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Welcome!

Governor Andy Beshear Proclaims October 2020 as Blindness & Visual Impairment Awareness Month

in the Commonwealth of Kentucky

SAVE THE DATE!

The 5th Eye Opening Symposium

Thursday, October 29, 2020

8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

at the

Fayette County Extension Office

1140 Harry Sykes Way

Lexington, KY 40504

Session Descriptions:

The State of Genetic Diagnosis and Therapy in 2020

Ramiro S. Maldonado, MD, Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology, University of Kentucky

Many patients face the problem of having progressive degenerative blinding eye diseases. Current genetic diagnosis and therapy offers a new hope for them.

Participants will:

Learn the benefits of undergoing genetic testing
Know what to expect from genetic testing
What treatment options are there for my inherited disease

What You Need to Know About Orientation & Mobility

Justin Kaiser, Ph.D. Clinical Assistant Professor of Vision Impairment Program, College of Education, Department of Early Childhood, Special Education , and Counselor Education, University of Kentucky

This presentation will provide an overview of orientation and mobility instruction and techniques. This information will assist professionals, families and individuals with visual impairments in better understanding the importance of self-advocacy and independence.

Participants will be able to describe and explain basic human guide techniques
Participants will be able to describe the importance of O&M instruction and techniques
Participants will reflect on this information as it relates to their prior experiences
Participants will be able to use resources to share specific details related to orientation and mobility

Guide Techniques

Jennifer Roark, Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist and Kenny Williams, Community Volunteer

These presenters will demonstrate proper guide techniques in a professional environment

Participant will:

Learn how to interact with individuals with visual impairment
Learn how to use guide techniques
Learn how to make professional settings inclusive of individuals with visual impairment

Updates in Assistive Technology for Visual Impairment

Kristen Piery O.D. Director of Optometry, University of Kentucky

This discussion will give an overview of current available assistive technology and discuss how it can benefit those with low vision. We will also briefly discuss new technology advances and how they might apply to those who are visually impaired.

Participants will:

Understand the components and benefits of a low vision exam
Become familiar with available technology and resources for low vision patients
Understand how to implement assistive technology for those with visual impairment

Vision Loss: The Journey from Grief to Acceptance

Dr. Susan Ament, Ph.D, Bluegrass Council of the Blind and Jeffrey N. Jackson, Psy.D, Licensed Psychologist Lexington VA MC

These presenters will walk participants through his own journey of vision loss and life transformation, with a particular emphasis on navigating the stages of grief

Participants will be able to describe the stages of grief and loss, especially as they apply to vision loss
Participants will be able to explain at least three strategies for coping with anxiety and depression
Participants will learn techniques finding acceptance
Participants will be able to identify the circumstances under which a mental health intervention would be indicated

CEU’s pending for CRC, ACVREP,

JCAHPO, And Social Work

Go to http://fayette.ca.uky.edu/eos to register for this free event!

Agenda in Braille available upon request

Thank you to our Gold Sponsors