Optithec 2017 Tickets

Optithec 2017 is a unique conference that brings together the world's leading experts in optometry, vision science and technology. This year's conference, held in July in San Francisco, was not only about advancements in vision care and ocular health; it also highlighted the importance of vision in sports.

Athletes rely on their eyes to perform at their best level. From hand-eye coordination in baseball, to depth perception in basketball, having excellent vision can be the difference between winning and losing. The conference featured several sessions that focused specifically on sports vision and how practitioners can help athletes improve their visual skills.

One session focused on the role of vision in golf. Dr. Graham Erickson, a lecturer at Pacific University College of Optometry, discussed how different aspects of vision, such as contrast sensitivity and eye-hand coordination, can impact a golfer's performance. He also explained how optometrists can work with golfers to improve their vision, which could ultimately lead to better scores on the course.

Another session focused on the role of vision in football. Dr. Teri Fisher, an optometrist and the founder of Sports Vision Academy, discussed how visual skills, such as peripheral vision and depth perception, are critical for football players. She emphasized the importance of evaluating and training these skills in order to maximize an athlete's potential on the field.

Basketball players also need to have excellent visual skills. Dr. Jennifer Stewart, a professor at the Southern California College of Optometry, gave a presentation on how optometrists can work with basketball players to improve their vision. She discussed the benefits of eye tracking and visual recognition training, which can help players anticipate movements and improve their reaction times.

In addition to these sessions, there were several exhibitors showcasing the latest technologies in sports vision. One company demonstrated virtual reality training tools, which simulate game situations and allow athletes to practice their visual skills in a realistic setting. Another exhibitor showcased computerized vision testing equipment, which can help practitioners fine-tune their evaluations of athletes' visual skills.

Overall, Optithec 2017 demonstrated the importance of vision in sports and the crucial role that optometrists and vision scientists play in improving athletes' performance. By evaluating and training visual skills, practitioners can help athletes reach their full potential and achieve success on and off the field.