Dedicated to Improving the Lives of Blind and Visually Impaired People

Cortical Visual Impairment (CVI) Collaborative Center Brings Together Educators, Medical Professionals, Researchers, and Service Providers

The Miami Lighthouse for the Blind’s Virginia A. Jacko Cortical Visual Impairment (CVI) Collaborative Center addresses this condition, the number one cause of pediatric visual impairment in developed and developing countries. The Center is a partnership with pediatric ophthalmologists from Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, Nova Southeastern University College of Optometry, and neurologists at The Brain Institute at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital. Through early diagnosis, continued assessment, and educational intervention, research has demonstrated “functional vision improvement” in students. This program provides infants and school-aged students with assessments and educational planning; direct service instruction to maximize the child’s opportunity to achieve their educational potential; family support and education; and services on site, in homes, and through outreach. Professional development is a key component as well, for TVIs, O&M specialists, therapists, classroom teachers, and staff. The inter-professional collaboration addresses CVI ‘‘in a holistic way: bridging medical diagnosis, functional vision assessment and educational intervention.” For additional information, read the Miami Lighthouse for the Blind’s webpage on The Virginia A. Jacko Cortical Vision Impairment (CVI) Collaborative Center.