AP Ocular Clues in Tick-borne Disease - From Lyme Disease to Alpha-Gal

Course overview

This interdisciplinary course explores the relationship between ocular health and tick-borne disease. Drawing on perspectives from ecology and optometry, participants will examine public health impacts of tick-borne disease, while understanding environmental and lifestyle drivers behind the rising incidence of these illnesses, with focused discussion on Lyme disease and Alpha-gal syndrome. The course reviews associated systemic and ocular findings and emphasizes the optometrist's role in recognizing clinical clues, obtaining targeted histories, and supporting timely diagnosis and referral.