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The assessment of 'vision for development' in severely visually handicapped babies
Insights
This study details vision
Area of Science:
- Developmental Pediatrics
- Ophthalmology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Normal infant development is significantly influenced by vision.
- Visual development follows distinct global, integrative, and specific phases.
- Delays in visual system development are common in visually handicapped infants.
Purpose of the Study:
- To discuss key visual attributes crucial for each developmental phase.
- To present a method for assessing visual development aligned with a child's needs.
- To outline a strategy for visually impaired infants to achieve maximum visual competence.
Main Methods:
- Described a phased approach to understanding visual development.
- Introduced an assessment method tailored to individual developmental needs.
- Proposed a program framework for visually handicapped infants.
Main Results:
- Identified critical visual development aspects for global, integrative, and specific infant phases.
- Developed a practical assessment and prescription philosophy for visual development.
- Highlighted potential for visual development in handicapped infants through targeted programs.
Conclusions:
- A structured approach to visual development assessment and intervention is essential.
- Early and tailored programs can help visually handicapped infants reach their potential.
- Vision plays a critical role throughout all stages of infant development.
Abstract:
Vision makes a substantial contribution to the pattern and rate of normal development. Considering infant development in 3 phases, global, integrative and specific the most important attributes to vision of development within each phase are discussed. A method for assessment of the aspects of vision most relevant to each child's current developmental needs is described and a philosophy outlined whereby the findings can be represented as a balanced practical prescription for development. The development of the visual system is often delayed in visually handicapped babies; some reasons are put forward and a concern that many may never achieve their potential maximum visual competence is expressed. A method for evaluating the current stage of visual development in a visually handicapped baby is described in which the findings form the starting point of a programme towards achieving maximum visual competence as young as possible.