RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Visual Perception Difficulties After Stroke

This research is looking into how well a new screening tool, called OxVPS, works for spotting vision problems in people who have recently had a stroke. Many stroke survivors experience difficulties with their vision or how they see the world, and finding these problems early is important for their recovery. The study will compare the OxVPS tool with the usual, well-established tests for visual perception. They want to see if the OxVPS is accurate and useful at identifying these issues. Participants will complete both the new OxVPS test and the current standard vision tests. This will help doctors understand if OxVPS could be a good, quicker way to help stroke patients get the support they need for their vision.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

Durham University

Enrolment target

200

Start

20 Jun 2023

Estimated completion

28 Feb 2026

Stroke Visual Perception

What is this study about?

When someone has a stroke, it can sometimes affect how their brain understands what their eyes are seeing. This is called visual perception difficulty. It’s different from just needing glasses; it’s about the brain making sense of the information. Finding these problems early is really important because it can help people get the right support and therapy to improve their recovery and daily life.

This study is looking at a new test called the Oxford Visual Perception Screening (OxVPS) tool. The main goal is to see if this new test can accurately identify stroke survivors who are having these visual perception difficulties. Researchers will compare the OxVPS to the regular tests currently used by doctors. They want to know if OxVPS is just as good, or perhaps even better or quicker, at finding these issues.

To do this, people who have recently had a stroke will take both the new OxVPS test and the current standard tests for visual perception. They will also answer some questions about their memory and other senses. This will help the researchers understand how well the OxVPS works and if it could become a helpful tool for doctors to use in stroke recovery centres across the UK.

Key takeaways

This study helps understand vision problems after a stroke.
It tests a new tool called OxVPS against current standard tests.
Participation involves doing a few different visual and thinking tests.
It aims to improve how doctors find visual difficulties in stroke patients.
You must have had a stroke within the last six weeks to be eligible.

Who may be eligible?

To take part in this study, you need to have had a stroke within the last six weeks. Both types of stroke, where a blood clot blocks an artery (ischemic stroke) or where a blood vessel bursts (intracerebral haemorrhage), are included.

You won't be able to join if you can't understand English well enough to follow instructions, or if your healthcare team thinks you might struggle to concentrate for about 15 minutes. It's also important that you are able to understand what the study involves and agree to take part freely.

This study is open to anyone aged 18 or over, regardless of whether they are male or female.

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.

Have I had a stroke (either type) within the last six weeks?
Do I understand English well enough to follow instructions?
Can I focus and concentrate for at least 15 minutes?
Am I able to understand and agree to take part in a study?
Am I 18 years old or older?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, you'll be asked to complete a few tasks. First, you'll do a paper test called the OxVPS, which should take about 15 minutes. After that, you'll complete some longer tests that look at your general visual perception, which could take anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours.

You'll also do some shorter checks, lasting about 30 minutes, to look at your memory, thinking skills, and basic vision. The research team will also ask for some general information about your stroke, your age, and your background. All of these activities will happen in one session at a stroke rehabilitation unit.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study could help future stroke patients by improving how visual problems are found. The main benefit is that your involvement contributes to valuable research. There are no known direct medical benefits for you personally, and no major risks or side effects from the tests themselves. You might feel a little tired or have to concentrate quite hard during the assessments, particularly the longer ones. Remember, you can stop taking part at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your usual care.

Locations (3)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

Abingdon Community Hospital
Verified postcode
Abingdon, United Kingdom· Recruiting
Bishop Auckland Hospital
Verified postcode
Bishop Auckland, United Kingdom· Recruiting
Queen Elizabeth Hospital
Verified postcode
Gateshead, United Kingdom· Recruiting

Common questions

What are visual perception difficulties?

These are problems where your brain struggles to make sense of what your eyes are seeing after a stroke. It's not usually about needing glasses.

What is the OxVPS test?

OxVPS stands for Oxford Visual Perception Screening. It's a new, shorter screening tool being tested to see how well it can find visual perception problems in stroke survivors.

How long does taking part actually take?

The entire process, including all the tests and questions, will take between one to three hours, all in one session.

Will I get results from my tests?

The study aims to gather information to improve tools for future patients. While the core study isn't designed to provide individual medical reports, your clinical care team will be aware of your participation.

Does this involve taking any new medication?

No, this study only involves completing paper-based and verbal tests; no medication is given as part of this research.

How to find out more

Kate Cowen, PhD

kate.cowen@durham.ac.uk 441913343275 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.