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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:20250101T000000
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DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260128T130000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260128T150000
DTSTAMP:20251208T193532Z
CREATED:20251105T215742Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251208T193532Z
UID:53344-1769605200-1769612400@www.oepf.org
SUMMARY:Exploring Functional Vision Tests in Early Dementia - Dr. Marsha Benshir
DESCRIPTION:  \nDr. Marsha Davis Benshir will present preliminary findings from her ongoing research comparing three functional vision tests—Developmental Eye Movement (DEM)\, Davis Visual Scan\, and Directional Pegs—in patients with early dementia. \nInitial data from one patient indicate the Davis Visual Scan provides greater sensitivity in detecting perceptual-motor impairment compared to the other tests. Future phases will include assessments with non-demented seniors to establish baseline patterns\, followed by potential studies within a local nursing home population. \nBuilding upon foundational work initiated in the 1980s\, Dr. Davis Benshir also incorporates Piaget-type observational methods to analyze functional and cognitive changes in individuals with known diagnoses. Her work aims to expand understanding of the visual-perceptual aspects of dementia and the potential for targeted interventions even amidst ongoing neurocognitive decline. \nThis lecture will include: \n\nOverview of test methodologies and comparative findings to date\nDiscussion of observational approaches and theoretical foundations\nImplications for clinical screening and rehabilitation in dementia care\n\nBio: Dr. Marsha Davis Benshir is a neuro-developmental optometrist and Fellow of the Neuro-Optometric Rehabilitation Association specializing in comprehensive vision care\, vision rehabilitation\, and vision therapy for patients of all ages—including children\, seniors\, and individuals with complex neurological or developmental diagnoses. She graduated from the Illinois College of Optometry in 1980\, having received both the Anne Pollack Award and the OEP Foundation Award for outstanding contributions to vision research as a student. Dr. Benshir’s early research included launching vision therapy programs for children with learning disabilities\, demonstrating measurable educational and developmental gains through classroom-based interventions.​ \nAfter graduation\, Dr. Benshir began practicing with her father—Dr. Morton Davis\, a founding member of the College of Optometrists in Vision Development—and expanded her expertise to rehabilitation settings working with individuals with acquired brain injuries\, ADHD\, stroke\, and other neurological impairments. She consults broadly with educational\, medical\, and rehabilitation institutions\, and holds staff positions in multiple hospitals and medical centers. Dr. Benshir’s clinical approach integrates evidence-based vision therapy techniques\, research in neuroplasticity\, and functional observation\, with a strong commitment to improving patient quality of life through non-surgical vision correction and neuro-optometric rehabilitation. Dr. Benshir recently retired and moved to Israel where she continues her research.
URL:https://www.oepf.org/oepf-course/exploring-functional-vision-tests-in-early-dementia-marsha-benshir/
CATEGORIES:Clinical Seminars
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.oepf.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/image-Marsha.png
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