[WEB PAGE] Durham Reading & Exploration Training – Durham University

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Homonymous visual field defects, such as hemianopia, involve partial blindness in both eyes which occurs following damage to the parts of the brain responsible for processing visual information. They are one of the most common and disabling consequences of brain damage, with the visual loss impacting on numerous everyday activities like crossing the street, avoiding obstacles, shopping, reading and driving.

Here in the psychology department at Durham University we have been investigating homonymous visual field defects and have been developing training programs that may be used in the rehabilitation of such impairments. The aim of our training is not to try and restore the lost vision but rather to help people to learn compensatory strategies to help them overcome the difficulties which they experience due to the visual deficit.

Our most recent training program (Durham Reading and Exploration training; DREX) is computer-based and self-adjusting, allowing people to train themselves easily in their own home. It involves a series of tasks which encourage visual exploration. These gradually get more difficult thereby promoting the development of more efficient eye-movements and increased visual awareness. Half of the training is also specifically tailored towards improving reading, a common problem associated with visual field loss. For more information about the training then please view the training details page. Please do not hesitate to get in touch with us for further information. Our details can be found on the contact us page.

Check out our blog for up to date news on our current research and events:- drexdurham.wordpress.com

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