LVPEI inaugurates cortical, cerebral visual impairment resource centre in Hyderabad

HYDERABAD: The Institute for Vision Rehabilitation at the L V Prasad Eye Institute has announced the inauguration of its dedicated 'Cortical/Cerebral Visual Impairment Resource Centre' on Wednesday, marking a monumental step towards improving the lives of children suffering from Cortical/Cerebral Visual Impairment (CVI).

This pioneering centre, made possible by Columbus Global Services India Pvt. Ltd.'s generous support, stands as a beacon of hope, aiming to alleviate the challenges faced by children and families affected by CVI.

CVI is a type of visual impairment caused by the brain, in which the eyes function normally but the brain's ability to interpret and make sense of visual information is impaired. CVI affects 30-40 per cent of children with visual impairments and is the leading cause of pediatric visual impairment globally.

A staggering 60-70 per cent of these children also struggle with additional disabilities, intensifying the complexity of their lives. The burden of CVI extends far beyond physical limitations, impacting a child’s learning, social interactions, and overall quality of life.

Dr Beula Christy, Head of the Institute for Vision Rehabilitation at LVPEI, underscored the significance of early intervention and tailored support for individuals with Cortical/Cerebral Visual Impairment (CVI). She highlighted how the Cortical/Cerebral Visual Impairment Resource Centre, with its comprehensive and individualized approach, addressed the multifaceted challenges faced by these children.

This groundbreaking facility offers various services, including clinical examinations, tailored vision assessments, and specialised interventions such as vision therapy, visual skills training, speech therapy, and counselling for children and their families. Additionally, the center provides home environment modifications, engaging group activities, parental support groups, and independent living skills training, all aimed at enhancing the quality of life for these remarkable children.

Dr Prashant Garg, executive chair of LVPEI, emphasized the profound impact of this initiative, stating, “Our mission is to empower the children with CVI to navigate the world with confidence and independence. We are enthusiastic about the positive change this initiative will bring to their lives, and we extend our heartfelt thanks to Columbus Global Services Pvt. Ltd. for their generous support.”

“We are proud to support the Cortical/Cerebral Visual Impairment Resource Centre at the L V Prasad Eye Institute. We believe in the power of innovation and compassion to transform the lives of children and families affected by CVI. Together, we can create a brighter, more inclusive future,” said Kapil Mishra, Managing Director, Columbus Global Services India Pvt. Ltd.