As September’s Cortical Visual Impairment (CVI) Awareness Month draws to a close, Vision-Aid is proud to reflect on the highlighted activities. These past weeks have been a time of learning, advocacy, and, most importantly, sharing stories of hope from families facing the daily challenges of CVI. While the month may be over, the awareness raised and the work done by Vision-Aid resource centers will continue to drive our efforts throughout the year.
What Did CVI Awareness Month Achieve?
Throughout September, Vision-Aid’s resource centers aimed to raise awareness about CVI—a condition still unfamiliar to many.
Awareness Campaigns:
The team of Vision-Aid resource center of Sankara Nethralaya held a special program at the Spastic Society School for children aged 2 to 15, addressing a range of vision diagnoses, including Cortical Visual Impairment (CVI), Optic Atrophy, Myopia, Total Blindness, Squinted Eyes, and Nystagmus. The goal was to equip parents with practical tools and support to enhance their children’s visual and functional development. Over 20 families participated, learning about vision therapy, identifying common visual challenges, and experiencing hands-on demonstrations of home-based vision exercises. The team also provided guidance on incorporating vision therapy into daily activities and creating a vision-friendly environment at home.
Low-Vision Awareness Conference at LV Prasad Eye Institute:
The conference featured lectures by Dr. Beula Christy on how to assess children with special needs and manage CVI, providing valuable education to professionals from across the country.
Celebrating Inspiring Stories of Transformation
Stories of resilience and success, demonstrating how early intervention and specialized care can change lives become beacons for parents to seek care.
- A Girl’s Remarkable Recovery:
A seven-year-old girl diagnosed with Acute Necrotizing Encephalopathy was referred to Vision-Aid’s Vision Enhancement Clinic (VEC). After undergoing occupational therapy and visual skills training, her visual and social abilities improved significantly. Her journey showcases how individualized care can help children with CVI overcome significant challenges.
- Early Intervention Brings Hope:
A one-year-old girl with microcephaly and a seizure disorder managed at the resource centre with severe developmental delays. After a year of intensive therapy, she is now able to fixate on lights, speak a few words, and achieve age-appropriate motor milestones. Her transformation highlights the crucial role early intervention plays in shaping a brighter future for children with CVI.
- A Boy’s Path to Progress:
A nine-year-old boy with Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE) with vision problems and developmental delays was managed at the centre. Despite his challenges, his family is now feeling hopeful after receiving a detailed therapy plan. His progress underscores the importance of ongoing support and specialized care for children with CVI.
Upcoming International Conference on CVI
Vision-Aid is proud to co-sponsor the “Seeing CVI” International Conference, organized by our partner, LV Prasad Eye Institute (LVPEI), on November 23-24, 2024. This event will bring together global experts to enhance clinical and rehabilitative approaches to Cortical Visual Impairment (CVI). We look forward to continuing the conversation and advancing care for children with CVI.
Vision-Aid Founders visit Vision-Aid CVI Center in Vizag
During the course of the CVI month, our Vision-Aid founders Ram & Revathy were welcomed by the CVI team at the Palakurthi Vision-Aid CVI center in the campus of LVPEI Vizag. They met with staff, parents and children, who felt motivated with their visit and encouragement”
The Road Ahead
Vision-Aid’s commitment to supporting children with CVI continues beyond this month. Our team works every day to provide life-changing interventions and therapies, remaining dedicated to delivering individualized care that addresses not only visual impairment but also the broader developmental needs of each child.
As we look back on this year’s CVI Awareness Month, Vision-Aid extends heartfelt thanks to our partners who helped us raise awareness and support families affected by CVI. Together, we’ve made great strides in increasing understanding of this condition.
