Course Descriptions

Friday, May 9
Para Courses

21IA
Bifocal Conversion-Science Dispels a Myth
Todd Hasselius
Using sound science and demographics, we dispel the myths behind converting bifocal wearers into progressives. Progressives have improved in technology, enabling bifocal wearers to easily convert to them. Advances in designs, processing, personalization and reduced spherical aberration/ marginal astigmatism make converting bifocal wearers to PAL lenses easier than ever.
1 Hour 8:15–9:15 am

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21IB
Emergency 911
Shane Kannarr, OD
The role of optometry has drastically changed in the last 25 years. With the expanded role, many patients call the optometrist first for any questions pertaining to vision and the eye. While this is a terrific position to be in, staff has to learn to screen ocular emergencies from routine problems. During this presentation a guide of questions will be presented to help staff learn quick and efficient ways to elicit and distinguish the true ocular emergencies. The proper steps to take once a patient’s situation is determined will also be discussed.
1 Hour8:15–9:15 am

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21IC
Pretesting: How is it Done?
Jill Luebbert
This course is designed to train support team members of the optometric practice in the procedures of pre-testing. Hands-on development of skills in procedures such as taking case history, vision acuities, pupillary distance measurements, ocular motilities is given, as well as explanations of other procedures performed.
2 Hours8:15–10:15 am

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22IA
My Top Ten Dispensing Tips
Laurie Pierce
Learn the “moments of truth” experiences of dispensing valuable time, those that make you think, “If I only knew then what I know now,” as well as concepts of fixing a lens which is off axis, SV optical center placement and “magic adjustment.” Dispensing prescription eyewear is an enjoyable and challenging process. Many times the optician must troubleshoot optical problems quickly and effectively. Often the dispenser must act to solve an optical problem in front of the client and the importance of maintaining a professional optical image must not be underestimated.Techniques that work wonders with optical problems, and troubleshooting progressive lens problems will be discussed. We will conclude with great communication tips, phrases to calm emotions and other “one-liners” that are effective when troubleshooting a problem or validating the sale.
2 Hours 9:30-11:30 am

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22IB
Ocular Odyssey: The Eyelashes and Beyond
Shane Kannarr, OD
In order to understand the majority of tests, procedures, and treatment in eye care, a person must have a working knowledge of structure and function of the eye. This two hour course will use a systematic approach from the eyelashes to the optic chiasm. An overview will be provided of both the structure and function of each major component of the eye. Extra attention will be spent on the optic system of the eye.
2 Hours 9:30–11:30 am

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23IC
Interview Your Patients Like Oprah— Taking the Right History Improves Patient Care and Optical Sales
John Warren
Learn how to collect the information that you and your doctor need to insure proper patient care and bond with your patients in the process. A good history is critical to providing the care that your patients expect, as well as satisfying their optical needs. After this course, you’ll have the knowledge and information you need to get the info you need and create a lasting bond with your patients.
1 Hour 10:45–11:45 am

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24IA
Creating a Dynamic Dispensary
Shane Kannarr, OD
The modern dispensary presents a myriad of options to the patient. What style of frame, coating add-ons, second pairs or style of progressives, just to name a few? In order to meet each individual’s needs, the entire office must work together to gather information, assimilate the information and create a pair or pairs of spectacles unique to that patient’s visual demands. When the office works together the dispensary becomes the most dynamic location in the office.
1 Hour 12:45–1:45 pm

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24IB
Diabetes and the Eye
Mark Yoder, OD
Every 24 hours, 3,600 new cases of diabetes are diagnosed. Find out how optometry is integrally involved in managing this rapidly growing disease. Learn about the ocular complications that arise from diabetes and how our offices can be involved in early detection and treatment.
1 Hour 12:45–1:45 pm

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24IC
The Big Benefits of Package Pricing
Diane Drake
A la carte items offered for eyewear can appear as trying to “up” the sale. It can even appear as less than professional. In almost every industry, package pricing seems more appropriate. Even car dealers have switched from listing every possible item available with the purchase of a particular car on the sticker. Introducing a package to your patients, based on their needs, demonstrates your knowledge of their needs, simplifies the process and will greatly increase your bottom line.
1 Hour12:45–1:45 pm

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25IA
The Latest and Greatest of Frame Designs and Fashions
Laurie Pierce
The fashion industry can carry over into the ophthalmic market. Optical businesses with fashion savvy are gaining momentum in the optical dispensing arena. Ophthalmic frames have finally been recognized by the fashion world, presenting added opportunities for multiple sales and business growth. During this course we will discuss growing fashion trends and how to translate fashion patterns into optical trends. We will preview the latest and greatest of frame designs and materials, and match the designs with fashion trends.
2 Hours 2:00–4:00 pm

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25IB
Optometry and MS
Mark Yoder, OD
Over 400,000 Americans acknowledge having Multiple Sclerosis. Worldwide, the disease may affect over 2.5 million people. Come and learn how optometry is integrally involved in the diagnosis and treatment of this increasingly common central nervous system disease.
1 Hour2:00–3:00 pm

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25IC
Creating Special Events to Grow Your Business
Diane Drake
Sometimes it’s not “just what” you say but how you say it. And sometimes it’s not “JUST what” you offer but how you offer it. This course will demonstrate the value of creating special events to grow your business. Whether it’s for the fashion minded, the value minded, the child, or the child in us, special events are not only fun, they are profitable. This course will present how to create, market and present various events such as trunk shows, fashion events, eyewear makeovers, and special children’s events that can grow your business.
1 Hour

2:00–3:00 pm

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26IB
Patience With Patients
Mark Yoder, OD
You like them, you love them, you can’t get enough of them. Patients are the heartbeat of our practices, but be honest. They can drive you crazy. This course will help those participating better understand people and will give you patience with those you are trying to serve.
1 Hour3:15–4:15 pm

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26IC
Surgical Management
Shane Kannarr, OD
Eye care is unique to the health care fields. Often times the responsibility of pre-operative and post operative care is given to the primary care office. To make the patient feel comfortable and that the highest level of care is being provided, the entire office must be “on the same page” regarding each procedure. This lecture will provide a basic structure, which can be modified to fit the specifics of any office. This includes procedures necessary for pre and post operative examinations and answering questions about the surgical procedure. This lecture will cover the nuts and bolts of the procedures themselves, as well as common tests done at each visit. Answers for the most common patient questions will also be provided.
1 Hour

3:15–4:15 pm