Mastering Eye Movement Disorders in Pediatrics: Practical Visual Rehab Solutions for ADHD, Dyslexia, Autism and more!

THIS IS A PRIVATE COURSE FOR FAIRVIEW REHAB SERVICES THERAPISTS ONLY.  NOT OPEN TO OTHER ORGANIZATIONS. 

Fairview rehabilitation Services in collaboration with PESI

Instructor:

Robert Constantine, OTR/L is an occupational therapist with over 25 years of experience in the fields of visual and neurological rehabilitation. Mr. Constantine is employed by the Pearl Nelson Child Development Center, where he focuses on the treatment of eye movement disorders in neurotypical and special needs children as well as adult stroke, TBI and concussion survivors. Mr. Constantine’s passion leads him to intensive studying of the visual system and continuous searches for new, evidence-based interventions to improve patient outcomes. Robert has had training from the Neuro-Optometric Rehabilitation Association, a unique interdisciplinary organization that brings together the tools of optometry, occupational and physical therapy to improve outcomes for patients with neurological diagnoses. He was previously the only occupational therapist to be a member of the High-Performance Vision Associates, an elite group of sports vision optometrists. As such, Mr. Constantine has participated in sports vision screenings at IMG Academy, Hendricks Motorsports, and on the LPGA tour. He has also developed and marketed drag-racing specific glasses that have been successful in NHRA Sportsman drag racing, as well as having worked with elite NHRA racers, golfers, and sporting clays champions.

Speaker Disclosures: Financial: Robert Constantine has employment relationships with CIAO Seminars and Pearl Nelson Child Development Center. He receives a speaking honorarium and recording royalties from PESI, Inc. He has no relevant financial relationships with ineligible organizations. Non-financial: Robert Constantine has no relevant non-financial relationships. 

Course summary: 

Are you working with children whose coordination, reading, or handwriting problems don’t respond to typical interventions? Struggling with cases where poor posture, clumsy motor skills, or letter reversals leave you and your patients frustrated? Often, these are not purely behavioral or learning issues—they’re rooted in hidden eye movement and near vision dysfunctions that standard treatments overlook.

In this powerful program, you’ll learn the specialized vision assessment techniques that go beyond the basics, helping you uncover the root cause of these challenges. Through hands-on demonstrations and case studies, you’ll gain tools that seamlessly integrate vision, balance, and proprioception, providing targeted interventions with real, lasting results.

With DIY and high-tech solutions like the Brock String, Hart Chart, and prism techniques, you'll discover how to improve critical functional skills, such as reading fluency, posture, balance, and hand-eye coordination. Walk away equipped to tackle even the most complex cases, increase patient compliance and progress, and confidently offer specialized care that sets you apart.

This training will give you the skills to confidently identify and treat visual issues that others miss—boosting outcomes, reducing frustration, and empowering you to make a lasting impact on your patients’ lives. Join us and master these essential techniques to transform your practice and your patients’ success.

Objectives: 

Upon completion of this course participants will be able to:

1. Demonstrate the three-component model of vision by assessing its impact on functional skills such as reading, balance, and hand-eye coordination.
2. Perform visual system assessments, evaluating eye movement and near vision skills that influence patient outcomes in motor tasks.
3. Develop and implement targeted activities that improve ocular motor and near vision skills, enhancing patient abilities in areas like handwriting, sports, and daily coordination tasks.
4. Differentiate between reading challenges due to dyslexia and those stemming from ocular motor/near vision deficits to guide tailored interventions that support academic and functional performance.
5. Identify common visual pathologies (e.g., convergence insufficiency, strabismus) and describe their functional impact on pediatric patients' daily activities and movement patterns.
6. Apply vision training tools and techniques (e.g., Brock String, Hart Chart) to reduce letter reversals and enhance visual processing, supporting improved literacy and functional independence. 
7. Demonstrate the three-component model of vision by assessing its impact on functional skills such as reading, balance, and hand-eye coordination.
8. Perform visual system assessments, evaluating eye movement and near vision skills that influence patient outcomes in motor tasks.
9. Develop and implement targeted activities that improve ocular motor and near vision skills, enhancing patient abilities in areas like handwriting, sports, and daily coordination tasks.
10. Differentiate between reading challenges due to dyslexia and those stemming from ocular motor/near vision deficits to guide tailored interventions that support academic and functional performance.
11. Identify common visual pathologies (e.g., convergence insufficiency, strabismus) and describe their functional impact on pediatric patients' daily activities and movement patterns.

12. Apply vision training tools and techniques (e.g., Brock String, Hart Chart) to reduce letter reversals and enhance visual processing, supporting improved literacy and functional independence

Outline: There will be a 15-minute morning and afternoon break.  Lunch will be scheduled from 11:50am – 1:00pm.  

See the Big Picture: Foundations of the Visual System

• Key structures and pathways that drive vision
• How birth conditions impact visual function
• Magnocellular vs. Parvocellular: Pathways that affect motor skills
• The Pediatric Eye Exam
  • Ophthalmology or Optometry or Vision Therapy

Beyond Behavior: Linking Vision to Learning and Motor Skills

• Recognize visual signs behind ADHD, autism, and dyslexia
• Real cases: Visual issues misdiagnosed as behavioral problems
• Eye movements and their surprising link to focus and attention

Eyes on the Prize: Essential Eye Movement Assessments

• Tracking, saccades, convergence: Simple tests, big insights
• Spot hidden focus issues with near vision system checks

Hands-On Lab: Practical Techniques for Vision Training

• DIY and high-tech tools for immediate impact
• Brock String and Hart Chart exercises for visual strength
• Prism lenses: Real-life applications to improve function

Balancing Act: Vision’s Role in Posture, Balance, and Movement

• Use Binasal Occlusion to enhance postural control
• Discover “glasses that fix toe-walking”
• Mid-Line Shift Syndrome: Assess, address, and improve

From Theory to Practice: Real-World Case Studies

• TBI and Concussion: Practical adjustments for visual dysfunction
• ADHD, Autism, and Vision: Uncover root causes of behaviors
• Support sensory integration with vision-based strategies

Cracking the Code: Integrating Visual Skills into Functional Goals

• Set measurable goals for eye movement improvements
• Master ICD-10 coding for vision interventions
• Blend vision therapy into daily routines for lasting results

REGISTER FOR THIS COURSE