2024 Congress CE Session Descriptions
October 17 - 20, 2024
The Hyatt Regency | Portland, Oregon

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If you still wish to register to attend 2024 GWCO Congress, please visit the registration desk on-site.

Click the links below to learn more about the CE Sessions that will be offered at 2024 GWCO Congress!

Thursday, October 17, 2024

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
The Most Promising Treatments in OSD Pipeline presented by Dr. Cecelia Koetting 
COPE #: 91264-TD
What do we do for the patient who have tried everything to treat their ocular surface disease? As testing for dry eye evolves to understand the underlying causes better, our treatments also continue to improve. We will discuss new and emerging ocular surface disease treatments and who may benefit.

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Anterior Segment Disease Grand Rounds presented by Dr. Blair Lonsberry
COPE #: 91269-TD
The ever-expanding scope of therapeutic privileges for optometrists has made the diagnosis and treatment of anterior segment diseases a crucial aspect of clinical practice. This interactive course will examine a variety of uniquely presenting anterior segment disease cases focusing on patient symptoms, diagnostic criteria, affects on vision, and the most current management and treatment options.      

 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Strabismus and Binocular Vision Cases: Review on Testing, Treatment, and Management presented by Dr. Reena Patel
COPE #: 91125-FV
This course will review interesting strabismus and binocular vision cases. Background information as well as clinical data will be presented for each case, along with an in depth review on the treatment and management of each condition. The literature will be referenced throughout the lecture to support the decision making process. In addition, on-going research studies (relevant to the presented cases) from the Pediatric Eye Disease Investigator Group will be shared to educate the attendees on what is currently being investigated in the area of strabismus and binocular vision.       

10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Surgical Procedures in Optometric Practice presented by Dr. Blair Lonsberry
COPE #: 91268-SP
The ever-expanding scope of practice for optometrists is seeing the need to perform small surgical procedures in optometric practice becoming more commonplace. The following interactive course will explore the common eyelid lesions that are typically removed by optometrists, the most common means of removal, and pre-post operative considerations.

11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Top 10 Medications and Their Ocular Side Effects presented by Dr. Blair Lonsberry
COPE #: 91265-PH
Patients’ present taking a variety of medications both topical and systemic. This interactive presentation will review the Top 10 medications patients take and review the ocular side effects that can occur.

11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Laser Therapy in Optometry: The Next Frontier presented by Dr. Nathan Lighthizer
COPE #: 92245-LP
The use of laser energy to treat anterior segment conditions, including posterior capsular opacification (PCO), angle closure glaucoma, and open angle glaucoma, has been used by optometric physicians in certain states for over a decade now. This interactive presentation will update these ophthalmic laser procedures.

1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
ERG in Eyecare: From Rare Dystrophies to Common Conditions presented by Dr. Nathan Lighthizer
COPE #: 87882-GO
This course covers advanced retinal testing methods, including ffERG, color vision, and OCT-A, for diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, and macular degeneration, enhancing diagnosis and management with the latest research on supplementation.

1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
The Neurotrophic and Neuropathic Cornea presented by Dr. Cecelia Koetting
COPE #: 89708-TD
The cornea is the window of the eye. When it becomes compromised patients quality of vision and life suffer. Dry eye disease is one of the most common problems of the cornea, however it is not the only one. This lecture will discuss the neurotrophic and neuropathic cornea and how it should be managed to help maintain the health and clarity of the cornea.

2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Co-Managing the Complex Cornea presented by Dr. Cecelia Koetting
COPE #: 91266-PO
Many of our patients have had or may need complex corneal surgeries. In this course we will discuss some of these corneal surgeries and how to manage the patients after surgery.

2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Lumps and Bumps: A Practical Guide to Evaluation and Management presented by Dr. Nathan Lighthizer
COPE #: 88679-TD
Optometrists have been able to remove benign eyelid lesions in various states for many years now. When cutting into the eyelid to remove a benign lesion, it is imperative that one understands the eyelid anatomy. This interactive lecture will thoroughly cover and review all eyelid lesions, from the very benign to malignant lesions.

3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Infant Eye Exam Course presented by Dr. Reena Patel
COPE #: 91128-FV
This course will review how to perform an eye examination on infants 6-12 months of age. An overview of important visual conditions to look for will be given at the beginning of the lecture. Clinical pearls and tips for working with infants will be shared throughout the lecture. The course will highlight how these evaluations can easily be performed in a primary care setting. Treatment and management options for various eye conditions found in infants will also be reviewed.

4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Floaters: A New Solution for an Old Problem (YAG Laser Floater Removal) presented by Dr. Nathan Lighthizer
COPE #: 91573-LP
The use of laser energy to treat various ocular conditions has been well established over the years. Floaters are a common ocular pathology that many patients report symptoms from. Traditionally speaking observation and vitrectomy were the two main treatment options for floaters. Emerging technology has promoted interest in utilizing a laser for the treatment of floaters. This interactive presentation will provide an introduction and update regarding utilizing a YAG laser for Laser Floater Removal.

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Friday, October 18, 2024

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
YAG Laser Procedures and Managing Potential Complications presented by Dr. Nathan Lighthizer
COPE #: 91574-LP
YAG laser capsulotomy is one of the most common and rewarding laser procedures that eyecare providers do. This lecture will review all aspects of YAG laser capsulotomy, including background of the procedure, indications, contraindications, pre-operative preparation, procedural techniques, post-operative management, coding and billing, along with showing many videos of different capsulotomy techniques. Also to be discussed with be manaing laser complications from YAG capsulotomy among the many other intraocular laser procedures such as Laser PI, SLT, ALT, and ALPI.

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Advanced Discussion of Uveitis - Glaucoma and Systemic presented by Dr. Anthony DeWilde
COPE #: 91297-SD
Uveitis is a complex eye disease that can lead to longstanding complications if not properly managed. This course highlights diagnosis and treatment of uveitis, including management of uveitic glaucoma and potential systemic diseases that can manifest with uveitis.      

10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Under Pressure: Glaucoma Treatments in 2024 presented by Dr. Cecelia Koetting
COPE #: 91267-GL
Continued addition of topical and surgical treatments can be difficult to remember. But don’t feel under pressure to get the patients IOP’s lower. With the addition of new treatment options for glaucoma, it is important to understand how each work and when they may be beneficial for our patients in managing their disease.

10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Slaying the Giant: How to Manage Giant Cell Arteritis presented by Dr. Anthony DeWilde
COPE #: 91298-SD
Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is an immune-mediated vasculitis with serious ophthalmic manifestations, including Arteritic Ischemic Optic Neuropathy (AION), Central Retinal Artery Occlusion (CRAO), and diplopia. It is important for the clinician to understand the signs and symptoms of GCA and how they relate to the eye.

10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Welcome Aboard the Sweet Titanic: Diabetes, Cancer, Cardiovascular Disease presented by Dr. Paul Chous
COPE #: 87840-SD
This course will cover the perils of sugar in the American diet including the formation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) that are implicated in multiple diseases. The link between added sugars and the most important systemic diseases facing society and strategies for mitigating this risk will be considered.

11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Nutrition and the Eye from Front to Back presented by Dr. Cecelia Koetting
COPE #: 91271-GO
Nutrition and diet are something that we know is important for our entire body, but how familiar are we with the specifics of how it affects the ocular system? We will discuss the impact of nutrition in regards to both anterior and posterior segment of eye as well as venture into the inner workings our brain in relation to our visual system. We will also the problems that can occur to our patients when there is too much or too little of specific vitamins and minerals.

1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Close up on Prebyopia presented by Dr. Cecelia Koetting
COPE #: 91270-GO
With new innovations in treatment for presbyopia come available both surgically and topically, we revisit an old topic. How do we really define presbyopia and how do these new options fit in with our tried and true? And how do we discuss these with our patients?

1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Addressing Structural Puzzles in Diabetic Eye Disease presented by Dr. Paul Chous
COPE #: 92345-SD
This lecture will take attendees on a journey that reviews the many advances in structural and functional testing for the diagnosis and management of diabetic eye disease.

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Saturday, October 19, 2024

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
The Neuro-Ophthalmology of Multiple Sclerosis presented by Dr. Leonard Messner
COPE #: 90875-NO
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a common neurodegenerative disease with a variety of neuro-ophthalmic manifestations. This course reviews the afferent and efferent system manifestations of MS including optic neuritis, brainstem motility disorders, and nystagmus. Special attention is devoted the evolving use of optical coherence tomography (OCT) as an indicator of visual dysfunction with optic neuritis as well as a surrogate biomarker for disease activity with MS.

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Diabetes Case Studies with an Eye to the Future presented by Dr. Paul Chous
COPE #: 87812-SD
This session will consider the epidemics of diabetes and diabetic retinopathy via a series of illustrative patient case examples. Accepted and novel strategies for prevention and treatment of both will be discussed.

10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Sleep Disorders: What Optometrists Need to Know presented by Dr. Paul Chous
COPE #: 91135-SD
This course considers the impact of common sleep disorders on both ocular and systemic disease. Strategies for diagnosis and treatment will be presented that can immediately be implemented within eye care practices.

2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
The Neuro-Ophthalmology of Concussion presented by Dr. Leonard Messner              
COPE #: 89963-NO
The CDC estimates that there are approximately 4 million sports-related concussion in the United States per year. Along with this, most concussion still go unrecognized for a variety of reasons. Research has shown that vision and visual-motor abnormalities are frequently associated with concussion and serve as validated biomarkers for initial diagnosis and long-term management. This course provides an overview of pathophysiology of concussion, complication of concussion, vision and visual-motor abnormalities associated with concussion. Additional information is presented on the potential role of optical coherence tomography and low contrast acuity testing as surrogate biomarkers for TBI-related neuronal degeneration.

2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Biologics in Eyecare presented by Dr. Anthony DeWilde
COPE #: 91299-PH
Biologics are a newer category of medication that target specific markers in the body to reduce the burden of disease. This course will highlight the many biologics currently available to treat ocular disease and systemic diseases that have ocular manifestations. The course will highlight co-management strategies for the many conditions where biologics can improve patients’ ocular and systemic health.

3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
OCT Grand Rounds presented by Dr. Anthony DeWilde
COPE #: 91300-TD
This course will highlight the interesting ways OCT can improve diagnosis and management of patients with retinal disease. Case presentations will highlight the utility of OCT including managing macular holes, retinal traction, macular edema, macular degeneration, and Plaquenil evaluation.

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Sunday, October 20, 2024

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Mind-Bending Neuro-Oph Grand Rounds: From the Chiasm and Beyond presented by Dr. Leonard Messner
COPE #: 90874-NO
This course provides a case-based approach to lesions of the chiasm and retrochiasmal visual pathways along with an overview of neuroimaging techniques relevant to the neuro-ophthalmic evaluation of these patients. Emphasis is placed on correlation of the clinical findings with neuroradiologic features of chiasmal and retrochiasmal pathology.

10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Gut-Eye-Axis - The Influence of the Gut Microbiome on Eye Health presented by Dr. Mila Ioussifova
COPE #: 92272-TD
This 2-hour course, taught by an integrative optometrist and certified nutrition specialist with expertise in ocular surface disease and advanced training in nutrition, details the role of gut health and nutrition in dry eye disease. It also aims to highlight the findings of the TFOS Lifestyle Report and share clinical pearls and practical tools to incorporate nutrition and wellness in the management of dry eye disease. A case study will demonstrate how addressing gut health improved the patient’s ocular surface disease.

11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Keeping Up with Dry Eye Treatments in 2024 presented by Dr. Mila Ioussifova
COPE #: 91435-TD
This course will share cases where multiple treatment modalities were utilized to get synergistic effects in treating the multifactorial disease. The optometrist will learn about the latest treatments for dry eye disease and how they can be used to address the pathophysiology of dry eye disease.

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