Visual deficits in dyslexia: Evidence and implications

Evidence from neural science supports a neuroplasticity thesis where the development and rehabilitation of functional neural pathways can be facilitated by management of biological factors, central processing and environmental interactions. Healthy eyes and clear sight are not themselves sufficient for efficient functional vision. How a person uses vision determines their operational skill. Efficient functional vision requires dynamic interactions between and within visual receptive and reflexive biology, acquired neural networks that serve basic visual inspection processes and visuo-cognitive operational patterns driving top down visual – spatial analysis and problem solving. This presentation is a review and discussion of evidence-based practice (EBP) principles that we utilise in clinical neuro-developmental and rehabilitative optometric vision therapy (OVT) for selected visual deficits and dysfunctions. OVT services, like other collaborative therapies such as cognitive behavioural therapy, speech therapy and occupational therapy, must progressively adapt to new knowledge and advancing technology through EBP. Clinical services directed at treatable neuro-developmental and acquired dynamic functional vision problems require the application of an emerging set of principles resulting from systematic logic and EBP related to the art and science of case analysis, practice management and OVT delivery.

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A Worthwhile Collaboration: Integrating Optometry and Occupational Therapy in the Treatment of Children

Vision Development & Rehabilitation ◽

10.31707/vdr2020.6.3.p221 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 221-236

Keyword(s):

Occupational Therapy ◽

Professional Growth ◽

Interprofessional Collaboration ◽

Pediatric Population ◽

Occupational Therapists ◽

The Body ◽

Collaborative Practice ◽

Primary Data ◽

Visual Deficits ◽

Vision Deficits

Background: Vision deficits are highly prevalent in children with neurodevelopmental disorders including those with motor delays, learning and reading difficulties, and maladaptive behaviors. These deficits can interfere with their participation and performance in everyday life activities and therefore, require a comprehensive approach to therapy. As such, optometrists and occupational therapists are an optimal team to provide interprofessional collaborative care, reported in research as best practice, in the treatment of these children. However, little is known about the long-called-for collaboration between these professions. The purpose of this study was to explore factors and implications associated with a collaborative practice between optometrists and occupational therapists in the co-management of vision deficits in the pediatric population. Methods: A qualitative, descriptive design was employed to explore perceptions of collaborative practice among teams of optometrists and occupational therapists in the remedial care of children with visual deficits. Following IRB approval, co-located optometrists and occupational therapists were recruited for this study. Semistructured interviews served as the primary data collection tool to investigate the factors and implications of collaborative practice. Results: Eleven professionals provided informed consent and took part in this study, including five occupational therapists and six optometrists. Following thematic analysis, four overarching themes emerged including 1) professional boundaries, 2) co-located, integrated practice, 3) professional growth, and 4) improved patient care. Participants indicated that although barriers exist, exercising humility, upholding patient-centered focus, maintaining mutual respect, communicating frequently, and co-location were factors that enable collaboration. Positive outcomes related to both the provider and the patient were further highlighted supporting the interprofessional collaboration between these professionals. Conclusions: The findings of this qualitative study add to the body of evidence underpinning interprofessional collaborative practice. Furthermore, this study supports the coordination of care, through optometry and occupational therapy collaboration, in the treatment of visual deficits in children with special needs.

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Visuopathy of prematurity: is retinopathy just the tip of the iceberg?

Pediatric Research ◽

10.1038/s41390-021-01625-0 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Sigrid Hegna Ingvaldsen ◽

Tora Sund Morken ◽

Dordi Austeng ◽

Olaf Dammann

Keyword(s):

Visual Processing ◽

Structural Changes ◽

Developmental Trajectories ◽

Visual Pathway ◽

Visual Stream ◽

Visual Deficits ◽

Cortical Areas ◽

Cellular Architecture ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Dorsal Visual Stream

AbstractResearch on retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) focuses mainly on the abnormal vascularization patterns that are directly visible for ophthalmologists. However, recent findings indicate that children born prematurely also exhibit changes in the retinal cellular architecture and along the dorsal visual stream, such as structural changes between and within cortical areas. Moreover, perinatal sustained systemic inflammation (SSI) is associated with an increased risk for ROP and the visual deficits that follow. In this paper, we propose that ROP might just be the tip of an iceberg we call visuopathy of prematurity (VOP). The VOP paradigm comprises abnormal vascularization of the retina, alterations in retinal cellular architecture, choroidal degeneration, and abnormalities in the visual pathway, including cortical areas. Furthermore, VOP itself might influence the developmental trajectories of cerebral structures and functions deemed responsible for visual processing, thereby explaining visual deficits among children born preterm.

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Visual deficits and cognitive assessment of multiple sclerosis: confounder, correlate, or both?

Journal of Neurology ◽

10.1007/s00415-021-10437-5 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Dejan Jakimovski ◽

Ralph H. B. Benedict ◽

Bianca Weinstock-Guttman ◽

Osman Ozel ◽

Tom A. Fuchs ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Multiple Sclerosis ◽

Cognitive Assessment ◽

Visual Deficits

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Symptomatic visual deficits after open heart operations

The Annals of Thoracic Surgery ◽

10.1016/0003-4975(89)90088-x ◽

1989 ◽

Vol 48 (2) ◽

pp. 275-279 ◽

Cited By ~ 27

Author(s):

David M. Shahian ◽

Peter K. Speert

Keyword(s):

Open Heart ◽

Visual Deficits

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Idiopathic intracranial hypertension presenting as iron deficiency anemia: a case report

Journal of Medical Case Reports ◽

10.1186/s13256-020-02631-2 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 15 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Peng Yong Sim ◽

Priyal Taribagil ◽

Ione O. C. Woollacott ◽

Safina Rashid ◽

Desmond P. Kidd

Keyword(s):

Case Report ◽

Iron Deficiency ◽

Intracranial Hypertension ◽

Iron Deficiency Anemia ◽

Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension ◽

Deficiency Anemia ◽

Visual Deficits ◽

Fluid Analysis ◽

Optic Disc Swelling

Abstract Background The presentation of idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) in association with iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is rare. Case presentation This case report depicts the unusual case of a 31-year-old woman of mixed Jamaican and English heritage with IIH who presented initially as IDA in the context of menorrhagia. Subsequent ophthalmic review, lumbar puncture, cerebrospinal fluid analysis and neuroimaging studies revealed severe bilateral optic disc swelling and raised intracranial pressure in keeping with IIH. Prompt treatment of IDA with blood transfusion and orally administered iron supplements, in addition to medical treatment for IIH, contributed to significant improvement of symptoms and prevented long-term visual deficits. Conclusion The possibility of IDA, albeit rare, should always be considered and investigated appropriately in all patients with IIH, as the treatment of the anemia alone may be sight-saving.

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Driving and visual deficits in stroke patients

Arquivos de Neuro-Psiquiatria ◽

10.1590/0004-282x20170184 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 76 (2) ◽

pp. 85-88 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Marina Marcondes Braga ◽

Renato Nickel ◽

Marcos Lange ◽

Élcio Juliato Piovesan

Keyword(s):

High Risk ◽

Visual Attention ◽

Visual Processing ◽

Moderate Risk ◽

Interference Factor ◽

Visual Deficits ◽

Useful Field Of View ◽

High Level ◽

Safe Performance ◽

Intention Group

ABSTRACT Objective: The aim of the present study was to conduct an exploratory assessment of visual impairment following stroke, and to discuss the possibilities of reintroducing patients to the activity of driving. Methods: The Useful Field of View test was used to assess visual processing and visual attention. Results: A total of 18 patients were included in the study, and were assigned to either the drive group (n = 9) or the intention group (n = 9). In the drive group, one patient was categorized as moderate-to-high risk; whereas, in the intention group, one patient was categorized as low-to-moderate risk. Additionally, two patients in the intention group were categorized as high risk. The patients did not perceive their visual deficits as a limitation. Conclusion: Visual attention is an interference factor in terms of the safe performance of driving after a stroke. All patients showed a high level of interest for the independence provided through being able to drive.

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