Computer-based eye movement training for stroke related visual field loss: a pilot randomised controlled trial

After stroke, one fifth of survivors will lose the ability to see half of the world, in both eyes. This can reduce people’s ability to do everyday activities, limit their independence and make them feel afraid. It is not clear what the best type of rehabilitation is. One approach is to train better eye movements towards the side of lost vision. VISIOcoach is a computer-based eye movement training programme, designed to use at home.
We will involve 60 stroke survivors with visual field loss. Half will receive VISIOcoach to use for 6 weeks, and the other half will not. We will measure the effect on their visual skills and ability in everyday tasks. Importantly, we will gather data about the study methods, such as can we recruit enough people. These will be used to decide if a larger study is possible, and if so, help refine the methods used