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Updated: May 6, 2026
A Method to Quantify Visual Information Processing in Children Using Eye Tracking
Published on: July 9, 2016
How to help children with neurodevelopmental and visual problems: a scoping review
C Williams1, K Northstone, C Borwick
1School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, , Bristol, Somerset, UK.
Insights
This review found interventions can help children with visual impairment and neurodevelopmental conditions (VND). Spectacles and ultraviolet light show promise, but more research is needed on training programs and environmental modifications for improved visual function.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Developmental Pediatrics
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Children with visual impairment and neurodevelopmental conditions (VND) often require specialized support.
- Evidence for effective visual improvement strategies in this population is limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct a scoping review to identify and summarize interventions for visual improvement in children with VND.
- To assess the strength of evidence for various visual interventions.
Main Methods:
- Systematic search of 13 databases using a PICO (Population, Intervention, Comparator, Outcome) framework.
- Inclusion of 107 papers from 4450 abstracts, with 42 focusing on interventions.
- Data abstraction and synthesis of findings from controlled trials, before-and-after studies, and case reports.
Main Results:
- Strongest evidence supports spectacles for improving distance/near vision and ultraviolet light for environmental modification.
- Suggestive evidence indicates training/practice routines can enhance acuity or oculomotor control.
- Existing interventions are available, supporting recommendations for vision specialist assessment.
Conclusions:
- Interventions exist to aid children with VND, validating the need for vision specialist assessment.
- Further research is required on the efficacy of training programs and environmental modifications to enhance visual function and engagement.
Abstract:
Children with visual impairment and a condition affecting their neurodevelopment (children with VND) may require extensive and specialised help but evidence on the most effective strategies for visual improvement is lacking. We defined a PICO format (Population, Intervention, Comparator, Outcome) for a scoping review and systematically searched 13 databases. Two reviewers assessed the abstracts for inclusion and a third arbitrated in cases of disagreement. We abstracted data from included studies. We found 4450 abstracts from which we identified 107 papers for inclusion. Of these, 42 related to interventions involving a change in visual input or function: 5 controlled trials, 8 before and after studies and 29 case reports. The strongest evidence supported the provision of spectacles to improve distance or near vision and the use of ultraviolet light as environmental modification for training. Less strong but suggestive evidence supported training/practice routines to improve acuity or oculomotor control. Interventions exist to help children with VND and current recommendations that they are assessed by a vision specialist are supported by the evidence. More information is needed on the effectiveness of training/practice programmes which may promote improved function, and of environmental modifications to facilitate engagement of children with VND with the surroundings.
