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X-WR-CALNAME:Optometric Extension Program Foundation
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X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Optometric Extension Program Foundation
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DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260114T200000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260114T220000
DTSTAMP:20251204T205725Z
CREATED:20251204T204803Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251204T205725Z
UID:54256-1768420800-1768428000@www.oepf.org
SUMMARY:Insight to Vision: New Retinal Insights and Expanding Role of Optometry- Dr. Deborah Zelinsky
DESCRIPTION:Description:\n\n\nJoin Dr. Deborah Zelinsky for a fascinating exploration of how rapidly evolving discoveries in retinal science and neuro-optometry are reshaping our understanding of vision—and positioning optometry as a key profession in future healthcare. \n\nThis lecture begins with a clear\, accessible overview of retinal structure\, highlighting classic cell types while spotlighting major breakthroughs since 2020. Dr. Zelinsky will discuss how these new findings expand our understanding of the retina as a complex filtering system\, deeply integrated with such systems as perception\, cognition\, balance\, circadian rhythms\, and emotional regulation.\nParticipants will then explore the optic nerve’s multiple pathways—both the traditional image-forming channel and the lesser-known\, non-image-forming routes that influence the body and mind through sleep\, posture\, alertness\, mood\, emotion and autonomic functions. Dr. Zelinsky will explain how lenses and prisms can strategically modify retinal input and consequently shift signaling through these pathways\, offering powerful tools for therapeutic intervention.\nBuilding on this foundation\, the session introduces three types of eyesight\, each operating at distinct processing speeds:\n\n\nTwo forms of peripheral processing \n\n\nCentral image-forming processing \n\n\nThis framework helps clinicians better understand patient behaviors\, performance variability\, and why certain visual interventions produce profound\, whole-body effects.\nIf time permits\, Dr. Zelinsky will also provide a different viewpoint of how vergence and accommodative ranges interact with phorias and AC/A ratios. Who should attend: Optometrists\, vision therapists\, educators\, students\, and any professional interested in the expanding frontier of neuro-optometric care.\n\nExpect to leave with a refreshed appreciation of the retina as a neural gateway\, along with practical concepts you can apply immediately in clinical reasoning and patient care. \n\n\n\nBIO: Deborah Zelinsky\, OD\n\n\nDeborah Zelinsky\, OD is an optometrist noted worldwide for her work in neuro-optometric rehabilitation. Currently\, she serves as founder and executive research director of The Mind-Eye Institute\, based in Northbrook\, Illinois. \n\n\nHer global reputation is due\, in part\, to her discovery of the use of eyeglasses to alter sound location and subsequent development of the Z-Bell Test℠. The patented test allows Dr. Zelinsky and her team to prescribe lenses and use other optometric interventions that balance processing of central and peripheral eyesight\, while synchronizing the integration between auditory and retinal sensory systems. The Mind-Eye Institute was created with the objective to make new science discoveries pertaining to eyes more accessible to patients both domestically and globally. Dr. Zelinsky’s vision is to train other eyecare professionals on enhancement of retinal processing using her patented methods\, with a short-term goal to have accredited doctors practicing in most major population centers globally. The 20/20 eye testing standard is over 150 years old and does not consider the peripheral processing or auditory integration both of which are critical. Dr. Zelinsky is pioneering a campaign to “Leave 20/20 in the 20th Century” and shift into a more updated assessment protocol including moving targets and overall awareness of surroundings. Using brain mapping of the retina (which is comprised of brain tissue) the optometric profession can perform brain\, rather than eye\, examinations. Patients needing this updated testing include those who have been diagnosed with a brain that isn’t functioning at its full potential. This includes a wide range of issues\, including genetic mutations\, autism\, attention problems such as ADD and ADHD\, dyslexia\, learning problems\, concussions\, and stroke among others. In addition to her work with the Mind-Eye Institute\, Dr. Zelinsky is a fellow in both the College of Optometrists in Vision Development and the Neuro-Optometric Rehabilitation Association. She is a board member of the Society for Brain Mapping and a community leader for the Society of Neuroscience.
URL:https://www.oepf.org/oepf-course/insight-to-vision-new-retinal-insights-and-expanding-role-of-optometry-dr-deborah-zelinsky/
LOCATION:online
CATEGORIES:Clinical Seminars
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.oepf.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Deborah.jpg
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