This Training course will lead you through a four module series providing you with knowledge on prescribing, "basic training" that can be implemented tomorrow, advanced training, and neuro-cognitive training.  We know that the key to training is knowing what is available, how to adapt to the sport/position, and how to challenge our athletes.  Welcome to the next step on your way to making a significant impact.

One of the key parts of training is using equipment and products.  Whether you utilize basic, but effective tools, or invest in state of the art opportunities; these options are discussed in these modules.  

The first module will focus on prescribing considerations for athletes.  This will include when to prescribe corrective eyewear, when to use vision enhancing eyewear, and the need for eye protection.  Vision altering devices such as shields, visors, coatings, tints, and polarization will be reviewed.  Each module should take approximately 60-90 minutes to complete.

The second module will walk you through the foundational training concepts in vision enhancement. The basics of eye movements, eye focusing,and object identification will be the first augmentable function to be explored. These fundamentals of vision can then be complicated by evolving from a stationary target to a moving target. Theoretical and functional interactions can then become endlessly complex.

The third module will focus on the connection between vision and physically reacting.  Methods for training this connections will be reviewed and analysed. Isolated reactions and complex sport specific field of play exercises will be used to introduce concepts and discuss training techniques.  This is where the integration of function and theoretical aspects of vision enhancement appear most obvious.  This is also where the athlete feels the most natural connection to other types of musculoskeletal training they are used to.

Finally, the fourth module will concentrate on how your brain interprets what you see and how that can be enhanced.  We will review well established training protocols and discuss cutting edge new technology and theories.  Incorporation of vestibulo-ocular training will also be covered.  You will see how neural-based vision training results in unique opportunities for interprofessional collaboration.

Course curriculum

  • 1

    Training | Overview

    • Overview of Performance Vision Training
  • 2

    Training 1 | Prescribing Considerations

    • Training 1 | Prescribing Considerations (Overview)

    • Training 1 | Prescribing Considerations (Lecture)

    • Training 1 | Prescribing Considerations (Quiz)

    • Training 1 | Prescribing Considerations (Review and Next Steps)
  • 3

    Training 2 | Conventional Vision Training

    • Training 2 | Conventional Vision Training (Overview)

    • Training 2 | Conventional Vision Training (Lecture)

    • Training 2 | Conventional Vision Training (Quiz)

    • Training 2 | Conventional Vision Training (Review & Next Steps)
  • 4

    Training 3 | Vision-Led Movement Training

    • Training 3 | Vision-Led Movement Training (Overview)

    • Training 3 | Vision-Led Movement Training (Lecture)

    • Training 3 | Vision-Led Movement Training (Quiz)

    • Training 3 | Vision-Led Movement Training (Review & Next Steps)
  • 5

    Training 4 | Neuro-Cognitive Training

    • Training 4 | Neuro-Cognitive Training (Overview)

    • Training 4 | Neuro-Cognitive Training (Overview)

    • Training 4 | Neuro-Cognitive Training (Lecture)

    • Training 4 | Neuro-Cognitive Training (Quiz)

    • Training 4 | Neuro-Cognitive Training (Review & Next Steps)

Instructor(s)

Instructor

Amanda Nanasy

Dr. Nanasy is has been the lead investigator for two research projects aimed to help reduce concussion and high impact injury of athletes through vision training. She is a faculty member for Alcon's Experience Academy in Fort Worth, Tx as well as John's Creek, GA. She is a frequent author for Optometric Management and other Optometry publications on topics of Sports Vision and Practice management. While Performance Vision is her main interest, she also is passionate about helping other ODs improve their practices and has been the IDOC Member Director for Central and South Florida since 2011- leading over 100 round-table practice management meetings.

Instructor

Derek Cunningham

Dr. Cunningham is the Director of Optometry and Research at Dell Laser Consultants in Austin, Texas. He is a founding member and chair of the Integrated Ophthalmic Managed Eyecare Delivery Task Force by the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery and continues to serve as an education chairman for ASCRS. He is the founding chief medical editor of Optometry’s only pathology based publication – Advanced Ocular Care. He is also the author of The Surgical Minute column in Review of Optometry and the host of Innovations in Clinical Practice video series on Eyetubeod.com. Previously, Dr. Cunningham was the resident education supervisor at the Division of Ophthalmology, Texas Tech School of Medicine at El Paso. Dr. Cunningham’s advanced research cover a vast spectrum of eye are and neuroscience including; dry eye treatments, glaucoma medications and surgeries, retinal disease, cataract and lasik surgeries, cosmetic treatments and products, vision enhancement and sports vision. His innovative research has been presented at all major meetings ranging from the American Retinal society, the Academies of Ophthalmology and Optometry, to the American College of Sports Medicine. His research has been featured in many medical journals and showcased in publications such as Sports Illustrated and Forbes Magazine.

Instructor

Keith Smithson

Dr. Smithson specializes in pediatric and sports vision, as well as the treatment of patients suffering from post-concussion syndrome. He is the Director of Visual Performance for the Washington Nationals, the team Optometrist for the Washington Wizards, Spirit, Mystics and DC United, and Sports Vision Consultant for the Washington Redskins and Washington Capitals. Dr. Smithson offers sports vision consultations for serious athletes of all ages who are seeking an extra edge in athletic performance through vision enhancement. He also conducts visual and perceptual testing for children experiencing difficulty in school, and for adults with computer vision eyestrain or focusing problems. Dr. Smithson is an industry leader in the evaluation and treatment of post-concussion vision syndrome. Northern Virginia Doctors of Optometry utilizes the newest technology to address vision related issues post concussion. Dr. Smithson is the chair-elect of the Sports and Performance Vision Committee of the American Optometric Association and a member of the Virginia Optometric Association. He is a graduate of the University of Delaware and Pennsylvania College of Optometry