VSI News For You
The following article contains information regarding Dr. Mark Weatherall and his upcoming Video Series, Dr. Barry Tannen and his upcoming Video Series, an Update on Customized Lenses, and an Update on Computer Monitors.
Dr. Mark Weatherall’s Video Series
Dr. Mark Weatherall is a Consultant Neurologist at Stoke Mandeville Hospital in the Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust, Vice-Chair of the British Association for the Study of Headache, and a former Trustee of The Migraine Trust.
Before studying clinical medicine at Cambridge, he was a highly regarded historian of medicine.
Junior medical jobs followed in Cambridge, London, and Oxford before completing his specialist training in neurology in the North-West of England.
He spent twelve months as a clinical research fellow with Professor Peter Goadsby and Dr. Holger Kaube of the Headache Group at the Institute of Neurology in London. He is a Fellow of the Royal Colleges of Physicians London and the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh.
Dr. Weatherall’s main interests are diagnosing and managing visual snow, chronic or persistent headaches, and facial pain. His research and publications include visual snow, cluster headaches, and chronic daily headaches.
Videos Starting on: Feb 3. They will be featured every week for the month of February.
Dr. Barry Tannen’s Video Series
Dr. Barry Tannen discusses his experience and insights on VSS past, present, and future.
Dr. Barry Tannen has been an optometric physician for more than 30 years at EyeCare Professionals, PC, which he co-founded with Dr. Despotidis.
His clinical and research interests are visual deficits related to concussion, acquired brain injury, strabismus, amblyopia, and learning-related vision problems. Dr. Tannen is the program supervisor for a private practice-based, Residency in Vision Therapy and Rehabilitation at EyeCare Professionals.
Dr. Tannen received the A.M. Skeffington award for excellence in Optometric Writing from the College of Optometrists in Vision Development in 2016, the Ludlam Education Award by the Neuro-Optometric Rehabilitation Association in 2014, and the Scientific Achievement Award by the New Jersey Society of Optometric Physicians in 2002.
He is a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry, and the College of Optometrists in Vision Development (COVD), a Past President of COVD, and an Associate Clinical Professor Emeritus of the SUNY/State College of Optometry in New York. Dr. Tannen lectures internationally and has co-authored over 60 journal articles and a clinical textbook on Eye Movements.
Videos Starting on: March and April. They will be featured every week.
Customized FL-41 Tinted Lenses Has Begun.
Approximately 73% of those with Visual Snow achieve some relief through the use of tinted and FL-41 lenses.
The VSI has been working with a lens manufacturer to create the best possible customized tints for the majority of the VSS community. We worked closely with doctors and scientists to get the optimum colors and tints to reduce visual symptoms of VSS.
These lenses are unique and are not commercially available. The VSI had five different pairs manufactured.
The VSI has sent our manufactured lenses to four doctors around the US who collectively have hundreds of VSS patients.
If these lenses prove to be more effective in reducing static and glare than any store-bought lenses, the VSI has plans to mass produce and offer them to the VSS and medical communities.
Stay tuned!
Results from State-of-the-Art Computer Monitor Trials
The VSI field tested a new computer screen technology for people with VSS. The manufacturer had claims and testimonials regarding the benefits to those with VSS.
These computer monitors do not emit blue light. Their light source is natural lighting. Because the monitors utilize hundreds of mirrors to reflect the natural light, it was theorized these monitors would benefit the VSS community.
It did not appear that the technology in these computer monitors improved screen time or provided additional benefits to those with VSS.
“The technology has a way to go; it needs improvement and should demonstrate significant results before it can be considered a viable alternative for the VSS population. However, we will continue to research, stay on top of any medical and technological advancements, and disclose those findings.” said Vanessa Mora, Director of Medical Research for the VSI.
