Features and associations of CVI in Australian children
Reviewed by Fiona Rowe

The authors report the findings of an audit of data from the Australian Childhood Vision Impairment Register (ACVIR) of 132 Australian children with a primary diagnosis of cerebral visual impairment (CVI). All children were living in Australia, 49% female, 51% male and 83% with English as their first language. Age at CVI registration was 56% aged 0–5 years, 31% aged 6–11 years and 13% at 12–18 years. Visual acuity had been measured in 60%, and 40% had vision determined by observation of visual behaviours. Visual impairment was classed as nil to mild in 16%, moderate in 24%, severe in 21% and blind in 39%. Low vision aids were used by 8%, and 4% used braille. The most common period of suspicion of visual impairment was during birth to six months (69%), 7–12 months (14%) and >12 months to five years (17%). Diagnosis was within the first year for 90%. Secondary ocular diagnoses were found in 48% including nystagmus, optic atrophy and refractive amblyopia. Comorbidities were found in 80% and additional disabilities in 85% such as developmental delay, physical disability, speech impairment, hearing impairment and learning disability. Generally, children were born full-term with typical birth weights. Based on these findings, recommendations are that clinicians should adopt a comprehensive assessment to ensure timely and early diagnosis for the broad range of issues associated with CVI.

Australian children with cerebral visual impairment: using what we know now to improve future approaches.
Silveira S, Kelly N, Wright R.
STRABISMUS
2023;31(4):253–61.