Cerebral visual impairment (CVI) is the most common cause of visual impairment affecting children in the economically developed world. Despite this, there are limited options for screening, resulting in many children going undiagnosed, especially those with normal visual acuity.
A recent study by researchers at Massey University in Auckland, New Zealand, led by Dr Nicola McDowell and Dr Philippa Butler, has introduced a promising screening tool for visual problems related to cerebral visual impairment (CVI). The tool, an iPad app called Austin Assessment, has undergone rigorous validation to determine its effectiveness. The findings, published in PLOS ONE, could significantly improve early detection and intervention in children affected by CVI.
Despite its prevalence, many children with CVI go undiagnosed, particularly those with normal visual acuity. The Austin Assessment aims to address this gap by providing a simple and efficient assessment process. The app was designed to capture key indicators of higher visual function disabilities through a card-matching activity, and its development involved creating a database of normative ranges, testing children, and conducting research. specific validation.
In the initial phase of the research, normative ranges were established for children ages 5 to 18 on several variables of the Austin Assessment. The second phase involved screening many children, which identified a significant number with possible visual problems indicative of CVI. The final phase compared the effectiveness of the Austin Assessment to a validated visual search tool, further supporting the diagnostic value of the app. “The third phase found that the Austin Assessment has moderate diagnostic value for each age group, with good sensitivity and specificity,” explained Dr. Butler.
Important outcomes include the identification of children with clinical findings indicating CVI-related visual problems. Furthermore, the Austin Assessment demonstrated moderate diagnostic value, accurately distinguishing between children with visual problems and those with typical vision. The study highlights the app's potential as a valuable screening tool, and notes that more research is needed to confirm these initial findings.
The research underscores the importance of early detection and the need for reliable screening tools for CVI. Dr. McDowell emphasized the impact of the tool, stating, “The Austin Assessment can be facilitated by parents, teachers, therapists, and other professionals, making it accessible for widespread use.” By providing an easy-to-use app that does not require specific vision expertise, the Austin Screening could revolutionize the way CVI is detected and managed in children, ensuring timely intervention and support.
The findings of this study paved the way for broader application and further refinement of the Austin Assessment. As more children are screened with this tool, the true prevalence of CVI will be better understood, leading to better outcomes for affected children. The researchers recommend continued validation and adaptation of the assessment to serve diverse populations and settings.
How the app works:
The image shows the application screens for:
Magazine reference
McDowell, N., Butler, P. Validation of the Austin Assessment: a screening tool for visual problems related to cerebral visual impairment. PLUS ONE (2023). DOI: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0293904
About the authors
Dr Nicola McDowell is the founder and creator of Austin Assessment, a screening app for visual problems related to cerebral visual impairment, and a senior lecturer and researcher at the Institute of Education, Massey University, New Zealand. Nicola teaches on the Postgraduate Diploma and Master of Specialist Teaching programmes, which focus on training educators to work in the learning support space in Aotearoa, New Zealand.
Her research interests include understanding and supporting children and young people with cerebral visual impairment, the empowerment of children and their parents/caregivers, and equity in education.
Nicola also regularly shares both her research and personal experience with cerebral visual impairment through presentations and blogs, with a focus on improving outcomes for other people with this condition.
Philippa butler He is a senior lecturer at the Institute of Education at Massey University (New Zealand). His teaching interests are research methodology and research practice, and his research interests include ethnic group identification and equity issues in education. She is an expert in qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods research and is an experienced and accomplished writer. Philippa is a trustee of the Austin McDowell Foundation and provides research support for the development of the Austin Assessment.
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