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Promotion of visual development of severely visually impaired babies: evaluation of a developmentally based programme
P M Sonksen1, A Petrie, K J Drew
1Department of Neurology and Developmental Paediatrics, Wolfson Centre, London.
Insights
Early intervention through a visual development program significantly improved visual progress in infants with severe visual impairment. This program, the Program for Visual Development (PVD), benefits even those with learning disabilities or minimal vision.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Pediatrics
- Ophthalmology
- Early Intervention
Background:
- Severe visual impairment in infants presents significant developmental challenges.
- Early identification and intervention are crucial for optimizing visual development outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of a developmentally based program (PVD) for promoting visual development in infants with severe visual impairment.
- To determine the impact of PVD on infants with co-occurring conditions like severe learning disability.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 58 infants (1-13 months) with severe visual impairment participated.
- Infants received the Program for Visual Development (PVD).
- Visual development was assessed across nine key aspects before and after program participation.
Main Results:
- Infants in the PVD group showed significantly greater progress in nine aspects of visual development compared to controls.
- Benefits were observed in infants with severe learning disabilities and those with minimal or no vision at baseline.
- Earlier introduction of the PVD within the first 13 months led to greater visual outcome improvements.
Conclusions:
- The Program for Visual Development (PVD) is effective in enhancing visual development for infants with severe visual impairment.
- Timely referral to developmental centers upon suspicion of severe visual impairment is recommended for early intervention and maximized benefits.
Abstract:
A developmentally based programme (PVD) to promote the visual development of babies with severe visual impairment was evaluated in 58 infants aged between one month and 13 months of age. Progress in nine aspects of visual development was significantly greater for babies receiving the programme. This benefit extended to those with severe learning disability, or with minimal or apparently no vision at entry. The PVD favourably influenced visual outcome when introduced at any time during the first 13 months of life, although earlier introduction enabled greater benefit to be derived from the improved vision. Therefore, it is recommended that infants are referred to a developmental centre as soon as severe visual impairment is suspected.