Sponsored By St. Louis Society for the Blind and Visually Impaired
Saturday, April 12
8:30am - 3:30pm
J.C. Penney Conference Center
University of Missouri - St. Louis
With Support From:
College of Optometry and Washington University in St. Louis
Seminar Agenda
8:30 a.m. Registration and Coffee
9:00 a.m. Welcome - Auditorium
David Ekin, President St. Louis Society for the Blind and Visually Impaired
9:15 a.m. Everything You Need To Know About Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Presenter: Milam Brantley, M.D.
Washington University School of Medicine
Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences
10:15 a.m. Break
10:30 a.m. The Cost of Vision Loss to the Community, Patient and the Family
Presenter: Steven Kymes, Ph.D.
Research Assistant Professor Washington University School of Medicine
11:30 a.m. The Importance of a Low Vision Exam
Presenter: Kate Boland, O.D.
UMSL College of Optometry
12:00 Box Lunch and Visit Exhibits
1:00 p.m. Breakout Session 1
2:00 p.m. Break/Visit Exhibits
2:20 p.m. Breakout Session 2
Breakout Session 1
Session A:
Gadgets, Gizmos and Kitchen Drawer Technology
Using and adapting everyday items available in the kitchen and around the home.
Presenters: Gail Beard, CVRT
Mildred Eads, CLVT, CVRT
Session B:
Adaptive Computer Technology: Know Your Choices and Make it Work
The latest equipment, programs in speech and large print, Internet use, as well as other ways to access information.
Presenters: Klaus Mittelstadt, COMS
Sirrendrick Smith, Sr. M.ED,
Session C:
I Can Cope!
Adjusting psychologically and emotionally to the everyday stresses of vision loss, with personal testimony from individuals with vision loss.
Presenter: Brenda Wendling, ACSW, LCSW
Breakout Session 2
Session A:
How Do I Get There? Beyond Planes, Trains and Automobiles
Orientation and Mobility: traveling from Point A to Point B safely - in the home, neighborhood, and around town.
Presenters: Kendra Hjorth, COMS, CLVT Susan Meissel, MA
Session B:
Low Vision Top Ten Tips: Ways to Enhance Your Vision
Low vision techniques to try at home.
Presenter: Linda Barbier Bularzik, CLVT
Session C:
Recreate Yourself
Enhance the fun and enjoyment in your life, recreation opportunities for the visually impaired.
Presenter: Tre Heigham
All Breakout Session presenters are staff of St. Louis Society for the Blind and Visually Impaired.
Speakers Biographies
Dr. Milam Brantley
Dr. Brantley is a Board Certified Ophthalmologist and Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology at Washington University School of Medicine where he specializes
in retina diseases, including Age Related Macular Degeneration, Diabetic Retinopathy, and other inherited retinal diseases. Dr. Brantley earned a Ph. D. in
Human and Molecular Genetics as well as his medical degree from Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, TX. Dr. Brantley did his residency in ophthalmology
at Barnes-Jewish Hospital as well as a Fellowship at Moorfields Eye Hospital in London, England.
Dr. Steve Kymes
Dr. Kymes is a Research Assistant Professor in Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences at Washington University School of Medicine, where he is also a Senior
Fellow in the Center for Health Policy. Dr. Kymes research areas include health economics, health policy and quality of life as well as visual conditions
of glaucoma and retinal disease. He holds a Ph.D. from St. Louis University in Health Services Research.
Kate Boland, O.D.
Dr. Boland is a Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Missouri St. Louis College of Optometry where she specializes in low vision and geriatrics.
In a cooperative agreement between the School of Optometry and the Society for the Blind, she provides services in the Society's Low Vision Clinic one day
each week. Selected students also receive hands on training in geriatric low vision under her instruction and guidance in the Clinic.
For more information or directions please contact Brenda Wendling at 314-301-7374 or email bwendling@slsbvi.org
