WAEPS 2024 Ophthalmic Medical Personnel Program Schedule & Session Descriptions

Course Description: This course will provide an in-depth overview of collagen cross linking, the newest treatment available for corneal ectasia. Indications and techniques of treatment, selection of candidates, timing of intervention and post-treatment management will be discussed as well as future directions of collagen cross linking in eye care.

2. Pharmacology Update 2024

Speaker: Elizabeth Martin, MD

Course Description: This course will provide an update on medications that are available for the treatment of both glaucoma and anterior segment diseases. Pharmacology indications and side effects will be discussed.

3. Retinal Urgencies and Emergencies

Speaker: Jess Weinstein, MD

Course Description: This course will be a case-based discussion of current management strategies and treatment algorithms for common retinal urgencies and emergencies. The course will discuss pearls in the diagnosis and management of ocular trauma and when a referral to a retinal specialist should be considered. Topics will include endophthalmitis (including how to differentiate this from uveitis), artery occlusions, submacular hemorrhage and more. Attendees will leave this course with a strong understanding of the management of retinal urgencies and emergencies and a clear grasp of current evidence-based approaches to these conditions.

4. How to Troubleshoot When the Examination Doesn't Make Sense

Speaker: Matthew Parker, PhD, DSc, CLSSMBB, PMP, CTC, COMT/p>

Course Description: This course will introduce essential competencies, appropriate documentation, and a review checklist to reduce medical errors and adverse events due to an inadequate eye examination.

25. Workshop: Pentacam: Clinical Applications for Cataract Surgery

Speaker: Michelle Stoecklin

Course Description: This course will cover the basic principles of Scheimpflug imaging technology, image acquisition, optical biometry, and clinical applications for cataract surgery and IOL calculation. The class will include both hands-on instruction and lecture. Upon completion of this workshop, participants should be able to understand the basic principles of Scheimpflug imaging technology and optical biometry, acquire images with the Pentacam, evaluate image and measurement quality and interpret maps and measurements pertinent to cataract surgery and IOL calculations.

26. Workshop: Cirrus HD-OCT: Best Practices

Speaker: Connie McKeehen, CCOA

Course Description: This course will discuss clinical applications of Cirrus OCT, review proper operation of the instrument and how to read more advanced analysis options. The course will focus on basic and advanced operator techniques and how to overcome difficult obstacles. It will also review the latest advancements in Cirrus OCT capabilities.

27. Workshop: Slit Lamp Examination Techniques

Speaker: Erin Fink, MD

Course Description: This lecture and hands-on workshop will demonstrate slit lamp techniques. Participants will have the opportunity to practice these techniques as they perform slit lamp examinations on each other. Upon completion of this course, participants should be able to identify the techniques used in a slit lamp examination and demonstrate the correct use of each technique.

28. Workshop: Anatomy and Dissection of the Eye

Speaker: Molly Cunard, DO and Tracy Pitman, COA

Course Description: This hands-on workshop will begin with a brief discussion of the anatomy and physiology of the eye including the cornea, iris, ciliary body, zonular apparatus, crystalline lens, vitreous body, retina, choroid and sclera. Following the discussion, participants will perform a guided step-by-step dissection of a pig's eyeball.

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9:40 AM - 10:40 AM

5. How to Identify and Manage Unhappy Patients

Speaker: Hans Bruhn, MHS

Course Description: Ophthalmologists, nurses, administrators and technicians report spending an increasing amount of time dealing with “difficult” patients. Some of these patients are unhappy with the outcome of their care, some have substance abuse (drug and alcohol) issues and some may have mental health issues or dementia. At other times, eye surgeons are surprised to learn that former, seemingly satisfied patients have filed a malpractice lawsuit against them. Actual calls to the Risk Management Hotline and closed malpractice cases will be used to identify patients who are unhappy, and to offer ways to improve communication skills for dealing with patients once problems are apparent.

6. Damage Control: Ocular Trauma 101

Speaker: Jennifer Yu, MD, PhD

Course Description: This course will describe the classifications of ocular trauma that commonly present in the ophthalmology clinic. It will discuss proper evaluation and triage methods and provide an overview of the treatment options available to manage the different types of ocular trauma. Using multiple clinical examples, the work-up of the ocular trauma patient will be discussed and as well as the ways to identify true ophthalmic emergencies.

7. Optic Disc Edema: Evaluation and Treatment

Speaker: Stephanie Cramer, MD

Course Description: This course will review triaging, imaging modalities and evaluation of unilateral and bilateral optic disc edema. Acute and chronic management based on the differential diagnosis and etiologies will be discussed.

8. AMD: Diagnosis and Treatment

Speaker: Carson Clabeaux, DO

Course Description: This course will review macular degeneration, diagnosis of AMD, as well as current treatments. Learners will have a better understanding of the pathophysiology of AMD and its impact on the eye, an understanding of the developments in research, and insight into the role for medical and surgical treatments of AMD.

29. Workshop: IOL Master 700: Best Practices

Speaker: Connie McKeehen, CCOA

Course Description: This course will review basic swept source biometry technology. It will include review of operator technique, how to ensure reliable measurements and how to troubleshoot common obstacles. An IOLMaster 700 instrument will be available for hands-on practice. IOL power calculation and formula capabilities will also be discussed.

30. Workshop: Manual Lensometry

Speaker: Stephen Carow, COMT, OCS

Course Description: This hands-on session will provide practical instruction and experience in the use of the manual lensometer. Tips will be given to help the technician as well as step-by-step tools in the skill process.

31. Workshop: Clinical Applications of the Spectralis OCT

Speaker: Cindy Armstrong, COMT

Course Description: This course will discuss clinical applications of the Spectralis OCT, review proper operation of the instrument and how to read more advanced analysis options. The class will include both hands-on instruction and explain and demonstrate the scan modes, analysis tools and techniques needed to produce high quality scans.

32. Workshop: Anatomy and Dissection of the Eye

Speaker: Molly Cunard, DO and Tracy Pitman, COA

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10:50 AM - 11:50 AM

9. Diagnosis and Treatment of the Acute Red Eye

Speaker: Lucy Yuan, MD

Course Description: This course will review common reasons why patients present with a red eye, plus the evaluation and management of red eye, as well as recognizing which are eye emergencies. Learners will recognize the most common causes of “red eye”, learn how to evaluate and stabilize patients experiencing red eye, and learn ways to manage routine and emergent causes of red eye.

10. Automated Visual Fields: The Technicians' Interpretation

Speaker: Matthew Parker, Ph.D., DSc, CLSSMBB, PMP, CTC, COMT

Course Description: Perimetry has long been an essential tool for identifying visual field defects and guiding treatments in glaucoma. Understanding the device information allows the practitioner to avoid suboptimal data while maximizing the use of the information during the assessment. This presentation will introduce the strengths and limitations of visual field testing, where the technician's evaluation of the results can provide more reliable data-supported results and where timely treatments are critical to sustaining functional vision. The course strives to convert a challenging test into the best diagnostic practice.

11. Innovations in Glaucoma Treatment

Speaker: Aaron Kuzin, MD

Course Description: Glaucoma is the number one cause of irreversible blindness in the world. Glaucoma treatment has undergone a transformation over the last decade and is one of the most active areas of research and innovation in eye care. Join us to review past, present, and upcoming treatment options for glaucoma.

12. Lens Based Intraocular Surgery

Speaker: Ben Kuhar, DO

Course Description: This course will review common types of lens based intraocular surgery, particularly cataract surgery, refractive lens exchange, and phakic intraocular lens implantation. Learners will gain an overview of the purpose of these procedures, and the common risks, benefits and alternatives to surgery. Learners will have a better understanding of how diagnostic testing preceding surgery affects patient outcomes, as well as the signs and symptoms monitored in clinic during the perioperative period. Secondary lenses will be discussed time permitting.

33. Workshop: Manual Keratometry

Speaker: Stephen Carow, COMT, OCS

Course Description: This hands-on session will provide practical instruction and experience in the use of the manual keratometer. Tips will be given to help the technician as well as step-by-step tools in the skill process.

34. Workshop: Basic Ocular Motility

Speaker: Claire Callaghan, CO, COMT

Course Description: This interactive, hands-on workshop will provide an introduction to and discuss the assessment methods for the basic evaluation of ocular motility and binocularity.

35. Workshop: Slit Lamp Examination Techniques

Speaker: Erin Fink, MD

36. Workshop: B-scan Examination Techniques

Speaker: Tracy Pitman, COA

Course Description: This course will include a discussion of the terminology and basic principles of diagnostic B-scan examination of the eye and will provide hands-on exposure in the fundamental skills needed to perform a basic B-scan. Attendees will have the opportunity to perform B-scans on each other and learn techniques to obtain an echographic picture of the globe.

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1:10 PM - 2:10 PM

13. Update on Intracranial Hypertension

Speaker: Jean Kassem, MD

Course Description: This course is designed to give the attendee an update on the various forms of intracranial hypertension and how they affect vision. The course will cover diagnosis and management of intracranial hypertension including the role of in-office testing, imaging, invasive testing, and various medical and surgical treatment modalities. Outcomes and treatment goals will be discussed in the context of current best practice standards.

14. Mystery OCT: Advanced Retinal OCT Diagnosis

Speaker: Himanshu Banda, MD

Course Description: In this course OCT images from a diverse set of "unknown" retinal conditions will be presented without any additional information. The course instructor will then systematically review the anatomy and pathology shown and lead attendees in the development of differential diagnoses based exclusively on the OCT images. Multimodal imaging and clinical history will then be provided and the confirmed diagnosis will be discussed. At the conclusion of this course, the attendee will be able to appreciate the wealth of information that is available from the careful and methodical analysis of OCT data, and to understand the systematic interpretation of OCT images to improve diagnostic acumen.

15. Best Practices in Management of Uveitis

Speaker: Miel Sundararajan, MD

Course Description: This course presents an overview of uveitis/intraocular inflammation and covers essential knowledge about topics in uveitis, tailored for a non-specialist ophthalmology practice. Topics will focus on the management of uveitis, including (1) corticosteroid and immunosuppressive drug therapy, (2) management of anatomically defined types of uveitis, including anterior uveitis, intermediate uveitis, retinal vasculitis, noninfectious posterior uveitis and panuveitis, and infectious retinitis and (3) surgical management of uveitic complications. Each topic will include a discussion of treatment and monitoring, with a focus on the common mistakes in management and how to avoid them

16. Mastering Manifest Refractions

Speaker: Matthew Parker, Ph.D., DSc, CLSSMBB, PMP, CTC, COMT

Course Description: This is an advanced course in retinoscopy and manifest refinement techniques. Nationally, refinement is the number one skill required by most employers. This course allows the technician to take an advanced posture diagnostic refractometry and fundamental performance of generating a glasses prescription. The presenter recommends that participants have a basic understanding of clinical optics. Case studies and an introduction to root cause analysis will help explain why and when glasses prescriptions require additional evaluation.

37. Workshop: Intermediate/Advanced Ocular Motility

Speaker: Claire Callaghan, CO, COMT

Course Description: This interactive workshop will review and discuss the assessment methods for intermediate to advanced evaluation of ocular motility and binocularity.

38. Workshop: Manual Lensometry

Speaker: Stephen Carow, COMT, OCS

39. Workshop: Slit Lamp Examination Techniques

Speaker: Erin Fink, MD

40. Workshop: Anatomy and Dissection of the Eye

Speaker: Molly Cunard, DO and Tracy Pitman, COA

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2:20 PM - 3:20 PM

17. Pediatric Inherited Eye Disease: Mini-Cases

Speaker: Matthew Weed, MD

Course Description: In this fast-paced, fun, interactive presentation, participants will review the most common inherited retinal diseases and learn to recognize some of their salient characteristics. Emerging treatments for these conditions will also be discussed, including a video presentation showing the life-changing results from one new gene therapy treatment.

18. Systemic Therapeutic Agents and Retinal Toxicity

Speaker: Sharel Ongchin, MD

Course Description: This course will provide a review of systemic (and select intravitreal) medications that are capable of causing various patterns of retinal toxicity. Examples of the types and patterns of toxicity will be presented. The mechanism of action will be discussed and several case studies will also be reviewed.

19. Global Ophthalmology: Outreach Local and Abroad

Speaker: Mike Brush, MD

Course Description: This course will highlight Dr. Brush’s experiences working with the Himalayan Cataract Project, both in high-volume cataract outreach camps using Manual Small Incision Extracapsular techniques and in surgical training of phacoemulsification as well as how you can be involved on a local level. By outlining the challenges faced while delivering ophthalmic care in challenging conditions, the attendee will gain a greater understanding of how to apply ophthalmic skills outside of the normal clinical environment. Prepare to be moved and inspired by the photos and personal stories from patients that he will share.

20. Identifying and Assisting the Patient with Low Vision

Speaker: Patrick Munson, MD, COL, MC

Course Description: This course will assist ophthalmic medical personnel in identifying the patient likely to benefit from low vision rehabilitation services. It will highlight practical ways for any office to provide basic services for low vision patients, including how to streamline the examination without sacrificing quality of care, developing a reasonable treatment plan based on clinical information, presenting the treatment plan in an understandable manner, clinical evaluation and dispensing tips and tricks, and a review of the economics of providing a low vision service.

41. Workshop: Cirrus HD-OCT: Best Practices

Speaker: Connie McKeehen, CCOA

42. Workshop: Clinical Applications of the Spectralis OCT

Speaker: Cindy Armstrong, COMT

43. Workshop: Manual Keratometry

Speaker: Stephen Carow, COMT, OCS

44. Workshop: Anatomy and Dissection of the Eye

Speaker: Molly Cunard, DO and Tracy Pitman, COA

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3:30 PM - 4:30 PM

21. Clinic Efficiency: The PACT Model

Speaker: Matthew Parker, PhD, LSSMBB, COMT, CST, OSC

Course Description: Clinic efficiency comprises many organizational and individual standards. An efficient technician can streamline and apply multiple skills to enhance the patient experience. This course introduces the PACT Model to establish and maintain an effective ophthalmology practice and efficient ophthalmic team through process mapping, competency evaluation(s), and organizational preparedness for demanding clinics. The presenter will introduce ways to improve professional and clinical relations where ophthalmic patient care remains the principal focus.

22. Ptosis: Red Flag or Red Alert?

Speaker: Peter Kally, MD

Course Description: Ptosis can be myogenic, neurogenic or neuromuscular junction in origin. Although some causes of ptosis (e.g. levator dehiscence) are benign, other causes are a red flag for underlying potentially life threatening disease and may even be emergent (red alert).

23. Glaucoma: Diagnosis and Treatment

Speaker: Lucy Yuan, MD

Course Description: This course will review glaucoma pathophysiology, diagnosis, and current treatments. Learners will gain a better understanding of the clinical tests for glaucoma and their significance (such as gonioscopy, applanation tonometry, OCT and visual field testing). Learners will also gain insight into the role for medical and surgical treatments of glaucoma with a focus of clinic monitoring perioperatively.

24. Tips and Tricks for the Pediatric Eye Exam

Speaker: Laura Huang, MD

Course Description: This course will review the tips and techniques for identifying abnormal vision and motility in children and ways to help the child feel at ease during the exam. The course will cover the diagnoses and findings frequently seen in pediatric exams and discuss how to adapt techniques to achieve the most accurate visual assessment in pre-school and school age children.

45. Workshop: Clinical Applications of the Pentacam for Cornea and Refractive Surgery

Speaker: Michelle Stoecklin

Course Description: This course will cover the basic principles of Scheimpflug imaging technology, best practices for operation of the Pentacam system, and applications for corneal evaluation and refractive surgery. The class will include both a lecture and hands-on instruction.

46. Workshop: IOL Master 700: Best Practices

Speaker: Connie McKeehen, CCOA

47. Workshop: Slit Lamp Examination Techniques

Speaker: Erin Fink, MD

48. Workshop: B-scan Examination Techniques

Speaker: Tracy Pitman, COA

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