Current Challenges Supporting School-Aged Children with Vision Problems: A Rapid Review

Abstract

Many children have undetected vision problems or insufficient visual information processing that may be a factor in lower academic outcomes. The aim of this paper is to contribute to a better understanding of the importance of vision screening for school-aged children, and to investigate the possibilities of how eye-tracking (ET) technologies can support this. While there are indications that these technologies can support vision screening, a broad understanding of how to apply them and by whom, and if it is possible to utilize them at schools, is lacking. We review interdisciplinary research on performing vision investigations, and discuss current challenges for technology support. The focus is on exploring the possibilities of ET technologies to better support screening and handling of vision disorders, especially by non-vision experts. The data orginate from a literature survey of peer-reviewed journals and conference articles complemented by secondary sources, following a rapid review methodology. We highlight current trends in supportive technologies for vision screening, and identify the involved stakeholders and the research studies that discuss how to develop more supportive ET technologies for vision screening and training by non-experts.

A Bibliometric Analysis of Virtual Reality-Aided Vision Therapy

“…Less than 5 articles were published in the early years, but over 9 articles in 2001. This can be explained by the newness of the technology, i.e., the combination of VR, including eyetracking necessary for VT [5]. The annual publication growth rate since 2001 is 14.01%.…”

“…A wide range of vision and non-vision disorders have been addressed by VT, including oculomotor dysfunction, convergence problems, help for vision training and better focus in sports, dyslexia, and post-concussion vision disorders [2]. The recent advancement of novel technologies has complemented or substituted the conventional VT approaches and minimized some associated challenges such as skin irritation (patching one eye), psychological effects of binocular inhibition, maintaining complete documentation of the treatment [3], or reaching more with challenging training [4,5].…”

Pediatric and School-Age Vision Screening in the United States: Rationale, Components, and Future Directions

“…In addition, new technological advances in vision screening equipment may have a role in future vision screenings. Instrument-based devices using technology based on visual evoked potentials, retinal birefringence, and eye-tracking technologies are currently in development and may provide additional means to assess visual acuity and ocular health in young children [ 26 , 44 ]. Smartphone applications can expand access to vision screenings, especially in areas with limited access to traditional vision screening programs [ 45 , 46 ].…”

Technologies Supporting Screening Oculomotor Problems: Challenges for Virtual Reality

“…Utilizing eye-tracking (ET) technologies shows great promise in the identification of OMD [10]. These ETs are integrated or attached to laptop systems and, based on following a person's basic eye movements for a period of time, help professionals assess if the person has or does not have OMD-related vision problems.…”