Berkeley Practicum

Interventional Glaucoma Management: From Reactive to Proactive
Michael Cymbor, OD, FAAO
Optometrist, Nittany Eye Associates

Interventional glaucoma management is an attitude, a proactive approach rather than a reactive approach, that entails early predictive diagnostics, active and advanced monitoring, early and more aggressive intervention. This course will highlight the value of interventional glaucoma management, leading to better patient outcomes.

COPE Course: #101656-GL
TPA-GLC

Retina Update
Michael Cymbor, OD, FAAO
Optometrist, Nittany Eye Associates

With an aging population comes a rising tide of vision-threatening conditions. Age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and hypertensive retinopathy are becoming increasingly common—and increasingly complex. This course dives into the latest advances in diagnosis and management, blending cutting-edge research with practical strategies you can apply in clinic. Join us to sharpen your clinical skills, stay ahead of the curve, and elevate your care for today’s most at-risk patients.

COPE Course: #101651-TD
TPA

Karen Walker-Brandreth Lecture: Thinking Glaucoma Through the Lens of Neuroinflammation
Dong Feng Chen, MD, PhD, FARVO
Associate Professor of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School

The course will discuss the roles for microglia-T cell interplay in driving glaucomatous neurodegeneration.

TPA-GLC

Discerning Optic Discs: Systematically Differentiating Diseases
Melissa Tawa, OD, FAAO
Assistant Professor, Marshall B. Ketchum University

This course will use cases to discuss a structured approach to diagnosing various optic neuropathies. Cases will illustrate key distinguishing features among commonly confused conditions, such as true vs pseudopapilledema, arteritic vs. non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy, and true vs pseudo-Foster Kennedy syndrome. Discussion will include clinical examination findings and techniques, multimodal imaging, clinical reasoning to aid in accurate diagnosis of these optic neuropathies, and recommended management.

COPE Course: #101578-NO
TPA

Pediatric Anterior Segment: Red Eyes and Bumps
Madi Brown, OD
Optometrist, UCSF Health

This course will cover pediatric anterior segment conditions that cause redness and/or bumps of concern. It will discuss the clinical presentation, what is know of the etiology, and the management/treatment of each condition

COPE Course: #101577-TD
TPA

Serology Simplified: Clinical Applications in Eye Care
Mary Kate Walters, OD, FAAO, ABO
Benedict Professor and Adjunct Faculty, University of Houston

Learn how to interpret and apply serology results in optometric practice to enhance diagnosis, management, and co-management of ocular and systemic conditions through a practical understanding of key laboratory tests

COPE Course: #101576-SD
TPA

Autoimmune Disease and the Eye
Anthony DeWilde, OD, FAAO
TeleEye Optometrist, VA VISN 22 Clinical Resource Hub

Autoimmune disease can affect every part of the eye. This course will highlight how certain autoimmune diseases such as Graves’ Disease, Myasthenia Gravis, Multiple Sclerosis, and Sarcoidosis affect the eye. It is important for optometrists to recognize what ocular complications can manifest from these autoimmune diseases for appropriate treatment, testing, and referral.

COPE Course: #101573-SD
TPA

Accommodation Insufficiency: Advocate for Your Low Vision Patients
Emily Gorski, OD
Assistant Clinical Professor, UC Berkeley Herbert Wertheim School of Optometry & Vision Science

This course provides an overview of common situations in which optometrists can help guide their low vision patients in qualification for privileges or services. It highlights specific clarifications and guidance in identifying the visual criteria and understanding the role of the optometrist. Specific scenarios include California driving laws, criteria for legal blindness in the United States, and school accommodations for low vision students.

COPE Course: #101575-LV
MISC

Beyond the Spectrum: A Case of Diagnostic Overshadowing
Yasmin Javed, OD, FAAO
Assistant Clinical Professor, UC Berkeley Herbert Wertheim School of Optometry & Vision Science

This lecture highlights the importance of comprehensive care for all populations of patients, including those with neurodevelopmental, cognitive, or behavioral disorders.

COPE Course: #101578-NO
MISC

Stepwise Approach to Understanding and Prescribing Powerboost Lenses
Isabel Kazemi, OD, FAAO
Associate Clinical Professor, UC Berkeley Herbert Wertheim School of Optometry & Vision Science

Clarifies indications, patient selection, and prescribing workflow for powerboost lenses.

COPE Course: #101574-GO
MISC

Immunization for Optometrists
Angela Shahbazian, OD, FAAO
Assistant Clinical Professor, UC Berkeley Herbert Wertheim School of Optometry & Vision Science

Powerboost lenses remain widely misunderstood—often labeled as an “anti-fatigue” or “starter” progressive lens. This presentation will demystify their technology, exploring origins, design characteristics through wavefront topographic analysis, and strategic practice integration. Case studies will showcase manufacturers’ recommended and successful off-label uses of powerboost lenses. Enhancing practitioner and staff expertise will improve patient satisfaction by providing visual solutions, and increase multiple pair sales.

COPE Course: #101579-PB
MISC