Effects of visual rehabilitation on a child with severe visual impairment

Abstract

We examined the effects of visual rehabilitation, including a chromatic luminance discrimination program and a fixation training program, on a 6-yr-old boy with severe visual impairment. Single-subject ABA and AB designs were used. The programs were conducted 2·/wk and included 6 to 7 sessions for the baseline phase and 10 to 11 sessions for the intervention phase. Play was integrated into the visual training programs. Goggle visual evoked potential (VEP) testing was used to evaluate neural activity in the primary visual cortex. Correct responses increased and response times were shortened after training in luminance discrimination. The total and maximum fixation time also improved, as did P100 latency and amplitude of VEPs. While walking, the boy was able to detect obstacles he had not noticed before training. The results indicate the value of visual training and the possibility of brain plasticity in a child with severe visual impairment.