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:
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Learn the benefits of undergoing genetic testing
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Know what to expect from genetic testing
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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.
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Participants will be able to describe and explain basic human guide techniques
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Participants will be able to describe the importance of O&M instruction and techniques
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Participants will reflect on this information as it relates to their prior experiences
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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:
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Learn how to interact with individuals with visual impairment
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Learn how to use guide techniques
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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:
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Understand the components and benefits of a low vision exam
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Become familiar with available technology and resources for low vision patients
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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
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Participants will be able to describe the stages of grief and loss, especially as they apply to vision loss
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Participants will be able to explain at least three strategies for coping with anxiety and depression
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Participants will learn techniques finding acceptance
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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
Thank you to our Silver Sponsors
Participating Exhibitors












