MVTSG 2023…Post Concussion Syndrome, Vision and Learning and Complex Strabismus

The 2023 Michigan Vision Therapy Study Group (MVTSG) Meeting was truly one of the finest of our 40+ year history. Held on January 27-28, 2023 in Grand Rapids, MI, at the Hilton DoubleTree, this year’s theme brought together a wonderful combination of diagnosis and techniques in neuro-optometric rehabilitation for post concussion syndrome and vision therapy for vision related learning as well as complex forms of strabismus.

The quality and depth of the presentations were exceptional with our presenters coming to us from around the State of Michigan, the US and Internationally.

Opening the meeting was a marvelous presentation by Dr. Brenda Montecalvo that described the visual “secrets” for school success. She outlined how to target vision therapy on the delays in visual development and linking that with the individual school performance. Then Dr. Montecalvo spent another hour discussing the diagnosis and treatment of patients with strabismus along with the complex sensory adaptation known as anomalous correspondence.

Returning after his outstanding MVTSG lecture in 2019, Dr. Curt Baxstrom presented this year an insightful look at how to differentiate visual-vestibular and cervical components of dizziness post concussion (mTBI) along with an excellent cadre of techniques for how to treat these patients.

Dr. Neil Renaud presented an comprehensive look at the role of bilateral integration as an important prerequisite for a patients overall gross motor development as well as the connection to enhancing binocular vision, including lots of very excellent and entertaining examples.

Dr. Mohamed Moussa and Dr. Saed Issac presented an in-depth look at the research and evidence based vision therapy applications that had multiple applications for patients. But, this presentation also helped provide the information that can be helpful in communicating to other professionals and the public about the efficacy of vision therapy.

Dr. Steve Ingersoll presented a fascinating and thought provoking presentation on a visual-spatial thinking game through which we drive icon curriculum maps called SPOTS.

Dr. Aaron Nichols presented an in-depth look at optometric phototherapy combined with vision therapy for strabismus and traumatic brain injured patients.

Presenting Case Reports were resident doctors from Michigan’s College of Optometry at Ferris State University, Dr. Alli Richardson and from the Western University’s College of Optometry, Dr. Claire Michel, on challenging patients they’ve encountered with audience participation to discuss treatment strategies.

Dr. Brad Habermehl, Associate Professor of Western University College of Optometry, provided a fascinating lecture on pain management that included toys that can injure a child’s eye.

Dr. Alyssa Parz, Dr. Alicia Bultsma and Dr. Dan L. Fortenbacher presented on Visual Dysfunction secondary to Post Concussion Syndrome along with a systematic approach for identifying and targeting key biomarkers for consistent and positive outcomes in neuro-optometric vision rehabilitation. Dr. Sana Haque and Dr. Lester Efianayi, Connie Glanzer, COVT and Jessica Agens, COVT presented in the 2nd hour on neuro-optometric vision rehabilitation in action by describing 3 case examples. They outlined strategies and best methods used in treatment for post concussion syndrome.

The Michigan Vision Therapy Study Group has a long standing tradition of meeting every year for the last 40 years on the 3rd or 4th weekend in January with a Mission to continue to grow in our knowledge, understanding and best practices for doctors and therapists in developmental vision and rehabilitation.