Large-scale social surveys of visually impaired people often explore participants' mobility and travel behaviour. What is methodologically more challenging is gathering participant-centred data in relation to their own interpretation of the barriers they face. Findings from a national survey of visually impaired people are presented in this…

The current definition of Cerebral Visual Impairment (CVI) includes all visual dysfunctions caused by damage to, or malfunctioning of, the retrochiasmatic visual pathways in the absence of damage to the anterior visual pathways or any major ocular disease. CVI is diagnosed by exclusion and the existence of many different causes and symptoms make…

Face field evaluation provides insights into the presence and location of the preferred retinal locus, as validated by comparisons with findings from microperimetry. This technique requires no special equipment and can be used in a clinic or at a person's home by clinicians and low vision rehabilitation specialists. (Contains 2 figures and 2…

A visually impaired rehabilitation teacher describes a model developed in Maine for providing low vision services, with emphasis on teaching the use of near-point aids to assist on near-point tasks. The article addresses preevaluation services, assessment of clients with low vision, and follow-up when the client begins using the aids at home. (DB)

This study assesses the validity of an interview questionnaire designed to predict performance by low-vision adults (N=41) on tasks of finding, detecting, scanning, and tracking. Subjects' ratings of difficulty with these tasks were compared to ratings of trained professionals. Results indicate self-report may be of some value in predicting…

As follow up to a study which compared forced-choice preferential looking (FPL) with pattern visual evoked potential (VEP), this study increased the VEP success rate and improved agreement between the FPL and VEP acuity estimates by using horizontal bar stimuli for young preverbal children (n=17) with nystagmus. (Author/DB)

This consensus statement on best practices for choosing low-vision devices is a product of a 10-member expert panel which brought together a variety of disciplines as well as consumers for the purpose of synthesizing available scientific information to improve services to people with low vision. After an introductory section, the remaining…

This article considers the visual rehabilitation of patients recovering from traumatic brain injuries. Characteristics, symptoms, and associated neuromotor difficulties of posttrauma vision syndrome are listed, as are common posture and gait adaptations. A neuro-optometric rehabilitative and orientation/mobility evaluation is recommended, as is…

This paper used a case study approach to explore the value of an objective procedure to evaluate the relative effectiveness of reading large print and reading regular print with low vision devices for 6 students (ages 8-16) with low vision. Data were collected on oral and silent reading rates, working distance, and oral reading miscues. (Author/DB)

A procedure was developed for gathering objective data on specific reading behaviors, to assist multidisciplinary teams in comparing the effectiveness of large and regular print for low-vision students. Case studies of six elementary-aged students with low vision found that the procedure was useful in making decisions concerning print size.…

Designed to assist in the selection of appropriate literacy media for students with visual impairments, this guide outlines the essential elements of learning media assessments. Chapter 1 provides an overview of the learning media assessment (LMA) process. Included is a discussion of Texas law and regulations that govern LMA. Chapter 2 documents…

This manual assists in developing educational goals and Individual Education Plans for children with visual impairments, by providing guidelines for selecting appropriate learning media for optimum literacy development. Part 1 describes the target populations, the members of the interdisciplinary team, and the team members' responsibilities. Part…

Intended for either the general educator or the specialist, this text offers principles and teaching strategies for teaching students with visual impairments including both blind students and those with low vision. The book is organized into three sections: "Vision,""Learning," and "Testing and Transitions." The four chapters in the "Vision"…

Fifty adults (ages 28-86) with macular degeneration were given the Low Vision Reading Comprehension Assessment (LVRCA) to test its reliability and validity in evaluating the reading comprehension of those with vision impairments. The LVRCA was found to take only nine minutes to administer and was a valid and reliable tool. (CR)

The article describes the Parent and Toddler Training Project, a research-based early intervention program for visually impaired and blind multihandicapped infants, toddlers, and their families in the Western Pennsylvania area. Project purposes include increasing infant social responsiveness, developing parenting skills, reducing family…