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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

Eye Care

Self Care

Strategies

Post Session Support

Certificates

Continuing Ed

Connect with Us

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July 2021 Featured Session
​Communication and Conversations:  Give Me A Reason!
Presenters: Sharon Stelzer, M.Ed., Lead Teacher & Mary Zatta, Ph.D., Director of Professional Development Perkins School for the Blind

• ​This presentation will demonstrate ways that all individuals can participate in meaningful conversations. Through the use of videos, discussion, and simulation, participants will gain an understanding how individuals with limited language can and do communicate.
• CEUS: .5 ACVREP; Certificate of Attendance by request
• Length: 44 minutes
• Register for this free session. ​

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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

• "Implicit Bias” Toward Persons with Disabilities and Its Impact on Vision Care
  • Presenter: Greg R. Waldorf, OD, MPH, FAAO, Associate Dean for Clinical Programs, MCPHS School of Optometry
  • Length: 43 minutes
• 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​
  • Length: 41 minutes

Self Care

• New Ways Caregivers Can Benefit from Guided Imagery: A Focus on Mentalizing, Mindfulness and Connectedness
  • Presenter: Felipe A. Jain, MD, Director of Health Aging Studies, Depression Clinical and Research Program, Massachusetts General Hospital, Assistant Professor of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School​​ 
  • Length: 44 minutes          

Strategies for Everyday Life

• Communication and Conversations:  Give Me A Reason!
  • Presenters: Sharon Stelzer, M.Ed., Lead Teacher & Mary Zatta, Ph.D., Director of Professional Development Perkins School for the Blind
  • Length: 44 minutes
    
    
• Modifying the Environment for People with Vision Loss
  • Presenter: Darick Wright, O&M Coordinator, Vision Studies Program, School for Global Inclusion & Social Development, UMASS Boston 
  • Length: 25 minutes      ​​

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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!