Humanistic co-design of a solution for the rehabilitation of children suffering from cortical visual impairment

Abstract

Cortical Visual Impairment (CVI) is defined as impaired vision caused due to bilateral dysfunction of the optic radiations or visual cortex or both. It is a major cause of low vision in children in the developed and developing world due to increasing survival of babies during complicated deliveries in pediatric and neonatal care. Prevalence of CVI in developed countries is increasing due to successful management of childhood blindness resulting from cataract and retinopathy of prematurity. In addition, increasing survival of children with brain injury has contributed to increased cases of CVI. The prevalence of visual impairment in children under 16 years of age is between 10 and 22 cases per 10,000 births in developed countries and 40 per 10,000 births in developing countries but this may be an under-estimate owing to visual behavioral difficulties going undetected and undiagnosed cases. However, many children with CVI have improved their sight and mental and physical strength with proper care. Better quantitative tools for measuring vision are needed to assess these children, to allow measurement of their visual deficit, and to monitor their response to treatment and rehabilitation. In order to truly meet the unique learning needs of young children with cortical visual impairment (CVI), it is critical to accurately define the population to create and implement quality and responsive support services. The utmost important part of the CVI treatment are the daily exercises. Even if a child has possibility of improving his/her condition, missing out on the daily exercises might permanently take the chances away of acquiring better sight someday. This research is about finding a solution for the financially struggling families in developing countries like India which would help them do the daily exercises without having to travel to the hospital or meeting the Teacher for visually impaired on a regular basis.