Higher-level vision problems in cerebral visual impairment
Official title: Characterization and Assessment of Higher-order Visual Dysfunction in Cerebral Visual Impairment
Funded at Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary · NIH-11294933 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project looks at why people with cerebral visual impairment (CVI) have trouble finding objects, navigating busy scenes, and using vision to guide movement.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2020 |
| Project end | March 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $760,499 |
| NIH project number | 2R01EY030973-06A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11294933 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Children and others diagnosed with cerebral (cortical) visual impairment who have difficulty with visual search, navigation, or visuomotor tasks are the best candidates.
✕Less likely to help
People whose vision loss is primarily due to eye diseases (not brain-based CVI) or who cannot complete behavioral testing due to severe cognitive or physical limitations may not benefit directly.
What this research studies
If you join, you would do everyday-style vision tasks like finding an object in a cluttered picture and following moving targets while researchers record eye movements and responses. The team will compare how people with CVI perform these tasks versus people without CVI to see whether attention and visual guidance are affected. They will also test how vision problems influence hand-eye coordination and searching using other senses. The goal is to connect lab-based measures with the real-world challenges people with CVI report so care can better target those difficulties.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to better tests and targeted therapies that help people with CVI find things, move safely, and participate more easily in daily life.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown altered visual search patterns in CVI, but linking attention and visuomotor deficits to everyday functioning is a relatively new approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Merabet, Lotfi — Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary
- Study coordinator: Merabet, Lotfi
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Risk profile to identify cerebral visual impairment in children
A pediatric-focused study will use existing medical records to identify risk factors and protective factors for cerebral visual impairment to help doctors screen at-risk infants earlier.
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Understanding why prematurity affects vision and how to prevent it
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Cerebral Visual Impairment: a new bedside-friendly eye-tracking plus neuropsychology test kit
A small study will combine quick brain-based visual tests with mobile eye tracking to better diagnose cerebral visual impairment in children.
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Understanding how ableism affects the health of children with visual impairments
This study looks at how negative attitudes and barriers in society affect the health of children who are blind or visually impaired, especially those from underrepresented communities, and it aims to understand their experiences to help improve their well-being.
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Understanding Vision Problems in Premature Babies
This project aims to understand why premature babies often develop vision problems and nearsightedness.
-
Using eye tracking to understand visual impairment in children
This study is looking at how eye tracking can help us understand how kids with cortical visual impairment see things, so we can learn more about their vision and find better ways to help them.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.