Marie Oswalt describes the process of recovering from a traumatic brain injury (TBI) which she suffered when she was involved in a multi-vehicle accident in 2016. She was grateful to be referred to Pacific University's Vision Therapy program, where she worked with Dr. Hannu Laukkanen (see his podcast episode from January 29, 2025).

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In this important episode, Dr. Emily Aslakson and Mr. Philip Himebaugh discuss how optometrists and vision therapists can play a crucial role in suicide prevention. Learn how to recognize suicide risk factors, initiate life-saving conversations, and connect patients to the help they need.

What You'll Learn:

• How optometrists can identify suicide risk in patients
• Real-life examples of suicide risk in vision care
• Tools for asking difficult but vital questions
• The importance of triage and timely referral
• Resources for suicide prevention training

Resources Mentioned:

• National Suicide prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK(8255
• QPR Training: Question-Persuade-Refer Training. Three steps anyone can learn to help prevent suicide: https://qprinstitute.com/
• Psychology today to search for local mental health providers. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us
• ISPATHWARM acronym: ideation, substance abuse, purposelessness, anxiety, trapped, hopelessness, withdrawal, anger, recklessness, mood changes.
• Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741

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What if success in strabismus treatment isn’t just straight eyes—but integrated sight?

In this episode of Healing Our Sight, I’m joined by vision therapist and former patient Melissa Daniels for a transformative conversation on peripheral fusion and what it means to truly heal vision. Melissa shares insights from Dr. David Cook’s OVDRA (COVD) Conference presentation, including a fresh take on success that goes beyond appearance and focuses on function and connection. Melissa explains how Cook’s approach—focused on peripheral fusion and real-life functionality—resonated deeply with her, both professionally and personally.

Plus, Melissa reflects on creative strategies she learned from Jules Petteruto’s sessions that help make therapy more accessible, fun, and emotionally safe.

Resources & Links:

Website: https://www.strabismussolutions.com

Course: Mastering Peripheral

Strabismus to Stereopsis on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqKqd8qa17tZKcYDZLL5sAA

Dr Cooks Treatise: https://pubs.covd.org/VDR/issue11-1/#

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