The Clinical Masters in Visual Training of the Zaccagnini Institute are unique in their kind for the completeness of their content and for the hours dedicated to practical and clinical activities that takes place at the main headquarters in Bologna and Milan.
The Masters are open to Opticians, Optometrists and professionals of the Eye care who wish to go beyond optical correction and compensation by integrating it with rehabilitation and/or re-educational exercises and activities to make vision more effective and “resistant” in specific areas and activities.
The Masters in Visual Training offered are:
Our Didactics is flexible and customized, that is, classes can be attended in person or via live streaming and all the learning materials are available on the platform 24 hours a day.
The official language of the Clinical Masters in Visual Training is Italian.
At the end of the course, each participant will receive a Certificate of Attendance with the hours of attendance and of the program content.
The Masters are open to Opticians, Optometrists and professionals of the Eye care who wish to go beyond optical correction and compensation by integrating it with rehabilitation and/or re-educational exercises and activities to make vision more effective and “resistant” in specific areas and activities.
The Masters in Visual Training offered are:
- Entry level, to refine specific refractive techniques and apply Visual Training in the management of the main visual impairment and non-cross-eyed vision dysfunction.
- Advanced level, to manage visual impairments and dysfunctions related to motor coordination, to more complex non-cross-eyed binocular conditions and the supportive role in visual activities involved in learning activities (i.e. vision-related reading difficulties, which should not be confused with dyslexia)
Our Didactics is flexible and customized, that is, classes can be attended in person or via live streaming and all the learning materials are available on the platform 24 hours a day.
The official language of the Clinical Masters in Visual Training is Italian.
At the end of the course, each participant will receive a Certificate of Attendance with the hours of attendance and of the program content.
Why enrolling in the clinical masters in visual training?
The fifth edition of the Clinical Master in Visual Training – Entry Level – focuses on the core activity of the Eye Care professionals: the eye test for the assessment of people’s sight defects aimed at identifying the most suitable correction tool.
Thanks to optometric concepts and fundamental principles of neuroscience the treatment of visual problems has been enhanced with new Visual Training strategies and has consolidated certain approaches. Vision has long been studied in an interdisciplinary way such as the physiology of moment, cognitive sciences, psychophysics and sensory psychology towards insights into the correlation between vision functionality, some perception functions and vision-related behaviour.
The field of vision is vast and every optician and optometrist must have an updated approach, that avoids inadequate promises and unnecessary or inconclusive treatments. For this reason, study and update are essential, both for those who want to offer Visual Training services and for those who want a deeper knowledge that goes beyond basic refraction and optical correction.
Since 2022 the Zaccagnini Institute has offered the Clinical Master in Visual Training – Advanced Level to consolidate accommodative and fusional training, address non-cross-eyed binocular conditions or syndromes and to complete the overview of the areas of application of Visual Training.
Thanks to optometric concepts and fundamental principles of neuroscience the treatment of visual problems has been enhanced with new Visual Training strategies and has consolidated certain approaches. Vision has long been studied in an interdisciplinary way such as the physiology of moment, cognitive sciences, psychophysics and sensory psychology towards insights into the correlation between vision functionality, some perception functions and vision-related behaviour.
The field of vision is vast and every optician and optometrist must have an updated approach, that avoids inadequate promises and unnecessary or inconclusive treatments. For this reason, study and update are essential, both for those who want to offer Visual Training services and for those who want a deeper knowledge that goes beyond basic refraction and optical correction.
Since 2022 the Zaccagnini Institute has offered the Clinical Master in Visual Training – Advanced Level to consolidate accommodative and fusional training, address non-cross-eyed binocular conditions or syndromes and to complete the overview of the areas of application of Visual Training.
What is visual Training?
It is a widespread non-medical treatment modality for some problematics of the visual system (as indicated by: the American Academy of Optometry, American Optometric Association, Policy Statement, 1997), and relies on "specific, sequential, according to paradigms and regimes of sensory-motor-perceptual stimulation" exercises (Ciuffreda, 2002).
These are exercises that serve to make visual functionality more efficient, even concerning peculiar uses of sight, such as study and prolonged work at a short distance and sports or activities with specific visual needs.
Visual Training improves those visual dysfunctions in which optical correction is not sufficient or not tolerated.
Dysfunctions of the accommodation/convergence system can produce motor, visual and visual-motor coordination problems. Visual dysfunctions are not a cause of specific ASD learning disorders (Evans et al. 1996) but in at least half of the ASD cases non-cross-eyed binocularity anomalies are also present (Hussaindeen, 2018) and they require evaluation as they are not noticeable on standard visual examination.
The concept of Visual Training as a strategy to modify conditions and efficiency has found the support of scientific evidence for specific conditions (e.g. Scheiman and Gwiazda, 2011) and is considered plausible in others (Rawstron, 2005).
As for all complex procedures, specific Visual Training approaches have different levels of scientific evidence. For this reason, Visual Training is continuously researched to improve its procedures and during the course all the necessary clarifications and strategies will be made for the in-depth examination, for the preferable training procedures and for delivering correct guidance to the patient.
These are exercises that serve to make visual functionality more efficient, even concerning peculiar uses of sight, such as study and prolonged work at a short distance and sports or activities with specific visual needs.
Visual Training improves those visual dysfunctions in which optical correction is not sufficient or not tolerated.
Dysfunctions of the accommodation/convergence system can produce motor, visual and visual-motor coordination problems. Visual dysfunctions are not a cause of specific ASD learning disorders (Evans et al. 1996) but in at least half of the ASD cases non-cross-eyed binocularity anomalies are also present (Hussaindeen, 2018) and they require evaluation as they are not noticeable on standard visual examination.
The concept of Visual Training as a strategy to modify conditions and efficiency has found the support of scientific evidence for specific conditions (e.g. Scheiman and Gwiazda, 2011) and is considered plausible in others (Rawstron, 2005).
As for all complex procedures, specific Visual Training approaches have different levels of scientific evidence. For this reason, Visual Training is continuously researched to improve its procedures and during the course all the necessary clarifications and strategies will be made for the in-depth examination, for the preferable training procedures and for delivering correct guidance to the patient.
Target Audience
The Clinical Masters in Visual Training of the Zaccagnini Institute are designed for Opticians, Optometrists and Eye Care professionals who wish to:
- understand and assess the correlation between vision functionality and perceptual and behavioural problems,
- integrate ophthalmic corrections with rehabilitation and re-education of visual function,
- better manage people's visual needs,
- fully meet the expectations of their customers.
Objectives and clinical contents of the Masters in Visual Training
The Clinical Master in Visual Training – Entry level, gives the neurophysiological-perceptual bases and optometric practical notions to expand daily optometric professional practice, including:
The program also covers clinical practices aimed at deepening non-cross-eyed binocular visual syndromes, giving space to the analysis of vision in reading and consequently in learning. This approach should not be confused with the alleged "treatments" of ASD disorders that are sometimes proposed in the optometric field.
- diagnosis, treatment and management of visual system disorders and dysfunctions, including conditions involving binocularity and accommodation,
- oculomotor disorders and visual-perceptual-motor dysfunctions also concerning specific areas of vision use, such as sport, study and prolonged work,
- strategies to improve referral to medical care or other professionals (under D.I. of the 24th of May 2018 n. 92) for all conditions that exceed the practice of optics and optometry.
The program also covers clinical practices aimed at deepening non-cross-eyed binocular visual syndromes, giving space to the analysis of vision in reading and consequently in learning. This approach should not be confused with the alleged "treatments" of ASD disorders that are sometimes proposed in the optometric field.
Edition, period, attendance and locations of the Masters in Visual Training
Attendance at the Clinical Masters in Visual Training is designed to allow the participation of student workers.
The days of attendance are one combined Sunday and Monday per month.
The Entry level Edition is structured in VIII modules divided in 12 days. The Master takes place in six months with a frequency of one Sunday and one Monday combined for each month.
The Advanced level Edition is structured in IV modules divided in 6 days. The Master takes place in three months with a frequency of one Sunday and one Monday combined for each month.
Class schedule
From 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
The Masters will take place in:
Bologna – 17 Gherardo Ghirardini Street, 40141 Bologna, segreteria@istitutozaccagnini.it
Milan – 9 Daniele Crespi Street, 20123 Milan, segreteria.mi@istitutozaccagnini.it
Both locations are convenient to reach, served by urban transport, local and national trains and are connected to the main Airports.
The days of attendance are one combined Sunday and Monday per month.
The Entry level Edition is structured in VIII modules divided in 12 days. The Master takes place in six months with a frequency of one Sunday and one Monday combined for each month.
The Advanced level Edition is structured in IV modules divided in 6 days. The Master takes place in three months with a frequency of one Sunday and one Monday combined for each month.
Class schedule
From 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
The Masters will take place in:
Bologna – 17 Gherardo Ghirardini Street, 40141 Bologna, segreteria@istitutozaccagnini.it
Milan – 9 Daniele Crespi Street, 20123 Milan, segreteria.mi@istitutozaccagnini.it
Both locations are convenient to reach, served by urban transport, local and national trains and are connected to the main Airports.
Certificate of Attendance
At the end of the course every participant will receive a Certificate of Attendance, with the hours and the content of the program.
Faculty
The Masters are held by renowned teachers and trainers, active in the field of optometry, visual rehabilitation and neuroscience.
- Prof. Riccardo Bazzotti, PhD in Pathology and Neuropathology
Professor of Psychophysics, Anatomy, Biochemistry and Microbiology at the Zaccagnini Institute. - Prof. Daniela Comuzzi, Qualified Optician and Optometrist
Professor of Ocular Semeiotics, Binocular Vision and Binocular Vision Anomalies at the Zaccagnini Institute. - Prof. Massimo Fiori, Qualified Optician and Optometrist, Doctor of Orthoptics and Ophthalmological Assistance.
- Prof. Pietro Gheller, Optician, Optometrist and Doctor of Psychological Techniques and Posturologist.
- Prof. Rinaldo Spinozzi, Qualified Optician, Optometrist.
- Prof. Martina Russo, Cognitive-Behavioural Psychotherapist Psychologist
Closed number course, Didactic and practice
Both editions of the Clinical Masters in Visual Training are reserved for a limited number of 25 participants and include the planning and practical implementation of Visual Training clinical procedures on real cases/people so that participants can follow both theoretically and practically a Visual Training sequence depending on the various visual dysfunctions.
The teaching modality is customized as the lessons will be held in person but also via streaming, to allow anyone and in any location and condition to participate and follow the learning activities.
The handouts, materials and documentation will be made available on the platform 24 hours to ensure user-friendly and immediate sharing.
In addition, participants in the Master Entry Level will be provided with a Kit consisting of the basic instrumentation for carrying out the clinical activities of Visual Training.
The teaching modality is customized as the lessons will be held in person but also via streaming, to allow anyone and in any location and condition to participate and follow the learning activities.
The handouts, materials and documentation will be made available on the platform 24 hours to ensure user-friendly and immediate sharing.
In addition, participants in the Master Entry Level will be provided with a Kit consisting of the basic instrumentation for carrying out the clinical activities of Visual Training.
Program and schedule of the Clinical Masters in Visual Training
Programme and Calendar Year 2023/2024
| a Bologna | MODULI DIDATTICI - Entry Level | a Milano |
|---|---|---|
| Domenica 12 e Lunedì 13 Novembre 2023 Prof.ssa Daniela Comuzzi, Optometrista |
I MODULO Introduzione alla visione binoculare e all'analisi visiva teoria e pratica Cos'è e come si programma il Visual Training? |
Domenica 19 e Lunedì 20 Novembre 2023 Prof.ssa Daniela Comuzzi, Optometrista |
| Domenica 3 Dicembre e Lunedì 4 Dicembre 2023 Prof. Rinaldo Spinozzi, Optometrista |
II MODULO Il Training oculomotorio di base teoria, procedure cliniche e casi |
Domenica 10 Dicembre e Lunedì 11 Dicembre 2023 Prof. Rinaldo Spinozzi, Optometrista |
| Domenica 21 e Lunedì 22 Gennaio 2024 Prof.ssa Daniela Comuzzi, Optometrista |
III MODULO Il Training accomodativo di base teoria, procedure cliniche e casi |
Domenica 14 e Lunedì 15 Gennaio 2024 Prof.ssa Daniela Comuzzi, Optometrista |
| Domenica 18 e Lunedì 19 Febbraio 2024 Prof.ssa Laura Donini, Optometrista, Ortottista Assistente in Oftalmologia |
IV MODULO Il Training fusionale di base teoria, procedure cliniche e casi |
Domenica 11 e Lunedì 12 Febbraio 2024 Prof. Massimo Fiori, Optometrista, Ortottista Assistente in Oftalmologia |
| Domenica 17 Marzo 2024 Prof. Riccardo Bazzotti, PhD in Patologia e neuropatologia generale |
V MODULO Perché il visual training funziona? (nozioni di base di neurofisiologia della visione) |
Domenica 3 Marzo 2024 Prof. Riccardo Bazzotti, PhD in Patologia e neuropatologia generale |
| Lunedì 18 Marzo 2024 Prof. Pietro Gheller, Optometrista e Posturologo |
VI MODULO La correlazione tra il Visual Training e l’integrazione visuo-posturale |
Lunedì 4 Marzo 2024 Prof. Pietro Gheller, Optometrista e Posturologo |
| Domenica 14 Aprile 2024 Prof. Rinaldo Spinozzi, Optometrista |
VII MODULO |
Domenica 7 Aprile 2024 Prof. Rinaldo Spinozzi, Optometrista |
| Lunedì 15 Aprile 2024 Prof. Rinaldo Spinozzi, Optometrista |
VIII MODULO Visione e Sport, introduzione allo sport vision |
Lunedì 8 Aprile 2024 Prof. Rinaldo Spinozzi, Optometrista |
| MODULI DIDATTICI - Advanced Level | a Milano | |
| - | IX MODULO DSA - Diagnosi e normativa |
Domenica 28 Aprile 2024 Prof.ssa Martina Russo, Psicologa psicoterapeuta cognitivo-comportamentale |
| - | X MODULO Influenze della visione binoculare sulla funzione visiva |
Lunedì 29 Aprile 2024 Prof. Anto Rossetti, Optometrista OD |
| - |
XI MODULO |
Domenica 26 e Lunedì 27 Maggio 2024 Prof. Massimo Fiori, Optometrista, Ortottista Assistente in Oftalmologia |
| - | XII MODULO Il Training accomodativo avanzato - teoria e procedure Revisione e controllo delle sedute di Visual Training svolte dai partecipanti |
Domenica 16 e Lunedì 17 Giugno 2024 Prof.ssa Daniela Comuzzi, Optometrista |
Admission and enrolment fee for the Clinical Masters in Visual Training
The enrolment fee for the master includes, in addition to course participation, all teaching material and the Certificate of Attendance with indications of the hours and content of the course.
Clinical Master in Visual Training - Entry level
Clinical Master in Visual Training - Entry level
- € 1.700,00+VAT (€ 2.074,00) of which € 250,00 must be paid as a deposit when enrolling, € 366,00 by the start of the course and 2 instalments of €729,00 each by the 1st of January 2024 and the 1st of March 2024.Those who will pay the fee in one single instalment will benefit of a total fee of € 1,500.00+VAT (€1,830.00).
- Fee reserved for former students of the Zaccagnini Institute: € 1.300,00+ VAT (€1.586,00) of which € 250,00 must be paid as a deposit when enrolling, € 366,00 by the start of the course and 2 instalments of €485,00 each by the 1st of January 2024 and the 1st of March 2024
- Fee reserved for ADOO, AILAC, ALOeO, Federottica, SOptI members: € 1.500,00+VAT (€1.830,00) of which € 250,00 must be paid as a deposit when enrolling, € 366,00 by the start of the course and 2 instalments of €607,00 each by the 1st of January 2024 and the 1st of March 2024.
- Enrolment to the Master without “MODULE I – Introduction” (reserved for Optometrists) € 1.500,00+VAT (€ 1.830,00) of which € 250,00 must be paid as a deposit when enrolling € 366,00 by the start of the course and 2 instalments of € 607,00 each by the 1st of January 2024 and the 1st of March 2024.
- Enrolment to the Master without “MODULE I – Introduction” (reserved for the Zaccagnini Institute optometrists) € 1.200,00+VAT (€ 1.464,00) of which € 250,00 must be paid as a deposit when enrolling € 366,00 by the start of the course and 2 instalments of € 424,00 each by the 1st of January 2024 and the 1st of March 2024.
- € 900,00 + VAT (€ 1.098,00) of which € 250,00 must be paid as a deposit when enrolling and € 848,00 by the start of the course.
- Fee reserved for former students of the Zaccagnini Institute: € 700,00 + VAT (€ 854,00) of which € 250,00 must be paid as a deposit when enrolling and € 604,00 by the start of the course.
- Fee reserved for ADOO, AILAC, ALOeO, Federottica, SOptI members: € 800,00 + VAT (€976,00) of which € 250,00 must be paid as a deposit when enrolling and € 726,00 by the start of the course.
- € 2.400,00 + VAT (€ 2.928,00) of which € 250,00 must be paid as a deposit when enrolling, € 366,00 by the start of the course e 4 instalments of di €578,0 each by the 1st of December 2023, the 1st of January 2024, the 1st of March 2024 and the 1st of May 2024.