Cerebral Visual Impairment (CVI) is the most common cause of visual disability in developed countries (one to two cases per 1000 live births). A person with CVI usually has normal eye function but processing visual information in the brain is hindered. This results in a complex variation of symptoms, ranging from problems with object and shape recognition over problems with figure ground and cluttered scenes to deficits in spatial navigation. Each child with CVI presents with a nearly unique visual perceptual profile, due to the varying nature of the underlying damage and the appearance of age related deficits.
In a previous project, we developed a method to quantify the visual profile of children with CVI, enabling more individualized and targeted therapy. We developed an adaptive, personalized gamified visual perceptual therapy program for children with CVI, based on this quantified visual profile, with the aim to strengthen motivation and to increase effectiveness. In the current application, as a sequel to the latter project, we will include objective evaluation of eye-movements using eye tracking, as an additional measure of visual function and consolidate this outcome within the visuoperceptual profile. In addition, we will optimize the adaptivity of the therapy program, through more advanced dynamic difficulty adjustment methods and machine learning.The main part of the project, will consist of a double blind, randomized controlled trial comparing the effectiveness of the adaptive versus non-adaptive version of the program. Children will use the gamified therapy program for three months, with a minimum of three times per week, 15-20 minutes. We will evaluate the effectiveness on the main components of the visual perceptual profile of the child (primary outcome), on eye-tracking parameters, functional vision and quality of life, at the end and at three months follow-up. Enjoyment and user experience will be monitored closely during the intervention period.

Runtime: 2021 - 2024