Brain visual disorders (CVI) are the most common cause of visual disorders in children in the economically developed world. Nevertheless, screening options are limited, resulting in many children not being diagnosed, especially those with normal vision.
A recent study by researchers at Massey University, Auckland, New Zealand, led by Dr. Nicola McDowell and Dr. Philippa Butler, has introduced a screening tool for promising visual problems related to brain visual disorders (CVI). The tool is an iPad app called Austin Evaluation and has been rigorously verified to determine its effectiveness. The findings published in PLOS ONE can significantly enhance early detection and intervention in children affected by CVI.
Despite the high prevalence, many children with CVI are still undiagnosed, especially those with normal vision. The Austin assessment aims to address this gap by providing a simple and effective screening process. The application aims to capture key metrics of higher visual dysfunction through card matching activities, and its development involves creating a database of normative scopes, screening children and conducting specific validation studies.
During the initial stages of the study, normative scope for children aged 5 to 18 years was established in various variables assessed by Austin. The second phase involves screening many children who identify large numbers and have potential visual problems indicating CVI. The final stage further supports the diagnostic value of the app’s diagnostic value by comparing the effectiveness of Austin assessments with a validated visual search tool. “The third phase found that Austin assessment has moderate diagnostic value for each age group, with good sensitivity and specificity,” Dr. Butler explained.
Major results include identification of children with clinical findings indicating visual problems associated with CVI. Additionally, Austin assessments exhibit modest diagnostic value that accurately distinguish children with visual problems from typical vision. The study highlights the application’s potential as a valuable screening tool and points out that further research is necessary to confirm these preliminary findings.
This study highlights the importance of early detection and the need for reliable screening tools for CVI. Dr. McDowell highlighted the impact of the tool, noting that “Austin’s assessment can be promoted by parents, teachers, therapists and other professionals to make it available for widespread use.” By providing a specific visual expertise that does not require specific visual expertise Easy-to-use apps, Austin’s assessment can revolutionize the detection and management of CVI in children, ensuring timely intervention and support.
The findings of this study pave the way for wider application and further refinement of Austin assessment. As this tool is used to screen more and more children, the true prevalence of CVI can be better understood, thereby improving outcomes in affected children. Researchers recommend ongoing validation and adaptation of the assessment to suit different populations and environments.
How the application works:
Visual Issues Application Screen:
Austin Assessment Website: http://www.austinassessment.org/
Journal Reference
McDowell, N. , Butler, P. Validation of Austin’s assessment: Screening tools related to visual problems in brain visual disorders. PLOS ONE (2023). doi: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0293904
About the Author
Dr. Nicola McDowell He is the founder and creator of Austin Assessment, a screening application for brain visual disorders and visual problems, and a senior lecturer and researcher at the Institute of Education, Massey University, New Zealand. Nicola teaches graduate diploma and master’s degree in professional teaching courses, which focuses on training educators to work in the field of learning support in Aotearoa, New Zealand.
Her research interests include understanding and supporting children and young people with brain visual impairment, empowering children and their parents/carers, and educational equity.
Nikola also regularly shares her research and personal experiences with personal visual impairments through presentations and blogs, focusing on improving outcomes for people with this condition.
Philip Butler He is a senior lecturer at the Institute of Education, Massey University, New Zealand. Her teaching interests are research methods and research practices, and her research interests include the issues of ethnic group identity and educational equity. She is an expert in qualitative, quantitative and mixed method research and is an experienced and accomplished writer. Philippa is a trustee of the Austin McDowell Foundation, providing research support for the development of Austin assessments.
