Lizhbet Melo, the first Clinical Partner in Chile, shares with us her professional and personal journey towards certification, her integrative vision of visual rehabilitation, and the value of belonging to an international community committed to clinical excellence and the human approach of Visual Therapy.
What motivated you to start the certification process for Clinical Associate of SIODERV?
I felt the need for support in my clinical intervention, with a comprehensive approach, a serious methodological structure, based on evidence and with international standards.
I met SIODERV and immediately felt that they spoke a language very similar to mine: ethical, evidence-based, focused on continuous training, and with a deeply human approach.
Starting the certification process was for me a way to further commit to what I do, to continue learning with an organization that values research, and to connect with a professional community that shares the same perspective on rehabilitation and visual treatment.
What has your personal journey with visual therapy been like? What attracted you to this approach?
My journey with Visual Therapy took an important turn when I had the opportunity to do my clinical practice for the master's program in Madrid. I arrived with a technical background, like the one that is often taught in university, and suddenly I found myself with a completely different approach: one that was more human, profound, and connected to people's everyday lives. It was revealing.
Until that moment, many of the questions I was asking did not find answers in traditional training. But there, I saw how the vision was approached in a functional, behavioral way, and above all, with an integrative perspective.
I highlighted how many visual discomforts that were previously normalized or left unexplored were actually possible to intervene in effectively. I understood how vision influences our posture, performance, our emotions, and how it is part of our way of being in the world.
It was like fitting together pieces that had been loose for a long time. Since then, I knew that this was the path I wanted to follow: one that not only addressed dysfunction but also promoted the integrity of the human being and their relationship with the environment.
Your background combines developmental optometry with technical training in procedures, techniques, and ophthalmic examinations. How has your dual training influenced your approach to this certification process?
My professional training in optometry and ophthalmological procedures has provided me with a solid and rigorous foundation to understand the functioning from a medical and physiological perspective. This is essential for detecting and ruling out possible pathologies or structural problems that require specialized attention. On the other hand, Developmental Optometry has given me a broader and more functional perspective, focused on how vision impacts overall development, learning, and the quality of life of the individual.
By combining both trainings, I can approach each case from a comprehensive perspective, integrating knowledge of etiopathogenesis with the behavioral and rehabilitative approach promoted by the organization, facilitating a more complete and personalized intervention, and promoting interdisciplinary work that is key to therapeutic success.
What key learnings do you highlight from the clinical certification process? Has it changed your perspective on your professional practice in any way?
The process has been enriching from the beginning. SIODERV not only provides academic and clinical support but also a professional community with which to share cases, experiences, and ongoing training. This connection has enhanced my practice by allowing me to have more precise tools, evaluation criteria, and treatment methods.
The certification helped me to better organize my work, to have more confidence in my decisions and knowledge, especially in creating a treatment plan.
I have learned that, although it should not be rigid or strict, it does need to be carefully planned, maintain the necessary flexibility to adapt to each patient, and, above all, ensure the achievement of the proposed objectives.
Did your expectations regarding this process get met? What aspects would you improve?
Yes, without a doubt the process has exceeded my expectations in many ways. It has provided me with a clear and rigorous structure to validate my clinical experience, as well as facilitating access to a community of professionals committed to excellence and continuous education.
Regarding aspects to improve, I believe it would be beneficial to have updated study materials related to the area of the chosen clinical case, to create more opportunities for direct exchange of clinical cases and experiences among partners. But overall, I am very satisfied with the process and the positive impact it has had on my professional development.
What does it mean for you to belong to SIODERV as a Clinical Member? And as an international member?
It is an honor and a great responsibility that I take on with pride and enthusiasm. Being the first clinical partner of SIODERV in Chile means opening a bridge between two realities: the established experience that Spain has in the area of Visual Therapy and Rehabilitation and the growing needs we see in the national context, promoting international standards in visual intervention from a behavioral approach.
Being a Clinical Partner at SIODERV is much more than a title; it is a real commitment to my professional growth and to the quality of care I provide to my patients.
As an international partner, I feel that I bring that passion and commitment to my medical technologist colleagues in Chile, contributing a recognized and respected work model. It is exciting to connect with professionals from different places and help this approach continue to grow and reach more people.
Ultimately, being part of SIODERV is for me a space of belonging, learning, and constant motivation.
What challenges do you think developmental optometry, therapy, and visual rehabilitation face internationally? What role do you think SIODERV plays in this aspect?
In my opinion, one of the main challenges at the international level is the lack of a uniform and standardized recognition of developmental optometry, therapy, and visual rehabilitation. This creates inequalities in access to quality treatments and in the training of professionals. Furthermore, there is still a lot of misinformation and myths surrounding these areas, which makes it difficult for many people to benefit from effective interventions.
Another important challenge is the need to promote an interdisciplinary approach that integrates vision with other areas of health and education, in order to address needs in a comprehensive and personalized manner.
In Chile, Visual Therapy and Rehabilitation is still in an emerging stage, especially when we talk about evidence-based behavioral approaches. The main challenge is the lack of specialized training. However, I see a huge opportunity for growth. There is a growing demand for effective visual therapies, and more and more professionals are interested in training and updating their skills. Bringing the experience of SIODERV to our country could be key to making that qualitative leap.
What would you say to other professionals who are considering starting their clinical certification process?
I would tell them not to hesitate to take this step. To approach it with an open mind, professional ethics, and scientific curiosity.
When I started, I felt it was a challenge but also an incredible opportunity for professional and personal growth. The certification not only validates your experience but also challenges you to deepen your knowledge and adopt a more structured practice. It is a path that may seem demanding at first, but it brings a lot of clarity, confidence, and support in daily work with patients.
Training and participating in associations like SIODERV will allow them to learn, share, and grow alongside colleagues who share the same passion and commitment.
Will you attend the IX International Congress of SIODERV? As an International member, what interests you the most about these biennial meetings?
This year, unfortunately, I will not be able to attend the IX International Congress, but I remain very attentive and excited about everything that is presented at these meetings.
These congresses not only update knowledge, but they also provide a unique opportunity to connect with professionals from around the world, share experiences, strengthen ties that transcend borders, and create a space where new ideas are generated.
I had the opportunity to attend the VIII edition, and the energy projected by the speakers and attendees is incredible. I left there revitalized, inspired, with more strength and eagerness to continue deepening this path of training; it's something that only these conferences can offer.
