Christine Winter-Rundell – Introduction to Developmental Optometry and Basic Visual Efficiency and Visual Processing Skills

Vision is our dominant sense for learning, but not all eye doctors provide in-depth testing for developmental and functional vision problems and the relevant treatment, such as vision therapy. Developmental Optometrists emphasize an expanded functional, developmental and behavior approach to vision evaluations. Their approach to vision care is directed at correcting existing vision problems and enhancing visual abilities. 20/20 is NOT perfect vision. In fact, the 20/20 test does not evaluate many other important measures of normal vision, including: eye focusing, eye teaming and coordination, eye movement, and visual perceptual skills. Once you have an understanding of these basic skills, and their impact on development, you’ll be able to better identify those patients and students whose academic and therapeutic progress has been delayed as a result, and offer potential solutions to these roadblocks.

OUTLINE

Traditional vs. Developmental Model of Vision

• Vision is a dynamic process

Visual System Break Down

• Ocular health and refractive conditions
• Functional and perceptual skills

Visual Efficiency Skill Basics

• Neurodevelopment of eye movements, accommodation and binocularity

Visual Processing basics

• Visual spatial, analysis, and integration skills
• Vision problems as neurodevelopmental disorders
• Visual perceptual testing: Standardized and observational

Vision, Learning and Behavior

• Signs and symptoms of undiagnosed or untreated vision problems
• Vision problems versus behavior problems
• Classroom modifications for vision disorders

OBJECTIVES

1. Describe the importance of proper visual function for learning and motor development.
2. Determine the eight major components of a complete Developmental Triad Vision Assessment.

Handouts

Faculty

Christine Winter-Rundell, OD, FCOVD, FAAO Related seminars and products: 8

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Christine Winter-Rundell, OD, FCOVD, FAAO, is a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry and a Fellow of the College of Optometrists in Vision Development (COVD). Her interests lie in primary eye care for children of all ages, with a special focus on children with vision-related learning disorders or any patients who have had a brain injury. She enjoys co-managing patients with other professionals and frequently works closely with occupational, physical, and speech therapists, psychologists, and pediatricians. Dr. Winter-Rundell graduated with honors with a degree in Biology and minor in Psychology from the University of Iowa in 2000. She attended Southern College of Optometry in Memphis, TN for her Doctor of Optometry education, followed by a Residency at Nova Southeastern College of Optometry in the area Primary Eye Care with emphasis in Pediatrics. In 2005 she joined The Children’s Eye Center at Cedar Rapids Eye Care. Dr. Winter has been very active in optometric service missions to five different countries in Latin America where her Spanish language fluency was advantageous, and looks forward to sharing that experience with her children.

Speaker Disclosures:

Financial: Dr. Christine Winter-Rundell is employed by The Children’s Eye Center at Cedar Rapids Eye Care. She receives a speaking honorarium from PESI, Inc.

Non-Financial: Dr. Christine Winter-Rundell has no relevant non-financial relationship to disclose.