Program Description

This educational course will provide optometrists with evidence-based strategies to enhance knowledge and implementation of available technologies for effective diagnosis and treatment of ocular surface disease (OSD). Topics will include eyelid margin health, ocular nerve treatments, and inflammation. Attendees will gain practical insights and strategies for integrating new protocols for adopting an individualized approach to patient care for these often underdiagnosed and undertreated conditions.

Expert Faculty

• Marc Bloomenstein, OD, FAOO
• Mile Brujic, OD, FAAO
• Jessilin Quint, OD, MBA, FAAO
• Mark Schaeffer, OD, FAAO

Learning Objectives

• Accurately identify and stage patients with eyelid margin disease (meibomian gland dysfunction [MGD] and Demodex blepharitis [DB]), neurotrophic keratitis (NK), and tear deficiency and acute and chronic inflammation by incorporating consistent examination techniques, recognizing the pathognomonic signs, and personalizing ocular surface management plans based on individual presentations.
• Identify the advantages and limitations of traditional and emerging diagnostic methods, including tear osmolarity, matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), anterior segment optical coherence tomography (OCT), meibography/gland expression, collarette detection, and ocular nerve sensitivity, and incorporate validated symptom questionnaire and objective clinical data to improve the consistency and accuracy of OSD diagnosis and treatment evaluation.
• Differentiate among various treatment options, identify the latest safety and efficacy data, and apply evidence-based selection criteria to customize management strategies for the latest DB and NK pharmaceuticals, neuromodulation, anti-inflammatories (acute and chronic), and mechanical and pharmacological MGD treatments.

Credit Designation

Credit Hours: 1.0