2023 Tech Course Descriptions & Learning Objectives

2023 Tech Course Descriptions & Learning Objectives

#1 Update on Current Treatment of Thyroid Eye Disease (TED) | Donald Hubbard II, MD

This course will discuss the general findings associated with thyroid eye disease. We will also discuss current therapies, those that are new/currently under investigation, and updates to practice patterns for TED.

  • Recognize history and exam findings that are associated with thyroid eye disease.
  • General understanding of the current treatments for thyroid eye disease.
  • Able to list one current and one new/currently investigated therapy for TED.

    #2 Full Review of Neuro in a Comprehensive Clinic: Pupils, Color Vision, Confrontational Fields, and Indications for each Test | Ogul Uner, MD

    This introductory course will provide an overview of basic testing for neuro-ophthalmology in the clinical setting. There are several facets of the neuro-ophthalmology exam, so this course will focus on a framework to systematically approach the patient in the comprehensive setting.

    • Define afferent and efferent neuro-ophthalmology pathways and appropriate testing for each.
    • List the indications for different neuro-ophthalmology testing in clinic.
    • Recognize characteristic exam findings of common neuro-ophthalmic conditions.

    #3 Advanced Manifest Refraction Techniques | Duanna VanCamp COT, OSC

    This course is an overview of the phoropter and the steps that are performed to accomplish plus cylinder refractometry.

    • Describe the use of the binocular balancing.
    • Explain use of auxiliary cylinder in the phoropter.
    • Describe over refraction with contact lens patients.

    #4 Scleral Lenses: A Solution for Challenging Ocular Conditions | Christina Belter, OD

    This course will cover how scleral lenses can improve patients’ vision and ocular health. Technicians will be introduced to many different ocular conditions that can benefit from scleral lenses, as well as how the lenses can be customized to achieve the best fit. Concepts will be reinforced through case examples. Proper scleral contact lens care and handling as well as tips and tricks for difficult insertion/removal will also be discussed.

    • Understand the principles by which scleral lenses improve vision.
    • Understand what patients and conditions can benefit from scleral lens wear. Have familiarity with scleral contact lens handling and care.

    #5 Genetic Treatment of Eye Disease and Updates on Gene Therapy | Justin Grassmeyer, MD

    This course will review the rationale for gene therapy to treat ophthalmology. Updates on the current state of gene therapy in treating eye disease will be also reviewed.

    • Understand why gene therapy may be an effective therapy for inherited and non-inherited eye diseases.
    • Understand how gene therapy is delivered to the eye.
    • Understand the current state of gene therapy in treating various eye disorders.

    #6 OCT Retinal Imaging Review | Radwa Elsharawi, MD

    This course is meant to review the basics of OCT including identifying normal anatomical structures and recognizing some of the common retinal pathology through OCT.

    • Identify normal retinal anatomy on OCT imaging.
    • Recognize common pathology in retina through OCT imaging.
    • Identifying the location of pathology.

    #7 2023 Coding Updates & Tips for the Extraordinary Technician | Joy Woodke, COE, OCS, OCSR

    This presentation will provide an overview of the 2023 coding changes, including the next wave of E/M updates. A review of when to use an E/M or Eye visit code will be presented along with other relevant topics impacting the ophthalmic technician.

    • Understand the new wave of E/M changes.
    • Discover when to choose E/M or Eye visit codes.
    • Review other 2023 coding changes and hot topics relevant to ophthalmology.

    #8 OCT-A Technology and the Growing Importance of Diagnosing and Managing Eye Disease | Beth Snodgrass, CRA

    Attendees will gain a better understanding of OCT-A technology and how OCT-A compares to traditional fluorescein angiography. OCT-A images of ocular disease, included.  A brief segment on how OCT-A imaging may correlate with non-ocular, systemic diagnoses.   Prerequisite:  You may want to brush up on the layers of the retina.

    • Describe the differences between OCT-A and IVFA.
    • Able to identify choroidal neovascularization, FAZ, choriocapillaris with OCT-A.
    • Identify at least 2 practices to improve OCT-A image capture.
    • Name at least 2 non-ocular, systemic diseases that may be identified with OCT-A.

    #9 Macular Telangiectasia and Studies | David B Davis II, MD, FACS, ABES

    This talk will cover the different types of macular telangiectasia, incidence of occurrence, possible etiology and risk factors, symptoms, retinal findings, and diagnosis, current treatments and prognosis, and present research.

    • Understand the different types of MacTel, symptoms and natural course of disorder.
    • List the risk factors.
    • Identify the different retinal findings.
    • Discuss the different treatment modalities, success, and prognosis.

    #10 Ophthalmic Medical Missions | J. Kevin McKinney, MD

    Review basic principles of effective and ethical medical mission outreach. Give examples of various types of mission outreach and involvement. Review selected diseases and associated diagnostic/therapeutic challenges associated with ophthalmic missions in developing countries.

    • State one main principle of effective and ethical medical missions.
    • Describe two types of medical missions.
    • List two non-medical factors that can influence diagnosis and treatment of eye disease in developing countries.

    #11 Triage Emergencies | Christopher Rosenberg, MD

    This course will teach how to triage ocular emergencies. The typical presentation of both dangerous and benign problems will be discussed, so that the learner can apply this knowledge to triage accordingly.

    • Describe physical exam features that make pupillary asymmetry worrisome.
    • Formulate a differential diagnosis based on monocular versus binocular diplopia.
    • Differentiate between concerning retinal pathology and ocular migraine.
    • Evaluate dry eye as the most likely cause of a patient’s eye complaint.

    #12 FUNdamentals of Fluorescein Angiography | Denice Barsness, CRA, COMT, ROUB, FOPS, CDOS

    This course will provide an overview of the fundamentals of fluorescein angiography. Case studies will be used to demonstrate applications of this imaging modality. A step-by-step outline of the angiographic process will be provided.

    • Able to discuss the properties of sodium fluorescein dye.
    • Able to name the key phases of the average fluorescein angiogram.
    • Increased understanding of the applications of fluorescein angiography.