The Assessment of Visual Function and Functional Vision.

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology and Vision Science
• Human-Computer Interaction
• Rehabilitation Medicine

Background:

• Comprehensive vision assessment involves evaluating visual function (system performance) and functional vision (task ability).
• Assessment methods are influenced by individual characteristics, including visual impairment type.
• Traditional tests measure visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, color, depth, and motion perception.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review traditional and novel methods for assessing visual function and functional vision.
• To highlight the role of technology, such as virtual reality, in advancing vision assessment.
• To emphasize the importance of measuring visual task ability in real-world contexts.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on visual function and functional vision assessment techniques.
• Discussion of traditional psychophysical tests and their limitations.
• Exploration of emerging technologies, including virtual reality, for objective and ecologically valid measurements.

Main Results:

• Visual function components (acuity, contrast, etc.) impact functional vision.
• Functional vision assessment should focus on real-world task performance.
• Virtual reality offers new avenues for objective, ecologically valid vision assessment and research into its neural underpinnings.

Conclusions:

• Integrating visual function and functional vision assessments provides a complete picture of visual abilities.
• Technological advancements, particularly virtual reality, enhance the objectivity and ecological validity of vision assessments.
• Future research should leverage novel methods to better understand and measure visual task performance in diverse populations.