How Nutrition Can Prevent Chronic Disease and Protect Vision

Course overview

In today's healthcare landscape, optometrists are uniquely positioned to lead the charge in prevention - not just for eye disease, but for whole-person wellness. This dynamic, evidence-based course explores how nutrition and lifestyle medicine can be integrated into clinical optometry to help prevent and slow the progression of chronic ocular conditions such as macular degeneration, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and dry eye disease. Drawing on powerful research from landmark studies like AREDS, the Nurses' Health Study, and The China Study - as well as insights from Dr. Michael Greger, Dr. Joel Fuhrman, and Blue Zone populations - participants will learn how to use food, movement, and mindset as tools for long-term vision preservation. Through practical strategies, clinical dialogue examples, and real-world case stories, this course empowers optometrists to educate patients, challenge outdated paradigms, and embrace a more holistic approach to care.