic subjects before and after giving vision therapy exercises along with patching at three months, six months and nine months of follow-ups, respectively using statistical analysis.
Results: Of the 50 subjects examined, 15 were having strabismic amblyopia and 35, refractive amblyopia. The mean visual acuity of strabismic amblyopic subjects was 0.38 before treatment and was found to be clinically significant after treatment (0.54), but showed no statistically significant difference. Similarly, clinically significant difference was found between mean visual acuity of uniocular and binocular refractive amblyopic subjects compared before and after treatment. There was statistically significant difference found between stereoacuity measured before treatment and after treatment in subjects with refractive (p=0.001) and strabismic (p=<0.001) type of amblyopia.
Conclusion: This study proved that vision therapy exercises were effective treatment therapy in subjects with refractive and strabismic amblyopia which showed significant improvement in visual acuity and stereoacuity.
Recent Publications
- Chinmay Deshpande, Dipti Amod Gogate and Aditi Deshpande (2017) The functional impact of amblyopia on visual skills in children. Delhi Journal of Ophthalmology 28(2):26–31.
Evan J. Kaufman
University of Virginia, USA
Title: Ocular graft-versus-host disease and treatment with scleral contact lenses
Biography:
Evan J Kaufman got his undergraduate degree from Southern Illinois University. He then went on to earn his doctorate at the Indiana School of Optometry. After
graduation, he continued his education and completed a residency in ocular disease at the University of Kentucky. He is an adjunct clinical instructor at the New
England College of Optometry. He is expertise in Blepharitis, Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye), Farsightedness (Hyperopia), Glaucoma, Nearsightedness, Astigmatism,
Eyelid Swelling, Eye Care.
Abstract:
Over the past several decades, hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HCT) has become the routine treatment for a
number of hematological disorders (e.g., leukemia, lymphoma), as well as treatment for some autoimmune diseases and
inherited metabolic disorders. One possible complication after stem cell transplantation is graft versus-host disease (GVHD),
an inflammatory condition that can affect many different organs, including the eyes. Ocular manifestations of GVHD are
common and can significantly decrease quality of life. Without a basic understanding of ocular GVHD, the condition can
be challenging to diagnose and adequately treat. This lecture summarizes the basics of HCT and ocular GVHD, and gives an
example case of ocular GVHD treated with scleral lenses.
Jason Chin
Andover Eye Associates, USA
Title: Ophthalmic clinical trials: a global perspective and how to incorporate them into your practice
Biography:
Jason Chin is a graduate of McGill University and he received his Optometry Degree from the New England College of Optometry in 2004, where he also completed his Cornea and Contact Lens Residency in 2005 and was awarded the American Optometric Foundation's "Dr. George Mertz Contact Lens Residency Award". He primarily sees patients in a private practice setting but is also a Clinical Investigator for Ora, Inc. and an Investigator/Consultant for national clinical trials on contact lenses for various contact lens companies around the US. His main area of interest and expertise are in Specialty Contact Lenses and Clinical Research. He is a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry in the Cornea and Contact Lens Section, and is Board Certified and a Diplomat of the American Board of Optometry.
Abstract:
Clinical trials are an important entity for the advancement of medicine. At any given time, anywhere around the globe, a clinical trial is occurring and new advancements are being made. As optometrist and providers of eye care, we should be involved in this to further help the advancement of our field and specialty. This talk will give a global perspective and give some overview of the different clinical trials occurring around the world in the field of optometry and ophthalmology. An overview will be discussed on what the particular focuses are for various regions of the world; whether it be pharmaceutically based, disease detection, disease prevention, disease treatment or disease elimination and how the research may impact our field. Many of these issues are ones that we encounter and deal with, every day in our practice. This talk will also discuss some of the benefits of incorporating clinical trials into your practice and briefly review things to consider when incorporating them into your practice.
Jason Chin
Andover Eye Associates, USA
Title: Ophthalmic clinical trials: A global perspective and how to incorporate them into your practice
Biography:
Jason Chin is a graduate of McGill University and he received his Optometry Degree from the New England College of Optometry in 2004, where he also completed
his Cornea and Contact Lens Residency in 2005 and was awarded the American Optometric Foundation's "Dr. George Mertz Contact Lens Residency Award". He
primarily sees patients in a private practice setting but is also a Clinical Investigator for Ora, Inc. and an Investigator/Consultant for national clinical trials on contact
lenses for various contact lens companies around the US. His main area of interest and expertise are in Specialty Contact Lenses and Clinical Research. He is a
Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry in the Cornea and Contact Lens Section, and is Board Certified and a Diplomat of the American Board of Optometry.
Abstract:
Clinical trials are an important entity for the advancement of medicine. At any given time, anywhere around the globe, a
clinical trial is occurring and new advancements are being made. As optometrist and providers of eye care, we should be
involved in this to further help the advancement of our field and specialty. This talk will give a global perspective and give some
overview of the different clinical trials occurring around the world in the field of optometry and ophthalmology. An overview
will be discussed on what the particular focuses are for various regions of the world; whether it be pharmaceutically based,
disease detection, disease prevention, disease treatment or disease elimination and how the research may impact our field.
Many of these issues are ones that we encounter and deal with, every day in our practice. This talk will also discuss some of the
benefits of incorporating clinical trials into your practice and briefly review things to consider when incorporating them into
your practice.
Saleha Al-atawi
Cardiff University, UK
Title: Internal lens structure changes during simulated accommodation
Biography:
Saleha Al-atawi is a PhD student in Cardiff University. I have Master Degree of optometry from NSW University at Australia 2012 and my Bachelor Degree in
optometry from king Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia 2007. My current research focus on understanding the eye lens structure under accommodation
mechanism, Also, main interesting areas are eye health care, eye lens structure and cataract disease.
Abstract:
Aim: Since the internal structural changes that occur during the lens accommodation process are not fully understood, in this
study we aimed to analyze lens fibre widths during simulated accommodation.
Methods: Porcine eyes (n=11) were dissected and attached to a lens stretcher. 3D image stacks (between 120 μm to 240/270
μm depth) of the anterior and posterior surfaces of five lenses, while immersed in artificial aqueous humour solution, were
acquired using confocal microscopy in the un-stretched configuration and then the stretched configuration. Three lenses
remained in the un-stretched configuration and three lenses were subjected to stretching. All six lenses were fixed with 4%
paraformaldehyde, snap frozen and then serially cut into cryosections of 25 μm in thickness. 1 mm interval sections were
incubated in PBS- wheat germ agglutinin-Hoechst 33342 solution. Lens fibre widths were measured following acquisition of
fluorescent images of each lens at different depths.
Result: From the confocal images, there was a significant difference between unstretched and stretched configurations in
both anterior (mean lens fibre width: 5.1±0.589 μm versus 5.625±0.345 μm, p<0.0001) and posterior surfaces (5.55±0.16 μm
versus 5.67±0.25 μm, p<0.0001). In fluorescent images, lens fibre widths were unchanged between unstretched and stretched
configurations at depths of 1 mm (mean lens fibre width: 5.7±0.29 μm, versus 5.7±0.52 μm, p=0.411), and at 5 mm (7.7±1.89
μm, versus 7.9±2.14 μm, p=0.2309 and at 6 mm (6±1.08 μm, versus 5.97±0.89 μm, p=0.814). An increase in mean lens fibre
widths was observed in stretched lenses at depths 2 mm (mean lens fibre width: 6.9±1.76 μm, versus 7.9±1.9 μm, p<0.0001),
and at 3 mm (8.9±2.42 μm, versus 8.98±2.326 μm, p=0.0002), lastly at 4 mm (8.45±2.8 μm versus 9.1±2.2 μm, p=0.033). A
decrease in cortical lens fibre widths occurred (mean lens fibre width: 6.67±1.37 μm versus 5.65±0.29 μm, p<0.0001) at 7 mm.
Conclusion: Controversy exists as to whether nuclear lens fibres are altered during accommodation. This study shows that lens
fibre width alters at some depths, but not in others during accommodation.
David Richards
USF Eye Institute, USA
Title: Importance of initial and serial gonioscopy in the management on narrow-angle glaucoma
Biography:
David W Richards is an Associate Professor of Ophthalmology (Retired), University of South Florida, Tampa, and holds a Diploma from American Board of Ophthalmology, Fellow in Glaucoma, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, Miami. He has 30 years’ of experience as a Clinical and Surgical Glaucoma Specialist. He has a particular interest in the dissemination of useful clinical information to the optometry community. He has lectured for several years at the Inter American University of Puerto Rico, School of Optometry in Bayamon.
Abstract:
Statement of the Problem: There is a common misconception among ophthalmologists and optometrists that a patent laser peripheral iridotomy (LPI) is a permanent cure for narrow angle glaucoma.
Discussion: In fact, the AC angle can progress to complete synechial closure and uncontrolled intraocular pressure despite a patent LPI. The most common risk factors for this process are: Hyperopia, phacomorphic lens changes and plateau iris syndrome. Diagnosis and treatment consist of: serial gonioscopy; OCT of the AC angle; laser iridoplasty, and in some cases, lens extraction even in eyes with little or no lens opacification. Examples of clinical cases will be discussed.
Recent Publications
Chen B H, Drucker M D, Louis K M and Richards DW (2016) Progression of normal-tension glaucoma after
- ventriculoperiotoneal shunt to decrease cerebrospinal fluid pressure. J Glaucoma. 25 (1): e50-e52.
- Lovelace RVE and Richards DW (2013) On the dispersion measure of high-redshift synchrotron sources. Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society. 433 (3): 2275-2277.
- Potcoava MC, Kay CN, Kim MK and Richards DW (2009) In vitro imaging of ophthalmic tissue by digital interference holography. Journal of Modern Optics. 57 (2): 115-123.
- Ayyala RS, Zurakowski D, Monshizadeh R, Hong C-H, Richards D, Layden WE, Hutchinson BT and Bellows AR (2002) Comparison of double-plate Molteno and Ahmed glaucoma valve in patients with advanced uncontrolled glaucoma. Ophthalmic Surgery Lasers and Imaging Retina. 33 (2): 94-101.
Julia Pulliam and Angelina F. Bonner
St.Louis Healthcare System, USA and VA Illiana Health Care System, USA
Title: Challenges beyond the phoropter: Part III anterior segment
Biography:
Julia Pulliam attended Indiana University College of Optometry and graduated with Doctor of Optometry degree. Dr. Julia is staff Optometrists at the St. Louis VA Medical
Centre. Julia is an active member of the Armed Forces Optometric Society (AFOS), the American Optometric Society (AOA), the American Academy of Optometry
(AAO), and the St. Louis Optometric Society (SLOS). At St. Louis VA, she served as both Optometry Residency and Externship Coordinator in addition to Contact Lens
Coordinator. Currently, she is serving as the Acting Chief of Optometry.
Angelina Bonner earned her Bachelor of Science from Bradley University and her Doctor of Optometry degree from Indiana University. As a doctoral candidate, Dr. Bonner
performed contact lens research and presented on developing a method to assess on eye contact lens wettability at the 2009 Academy of Optometry meeting. During her
residency at the St. Louis Veterans Affairs Medical Center(VAMC), she specialized in ocular disease, specialty contact lenses, and primary care. Dr. Bonner has presented
on several complex ocular disease cases both locally and nationally during her career. Following residency, Dr. Bonner’s passion for serving veterans led her to the Dallas
VAMC where she managed complex ocular disease, traumatic brain injury cases, and specialty contact lens care. Dr. Bonner currently enjoys working as the Director of
Specialty Contact Lenses, staff optometrist, and attending at the VA Iliana Healthcare System in Danville, IL. In addition to educating students and residents with didactic
activities and clinical training, Dr. Bonner holds adjunct faculty positions at several universities. In fall 2017, she earned the distinguished title of Fellow of the American
Academy of Optometry. Dr. Bonner is currently licensed in Texas, Illinois, and Missouri.
Abstract:
The eye exam does not stop there. Eyecare practitioners have the privilege and ability to diagnose a variety of retinal conditions
using the Ocular Coherence Tomography (OCT). With the OCT, we can extend our reach beyond the phoropter to aid in
the diagnosis and management of our patients’ ocular and or systemic health. We will present a variety of clinical cases that
demonstrate the importance of the OCT in order to accurately diagnose and subsequently manage and coordinate the care of our
patients.
John A Patterson
St. Vincent’s School for Sensory Impairment, UK
Title: Social capital, human capital and flight paths to opportunity and employment for visually impaired
Biography:
Originally an engineer, John retrained as a primary teacher serving in Liverpool inner city schools and across public private and voluntary sectors within EU Objective
One programmes as community and education consultant leading to a Senior Lecturer role as Head of Physical Education on teacher education programmes at
Liverpool Hope University. His MSC and PhD surround social capital, social enterprise, volunteerism and curriculum design. He is currently Principal at St. Vincent’s,
a residential non-maintained School for VI in West Derby Liverpool rated as outstanding by The Office for Standards in Education. His research and focus remains
with securing outcomes for VI young people.
Abstract:
Statement of the Problem: High unemployment amongst visually impaired (VI) young people remains a global concern; as
does the connected impact on health and wellbeing attached to the lack of opportunity and meaningful engagement. This
study documents how linking schools, universities, and businesses to mobilize resources and support for career choice for
VI students (Patterson and Loomis 2016) in Liverpool, England has developed and is progressing with measurable outcomes
attached to friendship group generation and employment opportunities on a local, national and international platform.
Driven through participation in sport and the raising of self esteem, we connect Science Technology Engineering and Maths
(STEM) and research development and innovation surrounding the making and sharing of VI access technologies with the
international VI community through the physical SIGHTBOX medium (www.sightbox.org.uk) Connecting with community ,
VI engagement in sport and making reference to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’S) throughout, we
present our outcomes focussed formula for the research community consideration in seeking to connect more closely medicine
with education through teaching and learning i.e. social/human capital + reverse inclusion + service learning + creativity =
outcomes.
Shroug M. Aldaham
Ministry of Education, Saudi Arabia
Title: Mesopic pupillary state in type 2 diabetics without retinopathy: A review
Biography:
Shroug M. Aldaham has graduated from Complutense University of Madrid (UCM), Spain with a PhD degree in Optics, Optometry and Vision (with distinction). She
has a BSc (Hons) in Optometry from King Saud University (KSU), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and a Master of Science in Vision Science from the University of Waterloo,
Ontario, Canada. She has joined the Optometry department at KSU as a demonstrator (an academic position that prepares for professorship) before joining the
Master program in Canada. After her masters she returned to Riyadh and later joined the PhD program at UCM. Both of her Masters and PhD studies were Saudi
government-funded research grants. She has a research experience in pediatric vision screening and visual function testing in diabetics and has published in
international optometric and vision research meetings. Her research interests are pediatric and diabetic visual function.
Abstract:
Background: It is known that the pupil diameter decreases under high illumination levels and increases under low illumination
levels. Several reports showed changes in mesopic pupillary function in patients with diabetic retinopathy. There is little
information however about mesopic pupillary changes in diabetics without retinopathy.
Purpose: To review pupillary size changes under mesopic luminance conditions in type 2 diabetics without retinopathy.
Methods: A literature search was conducted on pupillary size changes in diabetics without retinopathy. The search criteria
considered the type of diabetes, luminance conditions under which the pupil diameter was measured, and the instrument used.
Results: There was a general consensus that diabetics show smaller pupil diameters compared to normal healthy subjects.
The testing method and luminance conditions varied across studies. Pupil diameter changes were affected by the retinopathy
progression. Little information was reported for mesopic pupillary changes in diabetics without retinopathy. Some studies
specified the type of diabetes while others did not.
Conclusions: Care should be taken when comparing pupil diameter changes between studies related to the luminance level
and type of instrument used. In this presentation, mesopic visual function data for type 2 diabetics without retinopathy will be
presented, aiming to show its independency from pupil diameter.