Using eye tracking to understand visual impairment in children
Official title: Validating a machine learning model of eye tracking in children with cortical visual impairment (CVI)
Funded at Children's Hospital of Los Angeles · NIH-11072054 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Children's Hospital of Los Angeles NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2022 |
| Project end | March 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $234,604 |
| NIH project number | 5K23EY033790-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11072054 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children aged 0-11 years diagnosed with cortical visual impairment.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with visual impairments not related to cortical visual impairment may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how eye tracking technology can help assess visual function in children with cortical visual impairment (CVI). By using an infrared camera to track eye movements while children watch visual stimuli, the study aims to gather detailed data on various aspects of their visual capabilities. The researchers will develop a machine learning model to quantify the severity of visual deficits in these children, which could lead to better understanding and potential treatments for CVI. The study will involve a well-powered sample to ensure reliable results.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved assessment methods and targeted interventions for children with cortical visual impairment.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using eye tracking for assessing visual function, but this specific application in pediatric CVI is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Children's Hospital of Los Angeles
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chang, Melinda — Children's Hospital of Los Angeles
- Study coordinator: Chang, Melinda
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
Aims to understand how early eye development goes wrong in premature babies to prevent vision problems and nearsightedness.
-
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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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.