Each academic year, the OVDRA Board of Directors and some Past Presidents visit optometry schools across North America to share the message about practicing vision therapy.

The speakers' goals are: to show students what vision therapy can do for their future practices, to share the difference vision therapy can make in the lives of their future patients, and to tell them how OVDRA can help them achieve both.

A Tour Companion Book is selected to accompany these visits and to be given as a gift to each school's library.

	2023-2024		2021-2022		2019-2020
	Expand Your Vision: How to Gain Clarity, Courage and Confidence  Dr. Lynn Hellerstein, OD, FOVDR		Learning to See – Seeing to Learn: Vision, Learning & Behavior in Children  by Dr. Patrick T. Quaid, MCOptom, PhD, FCOVD		Eyes On Track by Dr. Kristy Remick, OD, FCOVD
	2018-2019		2017-2018		2016-2017
	A Parent's Guide to Raising Children with Healthy Vission by Dr. Nicholos Despotidis & Dr. Noah Tannen		Vision and Learning by Heike Schuhmacher, MD		The Hidden Link between Vision and Learning by Wendy Beth Rosen
	2015-2016		2014-2015		2013-2014
	The Ghost in my Brain by Clark Elliott, Ph.D		Fixing my Gaze by Susan Barry		Dear Jillian  by Robin and Jillian Benoit
	2012-2013
	See It. Say It. Do It! by Lynn Hellerstein, OD, FCOVD, FAAO

Students Responses from the Tour de Optometry

"Finding about the modes of practice and its privileges as a practitioner was great. I felt that I could do a lot more with my degree than just sitting behind a phoropter and referring people. I could actively take part in the healing process and actively help people overcome their obstacles and make a difference."

"I think inviting scholars to come lecture on different aspects of optometry is very beneficial and useful. It's much more exciting and educationally effective to hear these words from someone who is actively practicing in their field of specialty and it helps broaden my perspectives on optometry in a memorable way."

"I did find the lecture very helpful and interesting. Before the lecture, I did not even know that there was a mode of practice such as this. I am highly considering this mode of practice after graduation, and it would be nice to get more information. Please invite another speaker next year!"

Faculty Responses from the Tour de Optometry

"On behalf of the faculty and students at the University of Waterloo School of Optometry, I wanted to thank you very much for coming to our school to speak to us. I have spoken to many of the students that attended, and everyone raved at how motivating you were regarding incorporating vision therapy into their practice. Since your talk, student membership has increased dramatically. With increased exposure, I am hoping that our students will become more actively involved in coordinating COVD events at the school, and attending the COVD Annual Meeting. Not only was your visit motivating to the students, but you have motivated me as well in applying for fellowship. This is something I have been meaning to do for quite some time, but as the saying goes, I 'never got around to it.' So, now I'm going to do it!"
   --  Dr. Lisa Christian, COVD Faculty Liaison, University of Waterloo College of Optometry Assistant Clinic Director

"Thank you so much for sharing your insights with the optometry students during their second and third year classes. A number of students have commented about how much they enjoyed your lecture. Your presentation was extremely informative and engaging. The testimonials were a great way to show the students the impact that therapy can have. Thank you again for your time and effort in preparing and delivering this excellent lecture. "
   --  Marjean Taylor Kulp, O.D., M.S., The Ohio State University College of Optometry

"I am writing to express my thanks for the learning opportunity for our students. In the morning, Dr. Allison gave a two hour lecture to our second year students in the Binocular Vision class. This is the class in which they learn fundamentals of vision therapy for binocular vision problems. I attended this lecture and can state that Dr. Allison gave a very nice lecture which was well received by the students. In the late afternoon, Dr. Allison met with a group of about ten students who were interested in vision therapy. Thank you again for the opportunities the Tour de Optometry provides for our students."
   --  David A. Goss, OD, PhD, Professor of Optometry, Indiana University