Understanding how the brain controls eye movements during visual searches
Official title: Elucidating the role of the oculomotor circuit in free viewing visual search
Funded at University of California Los Angeles · NIH-10876980 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring how different parts of the brain team up to help us move our eyes and find things to look at, which could help people with autism understand how their vision and attention work.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Los Angeles NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2022 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $560,218 |
| NIH project number | 5R01EY032863-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10876980 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) who may experience challenges with visual attention and eye movement control.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without autism or related visual processing disorders may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how different areas of the brain work together to control eye movements when looking for visual information. By using advanced techniques to observe brain activity during natural viewing tasks, the study aims to identify the unique roles of specific brain regions involved in eye movement. Patients may benefit from insights gained about visual processing and attention, particularly in conditions like autism, where these functions can be affected.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and interventions for individuals with autism and related disorders affecting visual attention.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in understanding brain functions related to eye movements, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California Los Angeles
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bisley, James — University of California Los Angeles
- Study coordinator: Bisley, James
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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.