Low Vision Awareness & Continuing Education Series - NECO Alumni & Friends

Low Vision Awareness & Continuing Education Series

February marks Low Vision Awareness Month, a time dedicated to recognizing the impact of vision loss and the critical role eye care professionals play in preserving independence and quality of life.

In recognition of this, we are hosting a three-part Continuing Education lecture series this month (see below). This series will highlight the essentials of low vision care and its growing importance in clinical practice.

Low vision care goes beyond visual acuity; it empowers patients to remain engaged in their daily lives, careers, and communities. Our faculty and low vision residents emphasize low vision care as a vital component of comprehensive eye health.

CONTINUING EDUCATION SERIES
Low Vision Essentials: Advancing Care and Empowering Lives

This is a three-part case-based CE series empowering eye care professionals with practical insights on low vision management. Navigate important considerations in pediatric low vision management, explore the role of technology in low vision management, and discuss complex clinical decision making in low vision driving. Expand your expertise and enhance patient care with this comprehensive series. (3.00 hrs; COPE pending; via Zoom)

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 5
Seeing Beyond Acuity: Case Studies in Pediatric Low Vision from CVI to Albinism

Led by:
Jem Martin, OD, FAAO
Nicole Ross, OD, MSc, FAAO, Dipl AAO (LV)

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 12
The Future in Focus: Integrating Emerging Technology in Low Vision Rehabilitation

Led by:
Micaela Gobeille, OD, MS, FAAO, Dipl AAO (LV)
Allison Wu, OD

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 24
Clinical Decision Making in Complex Driving Cases: A Case-Based Lecture on Low Vision Driving Eligibility

Led by:
Lexi Malkin OD, FAAO
Phillippa Dorling OD

“Although I can’t restore lost vision, low vision rehabilitation helps people navigate visual impairment in ways that preserve independence and purpose. As the number of individuals living with chronic visual impairment continues to grow, optometry must be prepared to lead in providing this essential care.”

– Nicole Ross, OD ’11, MSc., FAAO, Dipl. AAO (LV), Professor of Optometry

“Low vision rehabilitation empowers people with reduced vision to continue to live full and meaningful lives in spite of their vision loss. It’s powerful to know that there is always something we can do to help patients, whether through new devices, compensatory strategies, or providing greater insight on how their ocular condition relates to their visual function.”

– Micaela Gobeille, OD ‘18, MS, FAAO, Dipl AAO (LV), Assistant Professor

“Low Vision Rehabilitation provides a wide range of tools and devices to help people improve their quality of life. The field is rapidly changing with the advent of smartphone technology and the NECO low vision team is proud of the work that we do to help people harness these technologies.”

– Alexis G. Malkin, OD ‘08, FAAO, Associate Professor of Optometry

“Low vision (re)habilitation strategies for children and students are integral for a productive and positive learning experience that can provide maximum independence as they continue to grow into adults.”

– Jem Martin, OD ‘21, Assistant Professor of Optometry

“Low vision rehabilitation offers a unique opportunity to help visually impaired individuals gain independence through the use of various optical devices, technology and community resources. Low vision rehabilitation matters because it supports visually impaired people in their path to continued engagement with and enjoyment of their own meaningful occupations.”

– Phillippa Dorling, OD ‘25, Low Vision Resident

We invite alumni to join us for this three-part CE lecture series to deepen their understanding of low vision, explore practical clinical strategies, and reaffirm the profession’s commitment to patient-centered care.