Understanding how brain function affects motion perception in children with visual impairment
Official title: Neurophysiological Correlates of Visual Motion Processing in Cerebral Visual Impairment
Funded at Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary · NIH-10892975 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how kids and teens with cerebral visual impairment (CVI) see and understand moving things, especially in busy places, to help us learn more about their visual challenges and find better ways to support them.
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 | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $255,388 |
| NIH project number | 5R01EY030973-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10892975 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children and adolescents diagnosed with cerebral visual impairment, particularly those with a history of periventricular leukomalacia.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without visual impairment or those with purely ocular abnormalities may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how children and adolescents with cerebral visual impairment (CVI) process visual motion, particularly in complex environments. By combining behavioral testing with advanced neuroimaging techniques, the study aims to uncover the neurophysiological basis of motion perception deficits linked to early brain damage. The goal is to better understand these visual challenges to improve diagnosis and support for affected individuals. Participants will undergo assessments that reveal how their brain networks function during motion tasks.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved diagnostic methods and targeted interventions for children with visual impairments.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding visual processing deficits in similar populations, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
Higher-level vision problems in cerebral visual impairment
This project looks at why people with cerebral visual impairment (CVI) have trouble finding objects, navigating busy scenes, and using vision to guide movement.
-
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.
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.