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"Focus" Talks
Learn whenever the time is right for you! “Focus” Talks is an on-demand webcast series on topics related to eye care, vision and vision loss. Presented by colleagues from across Massachusetts, we are so appreciative of everyone’s collaborative spirit and for the sharing of expertise, time and informational resources.  Using the Zoom platform, with both captioning and deaf interpreting available for all sessions, “Focus” Talks vary in length from 25 minutes up to an hour and are always free.  Featured “Focus” Talks will be highlighted monthly, and new topics and sessions uploaded when available. Be sure to visit often!
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​Attending is Easy as 1-2-3
  1. Click the title for the “Focus” Talk you are interested to virtually attend.
  2. After reviewing the information about the session, click "REGISTER to view this free session".  
  3. After registering, the "Focus" Talk of your choice will be available immediately. 
​Register for as many topics as you’d like. Happy Learning!
Sessions By Category
Post Session Support
April 2021 Featured Session
​The Role of Binocular Vision on Learning, Development, and Activities of Daily Living
Presenter:  Sarah Williams, OD, FAAO, Assistant Professor of Specialty Care, New England College of Optometry,  Attending Pediatric Optometrist, NECO Center for Eye Care
  • Impairment of the visual system can not only affect development, but also influence the way individuals interact with their surroundings and everyday tasks. A common misconception is that normal “vision” simply means having 20/20 visual acuity and healthy ocular structures. In addition to good optics and healthy ocular structures, a normal visual system requires functional binocular vision and solid informational processing skills. Individuals with disabilities are not only at a higher risk for visual impairment, but also disorders that impact the binocular vision system such as high refractive error, strabismus, amblyopia, and oculomotor dysfunction. This presentation will focus on different binocular vision disorders, how they impact learning and development, and what interventions should be considered for individuals with disabilities.
  • CEUS:  .5 ACVREP; Certificates of Attendance by request
  • Length: 41 minutes​​
  • Resources: Convergence Insufficiency Symptom Survey PDF  /  Convergence Insufficiency Symptom Survey RTF
  • REGISTER to view this free session.
At a Glance
Enjoy reading through these snapshots of available "Focus" Talks. For a full description and to register for each session, please click the corresponding title.
Eye Care
Self Care
Strategies for Everyday Life
Connect with Us
If you have any questions or comments, ideas for topics not yet part of the “Focus” Talks series, and/or if you or someone you know would like offer a session, we’d love to hear from you!  Please always feel free to reach out to Lisa.DiBonaventura@mass.gov 
Thank you!
For more information please contact: 
Lisa DiBonaventura,  M.A.,  COMS
Statewide Director Vision & Vision Loss Services
Department of Developmental Services  (DDS)
Email: Lisa.DiBonaventura@mass.gov
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"Focus" on Vision and Vision Loss: Meeting the Needs of Individuals with Intellectual Disability