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Behavioral Optometry is Alive and Well in Spain!
I knew I should have taken more Spanish in high school. Little did I know that I would have the opportunity to present a workshop in Spain. Lucky for me, many people in Spain speak English!
Cindy, one of my very experienced vision therapists, and I just returned from Gijon, Spain. We presented a two day workshop titled: The Power of Visualization. What a tremendous experience it was for us on so many levels. What was supposed to be a small intimate interactive workshop (35-40 people), turned into a large 163 participant course. Interaction and participation were a priority. We figured out how to make that happen with the large group. Take a look at one of the activities:
Here are a few highlights of our trip:
- Our presentation was very well received. Numerous questions, personal transformation stories and kind words were shared. The behavioral optometrists from Spain are very well trained and passionate about vision therapy. Despite the language barrier, we had a phenomenal interpreter, Ana, who translated our presentation into Spanish, line by line. It was amazing how fluid we became as a team, and by the end of the course, Ana could almost finish my sentences in Spanish.
- The SIODEC Board asked if I would be their Madrena (godmother). Honored by the invite, I gladly accepted! Wonder what a godmother of a Board is supposed to do :). They also showered us with gifts.
- The 2 day course was a whirl wind. Each day we ran from breakfast to the 6 hour presentation, onto book signings, then interviews with the Spanish newspaper. We barely got to bed before midnight.
- The people in Spain are beautiful, warm, compassionate and fun. The last night of our presentation ended with a costume party. We were invited to dress and be part of the Red Blood Cell animated characters from an old Spanish cartoon series. Check out the pictures!
- Gijon is a beautiful coastal city on the Candabrico Sea. There is a walkway that goes for miles. Beautiful scenery, shops and buildings line the walkway. We enjoyed the food - Gijon is known for its fish and beef. The salads were great, but a meal was never provided without adding great Spanish coffees and wine.
- No trip would be complete without fun and hysterical travel stories. Cindy tested her Spanish skills when she went to get extra towels in the hotel. She came back with a sponge...
- We tried our skill at bullfighting…well, we at least took a picture with a fake bull
- My intention for this trip was "Fun, Inspiration and safety." Many of the optometrists were surprised to see how we can transform a serious vision therapy program into fun learning experience. As neurologic research shows us, the brain learns best when we are having fun!
I am grateful to the Siodec Board and Dr. Robert Sanet, who was instrumental in inviting us to present. Seeing millions of patients around the world improve their lives through vision therapy truly warms my heart!!
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With love and gratitude,
Lynn Fishman Hellerstein, O.D., FCOVD, FAAO
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Upcoming Events
Hellerstein & Brenner Vision Center, PC invites you to join in our FREE events that are open to the public. Lectures will be at 6:30PM on Tues. or Wed. Evenings. More information will be posted online soon.
What’s New in Computer & iPad Apps for Vision Training
September 2015
Kids Can’t Read if They Can’t See!
October 2015
Vision Games for the Holidays
November 2015
Do You Experience Motion Sickness?
E X P E R I E N C E V I S I O N T H E R A P Y
January 2016
The Power of Visualization
February 2016
Concussions: How Your Vision is Impacted
March 2016
Want to Improve Your Sports Game?
E X P E R I E N C E V I S I O N T H E R A P Y
April 2016
Annual Dimension in Sight Trunk Show
May 2016
Seating is limited. Please call 303-850-9499 for more information and reserve your place.
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