Exciting Presentations: New Treatments, Tests, Technologies, and Marketing Strategies

San Antonio, TX -- (SBWIRE) -- 12/20/2018 -- Throughout a three-day weekend on November 9-11, 2018, the 14th annual conference of The International Academy of Low Vision Specialists (IALVS) was held in San Antonio, Texas. IALVS, the largest group of Low Vision eye doctors in the United States and Canada, consists of 39 members – 29 of whom attended this conference. They benefited greatly from this unique opportunity to learn about new optometric technologies, testing procedures, treatments, and marketing tips for low vision optometry practices. Participants also gained 11 hours of COPE-approved Continuing Education credits offered by several leading low vision doctors.

Dr. Richard Shuldiner, OD, FAAO, and founder of IALVS, kicked off the conference with his introductory speech, followed immediately by an impressive roster of professionals in the field of low vision. Some of the presentations included:

Decreased Contrast Sensitivity; When It's All Just One Shade of Gray, given by Marlena Chu, OD, FAAO, professor at Berkeley College of Optometry

Contrast sensitivity reduction is a major cause of vision impairment in retinal diseases. It challenges both the patient's ability to function, as well as the low vision eye doctor's ability to provide optimal treatment. In this two-hour course, Dr. Chu explained how CSF tests are designed, how to use these tests, and how to interpret the results properly.

The Today Show: The Retinal Consultation Hour, given by Diana Shechtman, OD, FAAO

In this engaging two-hour presentation on retinal conditions and diseases, Dr. Shechtman reviewed the latest diagnostic tests and treatments. In addition, in an outstanding interactive exchange, attendees provided Dr. Shechtman with low vision care slides to use in her future lectures. These slides clearly convey the message that "nothing more can be done" is not an appropriate response for doctors to tell their low vision patients.

Nutritional Update, given by Ed Paul, Jr., OD, PhD

Dr. Paul, a valued member of IALVS, provided a one-hour CE course on the latest studies and updates in Nutritional Medicine. He discussed how low vision doctors can apply these studies when advising patients about supplements that can decrease their risks of further vision loss.

Telephone Effectiveness and IALVS as the Worldwide Leader in Low Vision, given by representatives from EyeCarePro

Josh Kanter, Senior Marketing Manager and Low Vision Marketing Specialist, and Evan Engel, head of Sales and Marketing, gave two presentations. They first spoke about the importance of handling incoming calls effectively to ensure each potential low vision patient is being heard. They then outlined a strategic plan for IALVS to develop into the premier global low vision organization and online resource for all things related to low vision.

Low Vision and the Optometric Media, given by April Jasper, OD, newly named Chief Clinical Editor of Optometric Management

During this reciprocative presentation, Dr. Jasper shared her thoughts and opinions on the best ways to educate optometrists and ophthalmologists to refer patients with vision loss for specialized low vision rehabilitation. At the same time, she listened to our participants' concerns regarding limited exposure in optometric media.

In addition to the lectures, vendor sponsors, including DVI, Vispero, E-Sight, IRIS Vision, and OrCAM, displayed and demonstrated their cutting-edge low vision devices. The doctors were able to benefit from hands-on experience with a range of advanced and innovative low vision aids. Programs were also launched to help doctors perform demos in their own offices.

Throughout the second day of the conference, five of IALVS's most successful eye doctor members talked about the unique marketing and outreach programs that led to their exceptional accomplishments. They revealed their secrets and answered all questions. The audience gained new perspectives on how to reach patients and garner more referrals from other professionals.

At the close of the 14th annual IALVS meeting, participant and vendor surveys acknowledged the incredible, diverse benefits of the speeches and demonstrations, and how the three-day event exceeded all their expectations.

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Three Days of Continuing Education for Eye Doctors

San Antonio, TX -- (SBWIRE) -- 10/19/2018 -- The International Academy of Low Vision Specialists (IALVS) is pleased to announce that their 14th annual meeting will be hosted on November 9 -11, 2018, at the lovely Hotel Valencia Riverwalk, in San Antonio, TX. The event features a full schedule, with three days of continuing education courses to help low vision doctors improve their skills, promote their specialized services, and expand their reach to the public. The founder of IALVS, Dr. Richard Shuldiner, OD, FAAO, will be introducing the conference.

"Low vision doctors can help patients maximize their remaining vision, and we can do more now than ever before. However, we must increase awareness of our services and patients must know how to seek out our help to get the best possible care," says Dr. Shuldiner.

IALVS is an active, thriving organization of low vision doctors who constantly strive to enhance their knowledge in order to provide optimal low vision services. In today's world of rapid technological and medical advances, it is essential for eye care professionals to keep up. IALVS's upcoming educational conference plays an important role in teaching doctors how to stay on top of what is new in low vision eye care.

A diverse roster of speakers will be participating. Representatives from Orcam, IrisVision, E-Sight, Designs for Vision, Inc., and Vispero (VFO) will discuss their latest low vision technologies. Josh Kanter, Senior Marketing Manager and Low Vision Marketing Specialist at EyeCarePro, and Evan Engel, head of Sales and Marketing at EyeCarePro, will give classes to help eye doctors improve their telephone communication with patients, teaching tips on how to engender trust and evaluate each patient's needs.

A variety of timely and informative topics in low vision optometry will be covered, including:

> Nutritional Updates, given by Ed Paul Jr., OD, PhD, developer and researcher of nutritional supplements for ocular health.

> The Today Show: Retinal Consultation Hour, presented by Diana Shechtman, OD, FAAO

> Low Vision and the Optometric Media, discussed by April Jasper, OD, Chief Clinical Editor, Optometric Management magazine

> Contrast Sensitivity Issues in Macular Degeneration, presented by Marlena Chu, OD, FAAO

> Successful Marketing Practices, a number of seminars will be taught by leading professionals in the field

On Sunday morning, the doctors will collaborate to develop a comprehensive video library on a broad range of topics related to low vision. The goal of this resource will be to provide a wealth of easy-to-access information about low vision to the public.

Dr. Shuldiner will address the corporate angle of low vision care and how to promote IALVS as a comprehensive online resource. He will discuss the most effective ways to use web content to publicize low vision optometry practices and the latest visual aids.

About The International Academy of Low Vision Specialists
The International Academy of Low Vision Specialists (IALVS) represents the largest group of Low Vision eye doctors in the United States and Canada. In order to receive certification from IALVS, doctors must train with Dr. Richard Shuldiner, OD, FAAO, and attend his series of advanced courses and seminars. The members of this organization are all highly qualified and experienced doctors, who are leaders in Low Vision Optometry.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm