Conference Course Descriptions
Click on the link to see course description, listed alphabetically within its track.
General Session Friday
Back to Track Selection
General Session Saturday
Spectacle Track
Back to Track Selection
Business Track
Contact Lens Track
Hands-On Track
ABO Exam Review Track
NCLE Exam Review Track
General Session Friday
Art and the Eye: The World Through Blunted Sight
Phyllis Rakow
This course will look at ocular pathology, particularly that of the aging eye, through the eye of the artist.
Defective vision can have a profound effect on our lives: our personalities, our interests, our careers,
and the means by which we express ourselves in art and literature. This lecture will explore the vision
defects of famous artists, spanning the centuries, from el Greco to Georgia O’Keeffe, and how their
paintings and sculpture are a result of their visual impairments.
Opticians, contact lens technicians, and ophthalmic medical personnel will achieve a better
understanding of how the different types of ocular pathology affect vision by viewing slides of the
artwork of Cezanne, Renoir, Monet, Degas, Van Gogh, Pissarro, Cassatt, and others before and after
their sight became impaired.
Back to Track Selection
General Session Saturday
OWA-Sponsored Session
Speaker TBD
Back to Track Selection
Spectacle Track
Breakthrough Technology
Ed DeGennaro
With the introduction of new lens materials, designs and coatings coming into the market so rapidly, it’s
sometimes difficult to keep up with the latest products. This panel discussion will present the latest in
lens materials, designs and coatings with an emphasis on their features, benefits and how to best utilize
them. It also will provide an insight into products that may be in the pipeline but not yet introduced into
the marketplace.
Dispensing To The Elderly
Jackie O'Keefe
The demographics of the elderly has changed over the years…today’s seniors are living longer, enjoying
active lifestyles, and have more discretionary income than ever before. While they are keeping their
bodies younger, they cannot control the changes occurring in their eyes, which greatly affect their
vision. We will discuss various milestones and tripstones in regard to the visual changes going on during
the aging process. In addition, we will discuss common eye diseases among the elderly and the optical
options we can recommend alleviating some of their optical symptoms. By providing optical solutions to
their subjective complaints, we can do a lot to help improve their quality of life.
Fill In The Blank
Mile Brujic
Beginning as a blank, a spectacle lens can take many different paths before being ready to be dispensed.
This course will outline a systematic approach to selecting lens options for a patient based on their
prescription, frame selection and lifestyle considerations. Concepts outlined in the lecture will be
illustrated with case presentations.
Geometric and Applied Optics
Diane Drake
This course will deal with the optical formulas that define the performance of ophthalmic lenses. A
dispenser familiar with these formulas will be better able to understand prescription problems as they
design new lenses to address the multiple issues necessary to supply the best vision for the wearer.
I Spy With My Little Eyes: Taking the Guess Work Out of Children’s Vision
Mile Brujic
There’s only one way to find out if a child’s eyes are developing properly and that’s to get them
examined. Many underlying visual problems are unnoticed by the child. This course will educate the
ECP about common children’s vision issues. An emphasis will be placed on the ECP’s role in the
diagnosis and treatment of strabismus and amblyopia. Case presentations will be used to demonstrate
the concepts discussed.
Improving Protection and Performance with Safety and Sports Eyewear
Bill Underwood
Statistics on eye injuries should concern consumers and eye care professionals. This course looks at
occupational and recreational areas posing the greatest risk and presents the latest products to provide
protection and improve performance.
Outperforming Your Competition Utilizing Computerized Dispensing Aids
Jackie O'Keefe
How could we ever have functioned without the use of computers and the World Wide Web? Especially
now that patient care is on the cutting edge in today’s practices. This course begins with looking at what
is available in today’s market and what makes this niche so unique. High tech imaging systems are a
great way to educate the patient on premium ophthalmic products encourage multiple pairs and
increase your profit margin. Whether used as a fitting tool by the dispenser or interactive learning for
the patient, we will learn why computerized electronics can be beneficial to use and how to use them
within your practice.
Positively Polarized For Me & My Patients
Jackie O'Keefe
The U.S. ophthalmic market has recently seen an increase in the sales of polarized lenses…especially in
Rx sun and sportswear. If you are missing out on these profitable phenomena, this course is a must for
you. This course looks at how polarized lenses are made, how they work and ways to recommend them.
When we understand the need for polarized lenses and how they work, it is most natural when
presenting this technology to the patient.
Prism Like A Pro!
Ed Degennaro
Prism is one of the most misunderstood concepts in the ophthalmic field. When used correctly, it can be
of great value. When unwanted, it can be cause mild to severe discomfort, double vision and more. The
interesting thing is that prism is actually an easy topic once the basic principles are understood. This
course will explore the concept of prism, what it is, how prisms work, how they are prescribed, how they
are used in eyeglasses, how to determine unwanted prism, how to read prism in a lensometer, and a
look at the prism tolerances in the Z80.1 ANSI standards.
Progressive Lens Design
Carole Bratteig
Why are there so many progressive lens designs? Do we really need them? Learn what you need to
know about Progressives and how to best choose and fit them for your patients. This course is a panel
discussion with 3 experts from the companies who make them.
Reflecting on Reflections
Mile Brujic
Anti-reflective coatings are important functionally and cosmetically for patients wearing eyeglasses.
This course will discuss the theory and practical implications of this ever evolving technology. It will also
focus on case presentations illustrating the importance of utilizing all of the lens technologies available
to best meet the visual demands of our patients.
Transitions® Vantage™ Lenses with Variable Polarization
Carole Bratteig
This course will introduce Transitions® Vantage™ lenses – the new adaptive lenses from Transitions
Optical that are designed to both darken and polarize upon UV exposure to deliver noticeably crisper,
sharper vision, even in the brightest outdoor glare. Through the course, the audience will learn how
Transitions Vantage lenses not only adapt to changing light but also increase polarization as they darken,
optimizing the angle at which light reaches the eyes to help control glare and light scatter. The course
reviews traditional polarization and photochromic technology and details the new technology which
enables Transitions Vantage lenses, how they work and who they are for.
Troubleshooting the Visually Uncomfortable Patient
Ed Degennaro
Nothing can be more frustrating than a patient who isn't comfortable or isn't seeing clearly with his/her
new eyeglasses! Sure, you need to recheck the accuracy of the lenses against the work order and the
prescription, but there is more to solving these problems than the accuracy of the glasses! There are
clues that you can find in the prescription and symptoms patients will tell you as you question them as
well as nonprescription things you should look for. This seminar will help you understand these things
so you will be able to better serve these patients.
Unequal Refractive Errors and the Effects on Vision
Diane Drake
Patients want to know what their glasses will look like and we spend time discussing that with them.
But…how will they see with their glasses? That’s an even more important question. Unequal refractive
errors not only have an effect on how glasses will look, but how a person sees or even “IF” they see
WELL. This course will present answers to these questions presenting both spectacle and contact lens
options in the discussion.
Verification and Dispensing
Diane Drake
Verifying and dispensing eyewear isn’t the same as it was 20-30 years ago. As a matter of fact, new
technology evolves so quickly that understanding the concepts of verifying and dispensing eyewear
continues to change. Terms like “As Worn”, “Optimized”, “Recalculated” among others take on a whole
new meaning. How do you know that what you are dispensing is “What the Doctor Ordered”? Tilt,
Wrap, and materials will be discussed. This seminar discusses the latest in lens materials and designs
and how we can ensure that your patients/customers are getting the best vision.
Back to Track Selection
Business Track
Developing an On-line Presence for Your Optical Business
Bob Main
The internet and social media are rapidly growing and every optician needs to decide how they are
going to get involved. Having a good web presence on the internet/social media will not only protect
market share, but allow you to attract new patients, reduce current purchase cycles and give you the
tools necessary to stay engaged with patients. This session will give you the tools to create a better web
presence.
Drive Growth with Effective Marketing and Merchandising
Bill Russ
In order to grow a business, we have to both market and merchandise effectively. This course will
review how to understand your customers, the market conditions and how to drive growth. We will
also look at the keys to effective merchandising and how to communicate what you are selling. In
addition, we will look at what a well-merchandised office looks like.
Essential Business Skills for Optical Professionals and Managers
Carol Norbeck
To survive and to be promoted, an optical professional needs to be competent in business skills. This
course will focus on the essential business skills necessary to survive in today's marketplace. Business
plans, reading P&L reports, successful budgeting and inventory control will be discussed. It is important
that every new and hopeful manager should attend this course to improve his or her business
awareness. Each attendee will leave with a personal action plan for successful business management.
First Aid for Bad Conversations
Mike Karlsrud
Listening to, acknowledging, and then resolving customer concerns can be overwhelming if you don't
prepare a plan and process to do so. This session will give you the confidence to deal with and resolve
patient objections using a turnkey approach.
Gold at the End of the Road: Selling Your Optical
Nikki DiBacco
The optician owner is, at some point in his or her life, faced with the decision of what to do with the
practice they have built up over the years. This course is intended to instruct the optician, whether
owner or interested in purchasing a practice, exactly how the purchase price is determined, and what a
fair market value for a practice is.
How to Hire the Right Person and Manage Their Performance
Bill Russ
Understanding human resources and staffing are key to running an effective business. This course will
cover interviewing basics, evaluations, the difference between managers and leaders, and how to coach.
Mistakes to Avoid in Owning Your Own Business
Carol Norbeck
Owning your own business is the American Dream. 90% of businesses fail in their first year. Learn how
to identify the five major mistakes that most of these businesses make. Learn the basic pitfalls to avoid.
Understand the dynamics and pressures in "being the owner". Learn the basic elements in successfully
starting your own business.
Navigating the Managed Care Maze
Bill Russ
With over 60% of a typical optometry practices' patients coming from managed care plans, it is
important for optometrists to understand how to navigate through the managed care maze. This course
will cover six tips on how to maintain profitability with managed care plans. This course will also look at
the difference between a discounted plan and a funded plan and the differences in the lab networks.
The course addresses how to assess the different managed care plans. We will look at what to do next
in the process. We will then address the debate over stand-alone vision plans and their role in health
care reform.
Presenting Your Products, Your Services and Yourself
Mike Karlsrud
This session is designed to help you hone the communication skills necessary to provide information
about your products, services and yourself, at a time and in a manner that's most meaningful and
compelling to your patients.
Running a Successful Business in a Down Economy
Carol Norbeck
There are five primary areas that are important to focus your business on, especially in an economy that
is flat or declining. This seminar is a combination of training and hands-on practice. Included are followup exercises for management to use to keep the excitement after the seminar.
The Art of Effective Conversation
Mike Karlsrud
Effective conversation is the key to get you to where you want to be in your life. Simply put, it's the art
of asking and listening. Communication has an impact whenever it occurs in both business and personal
settings. We can use communication to influence every interaction in a positive way, by developing the
skills needed to be effective in the way we give and take information.
Your Vision, Mission and Values for Your Practice
Bill Russ
A good plan will help us accomplish so much more in life. From building a house to building a bridge,
having plans will allow you to accomplish a good finished product. The same holds true for a business.
We need to make sure we have a strategic plan in place in order to run an effective business. This
course will look at the vision and mission of the business. We will also look at setting goals and what are
the key business metrics to use for these goals.
Back to Track Selection
Contact Lens Track
All About Kids – Pediatric Case Histories
Vicky Sheppard and Buddy Russell
All about kids, AAK! The word that some have used when they see that the child sitting in the chair is
their next patient. Now, what do you do with them? Pediatric lens fitting, brings fear to some fitters
and joy to others find out why it is so important and rewarding.
Anterior Segment Digital Photography
Trudy Grout
Slit lamp photography with a hand held digital camera is easy and inexpensive. It’s great for patient
education, photo documentation and contact lens fittings. This course covers how to choose a camera,
set up the shot, lighting strategies and slit lamp views.
Bugs: Friend or Foe?
Michael Ward
We have more bacterial cells in our bodies than human cells. Microbes educate our immune system and
help to protect us. However, if they get into the wrong place (eg. gut bacteria in the eye) they can cause
serious pathology. This course will review basic ocular microbiology, including normal ocular flora,
ocular defense mechanisms and inflammatory processes will be presented. Techniques for infection
prevention and control will be discussed.
Contact Lens Solutions Update
Michael Ward
New MPS products feature dual-disinfection systems and enhanced kill rates against bacteria, fungi, and
amoebae. These introductions are part of a new wave of lens care products with enhanced
disinfection—developed as part of an industry-wide response to recent outbreaks of atypical lensassociated infections. Not surprisingly, peroxide solutions are also enjoying resurgence. This course will
identify current product strengths and the science behind the new developments. Situational and casespecific examples will be used for discussion.
Corneal Topography: Clinical Significances
JeanAnn Vickery
This course will teach the attendee how to interpret computerized analysis of the cornea using standard
indices. The attendee will gain knowledge on how to fully understand the corneal measurement to aid in
proper lens selection.
Cosmetic Contact Lenses
Lee Hewitt
This course will discuss fitting contact lenses that improve both vision and cosmetic appearance of eyes.
Soft lenses that are dyed, imprinted, and specialty lenses for movies and Halloween etc. will be covered.
The various companies that manufacture and supply these lenses will be discussed at length. To enable
the participant to: fit and find suppliers of these special lenses and to how to care for these special
contact lenses will be covered.
Dry Eye and Contact Lens Wear
Trudy Grout
Dry eye is a very common disorder of the tear film that is due to a deficiency of tear volume or excessive
tear evaporation. It is the single most common complaint among contact lens wearers. This course will
cover both the influential and critical factors of dry eye, and dry eye management for contact lens
wearers.
Fitting the Irregular Cornea: Challenges & Solutions
Phyllis Rakow
You will learn about the challenges of fitting the irregular cornea through a series of 10 case histories,
which demonstrate successful fitting of keratoconus, pellucid marginal degeneration,
pseudokeratoconus, post-refractive surgery ectasias, post-penetrating keratoplasty, and post severe
infection and how to fit some of these atypical corneas with GP multifocals.
Fluorescein Pattern Interpretation
Lee Hewitt
The fitting of gas permeable contact lenses is made simpler by the use of fluorescein and a cobalt filter.
The reading of these patterns is the key to a obtaining a well-fitting gas permeable contact lenses. This
course will help the participant to read these patterns and help to decide whether a lens is flat, steep or
a well-fitting lens. How to administer fluorescein to evaluate contact lens fit as well corneal health and
dry eye will be covered in this lecture.
How to Write Technical Article, Prepare and Present a Lecture, or Both
Patrick Goughary and Mike Gzik
PASS IT ON! Take your professional career to the next level and share your optical expertise with others
through writing and/or lecturing. This course will show you how to design an article or lecture from
start to finish, including topic selection, organization, visuals, slide design, tricks of the trade, and
pitfalls.
Large Diameter GP Lens Fitting
Buddy Russell
The advent of larger button diameters, improved manufacturing techniques and a better understanding
of corneal shapes; larger diameter contact lens diameters are being utilized frequently in practice. This
course will discuss the potential benefits of these designs, fitting techniques and evaluation procedures
of these patients.
Lens Parameters and Verification of Contact Lenses
Janet Acara
This course is a one hour course that is intended to describe, explain, and illustrate the verification
process of rigid contact lenses. The main concentration will be using the radiuscope and lensometer
when verifying rigid contact lens parameters.
Managing Contact Lens Complications
Buddy Russell
The slit lamp may be the most important tool in the practice. Proper use of the various techniques is
essential to fully utilize its use in the clinical setting. This course will also review the various contact lens
complications that can occur as a result of contact lens wear. The probable causes and the possible
cures for each complication will be discussed.
Ocular Emergencies & Triage
Phyllis Rakow
You will learn to identify emergencies, schedule patients according to the principles of triage in urgent,
priority, and routine categories, elicit and record the chief complaint and ocular history, and conduct an
appropriate workup. Chemical burns, retinal problems, inflammation, infection, red eyes, angle-closure
glaucoma, and ocular trauma will be covered.
Presbyopic Case Histories
Mike Gzik
Through the presentation of case histories, the participant will be able to evaluate a presbyopic
prescription to determine what will suit the patients’ needs properly. The participant will be able to
differentiate the methods of correcting presbyopia to meet these needs. The methods include but are
not limited to glasses, distance contacts and glasses, Bi-focal lenses and monovision. Methods of
selecting a proper presbyopic candidate for hydrogel fitting will be discussed. Materials and designs of
simultaneous lenses will be presented. Patient management, follow up procedures and instructions will
be discussed.
What’s New in Soft Multifocals?
JeanAnn Vickery
This course is designed to explain how multifocal soft lenses work optically. Today there are a myriad of
designs available. Attendees will learn how to maximize best lens selections based on spectacle lens
correction, patient expectations, occupation, and overall ocular surface.
Why Do We…See the Way We See?
Patrick Goughary
Many tasks and procedures performed daily by ophthalmic personnel become so routine, that we lose
sight of the underlying optical theory that makes these procedures so important. This basic level course
specifically looks at the mechanics of how images are created by the eye, but also how perceptual
information supplied by the brain results in what we call “vision.” Understanding of this information is
especially helpful in deciphering patient symptoms and complaints.
Why Do We…Work With Optical Power?
Patrick Goughary
Many tasks and procedures performed daily by ophthalmic personnel become so routine, that we lose
sight of the underlying optical theory that makes these procedures so important. This basic level course
specifically looks at the theory behind optical power, beginning with an explanation of the power of
light. Then a number of practical applications are discussed in terms of how the theory plays an
important part in understanding the way we perform tasks.
Back to Track Selection
Hands-On Track
Advanced Lensometry
Mike Szczerbiak
This course is designed for the optician who has lensometry skills like spotting optical centers and
neutralizing basic prescriptions but wants to improve skills in measuring prism and multifocals.
Advanced Slit Lamp Use
Ray Dennis
This course is intended for intermediate and advanced levels. The program will review the steps of a slit
lamp exam for contact lens wearers. It will identify the anatomy that is evaluated during the exam and
review the different types of illuminations used to best evaluate the anatomy and contact lens.
Application Tips and Tricks for Fresnel Press-on Prisms
Blair Wong
Confused on how to apply that Fresnel Press-on Prism periodically sent your way? This course will
demonstrate how to perform this technique efficiently, with perfect results every time.
Compression Mounting Adjustments, Repairs, Assembly
Richard McCoy
This course will cover basic repairs that are encountered in the modern Opticianry practice. The course
will consist of a ten-minute lecture to acquaint the participants with various tools to manage in office
repairs. Furthermore, supplemental tools and supplies will be discussed. Different procedures will be
discussed to facilitate a variety of repair scenarios. The remainder of the course will be devoted to
hands on practice exercises at five workstations.
Computerized Measurements
Bill Underwood
Advanced lens designs and digital surfacing provide an opportunity to individualize patient’s eyewear.
To take full advantage of this customization, precise measurements are required. Computerized image
capture and measuring systems can now record the eye data, frame data and behavior data for every
patient. This course will provide an in-depth description of current systems and provide an opportunity
for hands-on measurements.
Hand Magnifiers
Richard McCoy
Hand magnifiers are among the most frequently prescribed low vision devices. This course will describe
how to maximize their effectiveness for the patients you work with by understanding their optical
properties and correct usage. This course will discuss different hand magnifiers, the characteristics of
each type and reinforce the techniques for proper use.
ID Progressive Lens Brands
Jim Reese
The number of progressive lens designs has increased dramatically over the past five years.
Identification of the specific brand is essential to lens recommendation, verification and
troubleshooting. This course will provide the knowledge and hands-on practice to enhance your PAL
identification skills.
Introduction to Lensometry
Mike Szczerbiak
This course will review the basics of lensometry for the beginner optician, or serve as a refresher or
cross-training course.
Introduction to Slit Lamp Use
Ray Dennis
This course is intended for students at beginning and intermediate experience levels with this
instrument. The program will review the parts of the slit lamp, show how to operate the slit lamp and
will describe and demonstrate the different types of illumination.
Mastering Lens Measurements
Jim Reese
This course will review how to do the most common spectacle lens measurements correctly to ensure
our patient has the vision and visual comfort that the doctor intended.
Ocular Dissection – Anatomy of the Eye
Michael Stewart, MD
Understanding ocular anatomy is a prerequisite for learning physiology and diseases. This course will
feature careful dissection of cow eyes. Anatomic findings will be correlated with common disease
entities.
Soft Contact Lens Insertion and Removal
Yvonne Metten
Once the goal of determining the appropriate contact lens parameters completed, it is now time to
provide our patients with personalized instruction concerning the usage of contact lenses and properly
caring for their new lenses. This course is designed to help the contact lens practitioner learn how to be
more efficient in initial contact lens visits by inserting and removing soft and gas permeable lenses
quickly and easily; understanding the proper hygiene and the do’s and don’ts of contact lens wear;
determining the appropriate wearing schedule; and the best lens care system.
Soft Lens Fit and Evaluation
Robert Russo
In a simple, straight-forward manner, this hands-on course will review the steps in choosing the
appropriate spherical soft lens parameters for an appropriate fit. We’ll also evaluate the lens fit with
the slit lamp.
Topography and Keratometry in Contact Lens Fitting
Robert Russo
This hands-on session is recommended for participants who have had less than one year of experience
working with the manual keratometer or topographer. This basic introductory hands-on session
provides practical experience in the use of the manual and the automated keratometer.
Verification of GP Lenses
Yvonne Metten
This hands-on course will review the importance of verifying gasperm lenses upon receipt from the lab,
which instruments are a must in any contact lens dispensary, and finally will demonstrate how to
properly verify gasperm lenses. Verifying GP lenses prior to dispensing will ensure the parameters are as
ordered and inspected for quality.
What are All These Adjustment Tools and How Do I Use Them?
Richard McCoy
Today’s demanding eyewear consumer wants fashion, great vision and eyewear that “fits like a glove.”
This course provides the student with a functional knowledge of various hand tools and their usage in
the adjustment of today’s modern frames.
Back to Track Selection
ABO Exam Review Track
Anatomy of the Eye
Diane Drake
This course is designed to give an overview of the human eye. The basic parts of the eye and their
function will be covered. The refractive power of the eye, refractive conditions and corrective lenses
will be discussed. Accommodations, color vision, and the concept of visual acuity will be presented.
Basic Optical Principals and Calculations
Molly Drenen
The primary objective of this class is to review the basic calculations that are used by opticians and
optical laboratories. This informative class provides an overview of the metric system, transposition,
optical crosses, spherical equivalent, focal length, nominal power, boxing system and finishing room
calculations.
Business Management
Diane Drake
This course will cover information regarding the management of an optical business. Information will
include organizations and professions, patient confidentiality, ethical standards, guidelines and
standards, employee policies, communication, training, business plan, marketing, accounting principles,
purchasing and budgeting, financial statements, and finally, inventory.
Designing and Dispensing Eyewear
Diane Drake
This is an interactive course that will challenge the attendee to review scenarios and deduce the correct
solution to the patient/customer needs. You will learn investigative techniques to determine their true
visual, functional and aesthetic requirements. The tools include detailed interviews, optical analysis,
multiple measurements and custom fitting.
Frame Materials, Selection and Adjustments
Tracy Bennett
This course begins with the basics of learning what all of the frame parts and classifications are, and
there are many. We will take an in-depth look at plastic and metal frame materials of today. This
course continues with the fundamentals of frame adjustments, starting with the fitting triangle to
ensure an individual and comfortable fit for the patient. And a review of the frame selection will be
included.
Ophthalmic Lens Characteristics, Designs, Materials and Coatings
Tracy Bennett
The primary objective of this class is to thoroughly review both the physical and visual characteristics
common to all prescription spectacle lenses. This review of various refractive errors such as hyperopia,
myopia, astigmatism and presbyopia and then reviews the characteristics of lenses that restore proper
vision.
Ophthalmic Prisms
Brent McCardle
Prisms, wanted and unwanted are part of everyday life for the optician. This course will review aspects
related to interpreting prescriptions, calculating prisms and determining if the manufactured lenses
meet ANSI standards.
Optical Formulas
Brent McCardle
This one hour course will review optical formulas that are commonly used by opticians. The formula, a
sample question and the theory of the formula will be presented. A basic understanding of the metric
system as it relates to eyewear and patient measurements will also be reviewed.
Professional Dispensing, Regulations and Standards
Molly Drenen
As a professional dispenser, it is our responsibility to understand standards for product quality and
manufacture, which types of frame and lenses are indicated for safety uses, state and national
regulations and the commonly accepted standard of care for our field. Armed with this information, not
only can we better inform our eyewear customers about issues important to them, but also
comprehend when it is incumbent upon us and our duty to warn concerning products purchased.
Surfacing and Finishing
Brent McCardle
In this digital age of automation and specialization, the theory and technology of lens fabrication has
become a mystery to many ECPs. This interactive course will reveal the computations, instruments and
equipment needed to fabricate and verify eyewear.
Visual Assessment
Diane Drake
This course will cover refractive errors of the eye, pathology, systemic medical conditions, surgical
procedures and visual assessment. Included will be information that will benefit the participant
regarding understanding the patient’s visual needs in analyzing the prescription and detecting and
verifying prescription irregularities and recognizing limitations of the prescription.
Back to Track Selection
NCLE Exam Review Track
Anatomy & Physiology / Nomenclature
Ledonna Buckner
The course will list and identify the structures of the eye pertinent to contact lens fitting, explaining the
functions. It will also discuss the different terminology used in contact lens fitting.
Atlas of Complications
Buddy Russell
This course covers contact lens fitting problems from poorly-fitted lenses to well-fitted lenses that can
cause problems. It covers contact lens-associated problems such as corneal edema, corneal
vascularization, giant papillary conjunctivitis and eye threatening complications.
Contact Lens Indications & Contraindications
Ledonna Buckner
Deciding whether or not a patient is suitable for contact lens wear is the primary criteria for wearing
success. This course will review the specific situations where a contact lens is indicated, such as
refractive errors, regular and irregular astigmatism and post-injury or surgery. Also described will be
situations where contact lens wear may be less than ideal, ie. dry eye, eyelid incongruity, poor manual
dexterity and inability to properly comply with wear schedules and accessory solution instructions.
Dispensing and Follow-up of Daily Wear Lenses
Robert Russo
This course will present basic instruction on post-fitting contact lens patient management. Necessary
assessment techniques for evaluating CL patient compliance and troubleshooting through symptoms
analysis and proper questioning will be presented.
GP Single Vision and Torics
Mike Gzik
This one-hour course is intended to describe, explain, and illustrate the particular designs and fitting
techniques for correcting myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism with GP lenses. The mechanisms and
applications of spherical, aspheric, back toric, bitoric, and front toric GP lens designs will be illustrated
and discussed.
Introduction to the Keratometer and Biomicroscope
Janet Acara
This one-hour course is intended to describe, explain, and illustrate the use and value of the two
instruments, the keratometer and biomicroscope (slit lamp). The mechanisms and applications for use
of these two instruments will be illustrated and explained. This course will emphasize the purpose and
use of these instruments in the fitting of contact lenses.
Management of Irregular Astigmatism
Mike Ward
Irregular corneal astigmatism occurs almost always in keratoconus and pellucid marginal degeneration,
along with an estimated 25% of eyes after penetrating keratoplasty or after corneal injury. Often, the
method of achieving a functional optical result is with contact lenses; GPs, hybrid designs, or tandem
systems. This course will describe those ocular conditions which result in irregular astigmatism, why
contact lenses are indicated for their correction rather than spectacles, plus the methodology for
choosing and designing a contact lens system that will provide optical results for the patient.
Optics and Nomenclature of Contact Lenses
Janet Acara
Index of refraction of the tears, cornea and contact lens material? SAM and FAP? Back vertex versus
front vertex power? Multifocal versus bifocal power? Spherical versus asphere versus bi-asphere?
Corneal shape factors? These items and more comprise the basic optics of contact lens systems and we
will discuss them all in an easy straightforward manner – taking the mystery out of contact lens optics.
Presbyopia CL Correction
Robert Russo
We’re all aging, right? And we all have reading issues – whether it’s uncorrected, with spectacles or
when wearing contact lenses. There are possible methods we can employ where our patients don’t
mind so much being presbyopic – multifocal and bifocal contact lenses that actually perform. Many of
these designs are available today. I will discuss what’s available in contact lenses, how they work, when
we should use each type and how to manage the expectations of the presbyope.
Soft Single Vision Contact Lenses
Trudy Grout
This course will cover the background concepts of basic soft and GP contact lens fitting – corneal
curvature, ocular structure, lens material characteristics, fitting systems, lens evaluation, fluorescein
pattern evaluation and troubleshooting.
Soft Toric Contact Lens Fitting
Trudy Grout
Look at an Rx, choose a manufacturer, select a lens – that’s all there is to soft fitting, right? Hardly!
Understanding the specific spectacle Rx and patient visual needs, analyzing the corneal curvature, pupil
size and corneal diameter; knowing which materials are more compatible for the dry eye; is spherical,
toric or multifocal best for a patient; what solutions work best for which patient or lens? This course will
describe this and more regarding the fitting of soft contact lenses.
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