Purpose: It has long been known that children with specific language impairment (SLI) can demonstrate difficulty with auditory speech perception. However, speech perception can also involve the integration of both auditory and visual articulatory information. Method: Fifty-six preschool children, half with and half without SLI, were studied in…

This report examines the causes of error in two techniques for measuring eye fixation position. Theoretical calculations of the magnitude of sources of error are shown to produce good agreement with empirically derived magnitudes for adult and neonate eyes.

Three experiments are reported in which 15 babies were presented with visual stimuli which varied in shape and distance from the eye. Results indicated that the majority of subjects binocularly fixated all three stimuli and it was concluded that the newborn baby has the basic requirements for binocular vision. (Author/GO)

The assessment of visual acuity in the preverbal child is reviewed. Four techniques are discussed: optodinetic nystagmus, forced choice preferential looking, visually evoked potential, and electroretinography. Development of binocularity and refractive changes are traced. (CL)

An evaluation of present screening procedures for chronic open-angle glaucoma includes suggestions for improvement: greater distribution of screening and education, conversion from monophasic to multiphasic screen, and examination of visual fields, optic nerve, and medical history in addition to the tonometry currently done. (KW)

By testing students for depth perception, instructors can identify those students whose monocular vision prevents them from properly drawing three-dimensional objects. (SK)

Children with intellectual disabilities have an increased risk of visual impairment, caused by both ocular and cerebral abnormalities, but this risk has not been quantified. The same applies to preterm children and children with cerebral palsy with a normal intelligence. Many cases probably go unidentified, because participation of these children…

Two experiments assessed the extent of newborns' ability to discriminate color. Results imply that newborns have some, albeit limited, capacity to discriminate chromatic from achromatic stimuli, and hence, are at least dichromats. (Author/DR)

Results of three factor analyses on the Frostig DTVP subtests indicated that the test measures one general visual perception factor, rather than the five postulated by Frostig. (Author/KW)

The most commonly used chart for testing eye acuity is the Snellen Chart, developed more than 100 years ago. A description is given of the way this chart works, its uses, and its limitations. (JD)

Special Olympics provides sporting opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities (ID), and Lions Clubs International Opening Eyes GB offers vision screening for athletes at Special Olympics Games. Opening Eyes GB screened the vision of 505 UK athletes at its inaugural event in 2001. The results were analysed and are presented here.…

The eyes are the most complex organs in the body. Children's eyes are still developing until they are around 8-9 years old; therefore it is important to check that they are working properly before it is too late to rectify any problems. So how do they work, and why do they sometimes go wrong? In this article, the author explains children's eye…