Cortical Visual Impairment

Cortical Visual Impairment is a type of visual impairment that results from damage to the brain's visual processing areas.

In CVI, the eyes may be healthy, but the brain is unable to interpret the visual information received. This impairment occurs because the brain's visual pathways are not functioning properly, and the individual may have difficulty seeing, interpreting or recognizing objects.

Common Causes of CVI:

• Brain injury (such as from a stroke or traumatic brain injury).
• Developmental disorders (e.g., genetic syndromes).
• Infections (such as meningitis or encephalitis).
• Lack of oxygen to the brain (hypoxia, often seen in conditions like perinatal asphyxia).
• Neurological disorders (like cerebral palsy or hydrocephalus).
• Premature birth (especially in infants who are born very early).

Symptoms of CVI:

• Delayed or absent visual milestones in infants or young children.
• Difficulty recognizing familiar faces or objects.
• Difficulty with spatial awareness and depth perception.
• Difficulty with visual fixation and tracking.
• Poor or inconsistent response to visual stimuli.
• Sensitivity to light or difficulty seeing in certain lighting conditions.
• Visual field deficits.

Occupational therapy plays an essential role in evaluating and treating CVI by assessing visual functioning, modifying environments, and creating personalized interventions. Through strategies that focus on improving visual skills, positioning, compensating for visual deficits and addressing sensory needs, OTs can help individuals with CVI achieve greater independence and participate more fully in daily life.

OTs often work closely with parents and caregivers to educate them about CVI and teach them strategies they can use at home. This may include activities to improve vision, ways to modify the home and school environment, and ways to support the child’s learning and development through a sensory-based approach.

Resources

The Children’s Home of Pittsburgh and Lemieux Family Center - Pittsburgh

• Leading resource for CVI students and parents.

The CVI Center at Perkins School for the Blind - Boston

• Leading resource for CVI students and parents.

CViConnect

• Technology-based activities for CVI students.

CVI Doctors Directory

• Locate doctors throughout the United States who are willing to diagnose, support and care for the ocular disorders of children with CVI.

Little Bear Sees Foundation 

• Seeks to provide information, products and tools to help children with CVI.

Paths To Literacy

• Informational resource for teachers and parents regarding building literacy for children with visual impairment. There is a dedicated CVI section.

Pediatric Cortical Visual Impairment Society

• Society of parents, teachers, therapists and doctors supporting advocacy, education and research in CVI.

Safe Toddles Inc.

• Medical equipment company specializing in mobility equipment for children with visual impairments.