The recent Visual Snow Syndrome (VSS) Masterclass, held at the 2024 Philippine College of Optometrists (PCO) Annual Meeting, offered an in-depth educational experience on diagnosing and managing VSS. Led by experts Dr. Charles Shidlofsky and Dr. Terry Tsang, the masterclass attracted more than 50 physicians and medical professionals from seven different countries, including the Philippines, Malaysia, Nepal, India, South Korea, Singapore, and the United States.
The masterclass took place on October 24, 2024, as a pre-conference course for the PCO Annual Meeting, which ran from October 25-27 at the Marco Polo Hotel in Manila, Philippines. This comprehensive eight-hour session provided participants with an in-depth education on the intricacies of VSS, training medical professionals to use Neuro-Optometric Rehabilitation Therapy (NORT) as an approach for treating VSS patients. The course also offered Continuing Education (CE) credits for participants from the United States, adding significant value to this international learning experience.
Dr. Shidlofsky, Dr. Tsang and Vanessa Mora collaborated to develop a NORT protocol designed to address VSS symptoms, with their research published under the title “The efficacy of neuro-optometric visual rehabilitation therapy in patients with visual snow syndrome” in scientific journals like Frontiers and PubMed. This masterclass provided a unique opportunity for optometrists and other medical professionals to deepen their understanding of VSS and adopt scientifically-supported treatment strategies.
The event also covered new therapeutic options, including:
Green-tinted lenses: The Avalux brand of green-tinted lenses is effective for VSS patients with migraines, filtering specific light frequencies associated with migraine relief.
Amber-tinted lenses: Similar to FL-41, these lenses are ideal for VSS patients without migraines, offering symptom relief through selective filtering.
Tinted contact lenses: Altius brand contact lenses were presented as an alternative to tinted glasses, providing flexible management options for patients.
In addition to these tools, the masterclass introduced attendees to emerging treatments, such as a Visual Snow Syndrome pharmacological drug study funded by the VSI and advanced EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy. This therapy utilizes a QEEG profile—a detailed brain map that analyzes brainwave activity to identify abnormalities or dysfunctions—to enable more precise, personalized care. This innovative therapy will soon be available in the practice of Dr. Shidlofsky.
The success of this event has inspired Dr. Shidlofsky and Dr.Tsang team to plan additional masterclasses, with England scheduled as the next location in late spring 2025. Other international locations and virtual formats are being explored to expand accessibility for healthcare professionals worldwide. In addition to traditional masterclasses, Dr. Shidlofsky and Dr. Tsang are extending introductory awareness sessions around the globe, helping to grow a network of professionals equipped to support VSS patients.
