This presentation explains the ten characteristics associated with Cortical Visual Impairment.

1. Ten Characteristics of Cortical
Visual Impairment
By
Kristy Josuweit
TVI

2. Cortical Visual Impairment
• Definition: Cortical Visual Impairment (CVI) is
a breakdown in communication between the
eyes and the brain.
• Children & adults with CVI present with most
or all of the following ten characteristics
(Roman, 2007).
Roman-Lantzy, C. (2007). Cortical visual impairment: an approach to assessment and
intervention. New York, NY: AFB Press.

3. Color & Movement
• Color:
• Has a preferred color: Typically red or yellow
• Only that preferred color is seen
• Movement:
• Object must move to be seen

4. Latency & Light Gazing
• Latency:
• When object is presented, visual attention is
delayed
• Light Gazing:
• Child looks at light for extended period of time

5. Visual Complexity and Field
Preferences
• Three types of Visual Complexity:
• surface of object: too many colors on one
object
• viewing array: too many objects in one space
• Sensory environment: background noise is
distracting
• Field Preferences:
• Child holds visual gaze in limited visual fields

6. Distance Viewing & Visual Reflexes
• Distance Viewing:
• Child sees best with objects close to face
• Visual Reflexes: Child does not blink to touch
and or to visual threat

7. Visual Novelty & Visual Motor
• Visual Novelty:
• Child only visually attends to familiar objects
• Visual Motor:
• Look and reach are separate events
• No visually guided reach