Understanding visual processing differences using short video tasks in adults with cerebral visual impairment
This study wants to understand more about Cerebral Visual Impairment (CVI), a condition that can make it hard to see and make sense of busy or moving things. Researchers will show short videos of everyday scenes, like shops or beaches, to adults with CVI and adults with typical eyesight. While watching, participants will describe what they see. Afterwards, they'll answer questions about how they felt, for example, if it was tiring or stressful. The aim is to see if there are differences in how people with CVI process these visual tasks compared to those with typical vision. The hope is that this information will help develop better ways to assess and support people living with CVI in the future. The study is run by the University of St Andrews.
At a glance
What is this study about?
Imagine trying to understand everything happening in a busy shopping centre or a fast-moving street scene. For some people, especially those with a condition called Cerebral Visual Impairment (CVI), this can be very difficult. CVI isn't about problems with the eyes themselves, but with how the brain understands what the eyes see. Specifically, some people with CVI find it hard to process lots of visual information at once, especially in moving or complex environments. This is sometimes described as a problem with the 'dorsal stream' part of the brain.
This study wants to explore this difficulty in more detail. We'll be showing short, everyday videos – like scenes from a beach, a shop, or a car journey – to adults with CVI. They'll be asked to describe what they see out loud. We'll then compare their experiences and what they notice in the videos with adults who have typical vision. This comparison will help us identify how CVI affects the processing of complex visual scenes.
The main goal is to gain a clearer picture of how CVI impacts how people see and react to the world around them. By understanding these differences better, researchers hope to develop new and improved ways to test for CVI in the future and create better strategies and support for people living with this condition. This study is being carried out by researchers at the University of St Andrews in the UK.
Key takeaways
- Aims to understand how adults with CVI process visual information differently.
- Compares visual processing in adults with CVI and those with typical vision.
- Involves watching short everyday videos and describing what you see.
- Could help develop better ways to assess and support people with CVI in the future.
- Takes place at the University of St Andrews, UK.
- Participation involves one session, and you can withdraw at any time.
Who may be eligible?
To join this study, you need to be an adult, aged 18 or older. We are looking for two main groups of people.
The first group includes adults who have a confirmed diagnosis of Cerebral Visual Impairment (CVI) from the NHS. You also need to have good enough vision to comfortably see and understand the video tasks. If during an initial check-up, it seems your CVI particularly affects how you process complex moving scenes, you might be a good fit.
We are also looking for a second group of adults who have typical vision, meaning their eyesight is normal or can be corrected with glasses or contact lenses. For this group, it's important that you haven't been diagnosed with CVI and show no signs of it during the initial checks. This helps us compare experiences fairly.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Are you 18 years old or older?
- Do you have a diagnosis of Cerebral Visual Impairment (CVI) from the NHS?
- Can you see well enough to comfortably watch short videos?
- Alternatively, do you have typical vision with no CVI diagnosis?
- Are you able to speak out loud and answer questions?
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part, the first step will be a brief eye check and a set of questions about your vision. This helps the researchers make sure the study is right for you. After this, you'll watch about eight short videos, showing normal everyday places like shops or beaches. While you watch, you'll be asked to say out loud what you see. After each video, you'll answer some questions about your experience, for example, if it was difficult, tiring, or stressful.
There are no medications involved in this study. You only need to attend one session for the assessment and video tasks. You can take breaks whenever you need to, skip any videos, or stop taking part at any point if you wish.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- University of St AndrewsApproximateSt. Andrews, Scotland
Common questions
What is Cerebral Visual Impairment (CVI) exactly?
CVI is a vision condition where the brain has difficulty understanding what the eyes see, even if the eyes themselves are healthy. It can make it hard to process complex or moving sights.
How long will I need to be involved in the study?
You'll only need to attend one session where you'll have an eye check, answer some questions, and watch the videos. The study will run from January 2024 to December 2026 overall.
Do I have to do anything complicated?
No, you just watch short videos and describe what you see, then answer some simple questions about your experience. It's not a test, just about understanding your perceptions.
Will I get any specific treatment from this study?
This study is for research purposes only to gather information. It doesn't offer any medical treatment or direct benefit to your vision. It aims to help future understanding of CVI.
Who is paying for this research?
The study is funded by the University of St Andrews in the UK, where the research is also being carried out.
How to find out more
Helen St Clair Tracy
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
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