Visual training after long term deprivation: A case report

Abstract

During evaluation of an optical to tactile conversion device, the Tactile Vision Substitution System (TVSS), a training program was developed to teach blind subjects to perceive visual information via the tactile modality. Tactile training paradigms which compensate for the limited resolution of the skin sense were applied to visual training procedures in a case of visual restoration following long term deprivation. Visual training in the visual restoration case also included electro-oculography biofeedback to facilitate oculomotor control and visual evoked potential evaluation for the objective assessment of visual function. The development of functional vision over an 11 month training period of a young girl who was form deprived form 3 months to 12 years is discussed.