How to build a successful Vision Therapy Study Group

Dan L. Fortenbacher, OD., FCOVD

Past President, COVD

Chairperson, COVD Study Groups

This presentation will show you How to organize an effective VT

Study Group for your State Easy step by step “formula” model Why this is good for your practice,

good for the profession and COVD!

State VT Study Groups

Building Your successful State Vision Therapy Study Group

Why State VT Study Groups?

The State VT Study Group

Gives you and your VT team camaraderie time…it’s team building!

Gives you and your VT team the opportunity to network within your State…building professional associations!

Gives you and your VT team quality VT CE at a fraction of the cost!

The State VT Study Group

Expands awareness for VT in the optometric community

Improves patient access to care by growing the number of doctors who provide optometric VT care

Improves the quality of VT care within your State

Grows members in COVD

What is the “formula” for a Successful State VT Study Group?

The VT Study Group is for ODs and their therapists

Those who attend are expected to contribute to the content of the program

Both ODs and therapists present together as a team

What is the formula for a Successful State VT Study Group?

The meeting is an annual event The meeting is 1.5 days (12-14 hours) of

VT CE The CE is Clinical topics only…no practice

management The meeting offers State approved CE

(where applicable)

What is the formula for a Successful State VT Study Group?

The meeting has an agenda established by planning weeks ahead.

The meeting is run by three individuals. The Study Group Chair The Host The Meeting Facilitator

What is the formula for a Successful State VT Study Group

Presenters are expected to deliver a PowerPoint presentation usually 60-90 minutes PPTs are shared via flashdrives or other digital

methods Demonstrations are encouraged Offices come to deliver presentations as a team Rule #1…ODs can not send their therapists alone to

the Study Group

What is the formula for a Successful State VT Study Group

Meeting schedule- Thursday evening 8:00pm-? Hospitality suite for social

discussion A wide variety of beverages provided Some offer games (Euchre, video games etc)

Friday - 9:00am-noon presentations Noon-1:00 lunch delivered to room 1:00-5:00 presentations 7:00- 10:00 Dinner at a nice restaurant 10:00- ? Hospitality Suite

Saturday – 9:00-12:00 Visit office of Host for continuation of program or

continue with presentation at Hotel conference room 12:00 Leave for home

What is the formula for a Successful State VT Study Group

Important Communication tools- Create a VT Study Group blog for ongoing

communication as before and after your Study group

Check out the Michigan VT Study Group Blog at: http://www.mvtsg.blogspot.com

Start a Sovoto Group for your VT Study Group See example of Michigan’s VT Study Group

http://www.sovoto.com/group/michigansvisiontherapystudygroup

Other Details

Room Snacks Sign-in Sheets

OD, therapist Email Addresses

Name Badges Keep Lunch on Friday Visit an office if available after the Meeting

What is the formula for a Successful State VT Study Group

Communicate via email per usual Create your email distribution list for quick

communications to Study Group participants Promote your VT Study Group to your State

Association Integrate with the State Association Binocular Vision

Committee Note: This does not have to be called a COVD

Study Group…we encourage autonomy!

Questions

Contact Dan L. Fortenbacher, O.D.,FCOVD wow@wowvision.net 2908 Division Street, St. Joseph, MI 49085 p:269-983-3309 f: 269-983-0846