Understanding Cortical Visual Impairment

Jan 28, 2025

Lecture on Visual Impairment and CVI (Cortical Cerebral Visual Impairment)

Introduction

  • The lecture is presented by Ellen Maisel, Marguerite Tabata, and Rachel Bennett from the CVI Project at Perkins.
  • Focus on Cortical Cerebral Visual Impairment (CVI), often misunderstood and mistaken for other visual impairments.

CVI Overview

  • CVI is a brain-based visual impairment, different from eye-based issues.
  • Children with CVI show a range of visual impairments, from appearing blind to having difficulty recognizing objects.

Why CVI is Hidden

  • Historically, focus was on the eye rather than brain processing of vision.
  • Lack of understanding and diagnostic tools; requires a firm definition.
  • Often confused with conditions like ADHD or autism.

Visual Learning and Processing

  • Vision is a key element in learning; involves eye and brain cooperation.
  • Visual library development starts at birth with constant accumulation of visual data.
  • Challenges in CVI include lack of central vision use and visual recognition issues.

CVI Assessment and Diagnosis

  • Diagnosis is through observation of visual behaviors, not eye examinations.
  • Involves collaboration between educators, eye doctors, and neurologists.

Assessment Areas

  • Color Impact: Impact of color on recognition and attention.
  • Visual Field: Ability to see and recognize in different visual fields.
  • Access to People: Ability to recognize and interpret faces and body language.
  • Upper/Lower Limb Precision: Coordination between vision and motor skills.
  • Impact of Light and Movement: How light and motion affect visual perception.
  • Clutter and Crowding: Ability to recognize in cluttered environments.
  • Sensory Integration: Integration of visual, auditory, and tactile information.
  • Visual Curiosity: Incidental visual access and curiosity in new environments.
  • Form Accessibility: Recognition of objects in different forms.
  • Response Interval: Time taken to recognize visual targets.

Importance of Collaboration

  • Essential collaboration between parents, educators, and medical professionals.
  • Comprehensive assessments and team efforts are crucial for supporting students with CVI.

Parent and Educator Perspectives

  • Rachel shared her experience as a parent of a child with CVI.
  • Emphasis on the importance of assessments and tailored educational materials.

Research and Resources

  • More research is needed on CVI, especially in relation to pediatric strokes.
  • Resources available at CVI Now and Perkins for evaluations and support.

Q&A Highlights

  • Discussion on screening for CVI in hospitals, especially in NICUs.
  • Importance of understanding and addressing even mild CVI symptoms.
  • Addressing shortage of Teachers of the Visually Impaired (TVIs).

Conclusion

  • Importance of comprehensive CVI assessments and interdisciplinary collaboration.
  • Future sessions on auditory processing and further resources available online.