The 11th Annual Nutrition and the Eye Symposium took place April 7-8, 2018, at the J.C. Penney Conference Center on UMSL’s North Campus. Organized by Stuart Richer, OD, and co-sponsored by the Ocular Wellness and Nutrition Society, the speakers presented on a range of topics that fell under the nutrition umbrella.
Julie Poteet, OD, spoke on the Nutritional Modulation of Autoimmunity. Dr. Poteet’s personal anecdotes enhanced her presentation. Russell Jaffe, PhD, was the keynote speaker. His fascinating presentation covered aspects of Traditional Chinese Medicine and predictive biomarkers. At the closing of Saturday’s lectures, Dean Larry Davis presented Dr. Jaffe with a plaque in recognition of his contributions to wellness.
William Harris, PhD, guided participants through the numerous studies on Omega-3 fatty acids. And to close out the symposium, Dr. Richer and Jeffrey Anshel, OD, presented on cannabis research and implications for optometrists. Attendees came from 13 states and Canada, as the College provides one of the few nutrition-centered programs for optometrists.
Coding 2018
On May 6, 2018, John McGreal, OD, presented an update on Coding. Dr. McGreal’s expertise in this area makes this event very popular with local and regional optometrists. The College of Optometry’s 4thyear students also attended, as part of their final Practice Management week before graduation.
The annual August Academe will be held on Sunday, August 19, 2018. Marc Bloomenstein, O.D., will be presenting two courses: Oral Pharmaceuticals in the Optometry Practice, and Challenging Cases Front to Back. UMSL Assistant Clinical Professor Casey Hamm, OD, and Associate Clinical Professor Thomas Landgraf, OD, will also lecture. Look for registration to open in early July. Direct any questions regarding UMSL’s Continuing Education programs to Erin Schaeffer at schaeffere@umsl.edu.