Understanding how we choose where to look in our environment
Official title: Saccade Target Selection in Naturalistic Visual Search
Funded at State College of Optometry · NIH-10692692 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how our brains help us quickly focus our eyes on things we want to see, like when we're reading or driving, to better understand how we choose what to look at in everyday life.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | State College of Optometry NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2019 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $573,832 |
| NIH project number | 5R01EY030669-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10692692 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research would include individuals experiencing difficulties with visual attention or eye movement control.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with stable and effective visual perception and eye movement may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms behind how our eyes select targets for quick movements called saccades, which are crucial for activities like reading, cooking, and driving. By studying the superior colliculus, a brain structure that plays a key role in controlling these eye movements, the research aims to uncover how visual stimuli influence our gaze in real-world situations. Using an advanced neural model, the study will analyze how the brain processes visual information to improve our understanding of eye movement selection.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for addressing visual perception issues and enhancing everyday activities that rely on eye movements.
How similar studies have gone: While the study employs a novel approach using advanced neural modeling, similar research has shown promise in understanding eye movement mechanisms.
Where this research is happening
-
State College of Optometry
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mcpeek, Robert M — State College of Optometry
- Study coordinator: Mcpeek, Robert M
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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.