As part of the Dallas 2012 curriculum,
Cleinman Performance Network presents,

Vision in the Digital World

a 4-hour clinical CE program by Dr. Jim Sheedy.

Vision in the Digital World

addresses modern day challenges to vision health and leading edge opport-unities for eye care providers who want to expand patient care. Dr. Sheedy is professor and director of the Vision Performance Institute at Pacific University.
He has over 140 published articles and has received awards from the American Academy of Optometry and Prevent Blindness America. His expertise includes computers vision syndrome, vision ergonomics, vision performance, eyestrain, and ophthalmic lens design.The workshop will include three learning modules:

• Vision and Digital Displays, provides a contemporary update on
  the clinical management of vision problems at computers and
  new visual challenges presented by handheld digital devices.

• Individualized Progressive Addition Lenses imparts the aspects
  of lenses that are improved with individualized design, the
  magnitude of such improvements, how to identify patients likely
  to benefit from this technology, and how this will influence future delivery of care.

• Vision and 3D Displays, will highlight virtual 3D which is widely available in entertainment and becoming increasingly used in classrooms and the workplace. The public health issues, unique uses of the visual system, and patient management will be discussed.

Members and Immersion Guests of Cleinman Performance Network attend “Vision in the Digital World,” for free.

The program is also open to non-members, who may register for this seminar by calling 800-331-5536, extension 108.

Tuition is $295.

A Conversation
with Jim Sheedy, OD, PhD

Dr. Sheedy, tells us about your vast Optometric experience.

Dr. Sheedy: I suppose that, in many respects, “vast” equates with “years!” I received my OD and PhD training at Ohio State in the 70′s. Since that time I have spent about two-thirds of my career in academic settings and about one-third in corporate or private settings. I believe one of my skills is to be able to seamlessly walk in both the academic and corporate worlds.

How did you begin to specialize in ergonomics, computer vision and ophthalmic lens design?

Dr. Sheedy: My specialization is a result of my training and life situations. The optometry curriculum at Ohio State was very strong in industrial vision and lighting, largely owing to the Midwest industrial presence, the proximity and ties to GE research on lighting at Nela Park in Cleveland, and the interests of my mentor: Glenn Fry. As a new faculty member at OSU, I was assigned to teach those areas along with vision function. When I moved to California in the early 80′s, I was confronted by many workers having difficulties at their computers. My background perfectly, and uniquely, qualified me to address these problems. I established the VDT Eye Clinic at UC Berkeley which led to being recognized as expert in vision ergonomics. I have taught ophthalmic optics at three optometry colleges, and have always been interested in ophthalmic lens design.

With handheld devices becoming more integrated into our lives, what impact does that have on today’s Eye Care Professional?

Dr. Sheedy: The obvious feature of handheld devices is small screens and hence smaller-than-normal text. Due to the smaller text, users hold the display closer to the eyes in order to make it appear larger. Unfortunately, this places strain on the eyes because of increased convergence and accommodation. Users select a compromised viewing distance.

3D Technology is seemingly everywhere lately; do you think this trend will continue?

Dr. Sheedy: I have become quite involved in this new technology, and everything I see indicates that it will continue to grow.

How can ECP’s integrate 3D technology into their practices?

Dr. Sheedy: Doctors and staff should know about 3D technology and the unique challenges to the eyes. The doctor should understand the types of symptoms, the tests to be used to diagnose the conditions, and the methods of management.

What can our Member’s expect to learn from your lecture, “Vision in the Digital World?”

Dr. Sheedy: Technology continues to advance and create new challenges to the visual system – this is because the visual system is the primary input to the human. I look forward to telling your Members about the new technologies, how those environments affect our patients, how we can counsel our patients about those environments, and how we can treat their visual systems when indicated.