Learn about CVI
Access webinars, presentations, and research-backed resources to deepen your understanding of cerebral visual impairment and how to support children with CVI.
Looking for comprehensive CVI information? Our partner CVI Scotland provides extensive evidence-based resources, guides, and information about cerebral visual impairment.
NEXT WEBINAR
An Introduction to CVI Assessment with Professor John Ravenscroft
Date: Friday, 24th April 2026
Time: UK 8–9am | Australia 5–6pm | NZ 7–8pm (this will be recorded for this unable to view live)
For: Individuals with CVI, parents, educators, therapists, clinicians
How do we truly understand the visual world of a child with cerebral visual impairment - and what does meaningful assessment actually look like in practice?
Join us for this free webinar as we welcome Professor John Ravenscroft for an introduction to CVI assessment through an educational lens. This session explores what assessment means when we place the child at the centre - moving beyond checklists and deficits to build a picture of how each child sees, makes sense of, and navigates their world.
In this session we'll explore:
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Why the child sees from “inside out” and not from “outside in”
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Why assessment in CVI matters and why it can be different from other forms of visual assessment
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What child-centred, strengths-based assessment looks like in practice
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How assessment can inform real, meaningful support in educational settings
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The role of families, educators, and specialists in building a complete picture
Whether you're a parent trying to understand your child's needs, a teacher supporting a student in your classroom, or a specialist working in vision impairment, this webinar will offer valuable insight into assessment that truly serves the child.
Upcoming webinars
A Conversation About CVI with Professor Gordon Dutton
Date: May 2026
We are thrilled to welcome one of the world's most respected voices in CVI, Professor Gordon Dutton, for an in-depth conversation about all things cerebral visual impairment.
A retired paediatric ophthalmologist whose work has transformed the lives of thousands of children and families across the globe, Professor Dutton brings decades of pioneering knowledge and genuine passion to this field. This is a conversation you won't want to miss.
Together we'll explore how our understanding of CVI has evolved over the years, what parents of children with CVI most need to know - and why empowering them matters so much - and the vital role that lived experience plays in deepening our understanding of this complex condition.
This pre-recorded webinar will be available in early May. Registration details are coming soon - once you register, you'll receive the recording link directly to your inbox.
Have an idea for a webinar you would like to discuss with us?
Webinar library
Access recordings to all our previous webinars here:
Presentations and speaking
Dr Nicola McDowell is available for presentations, workshops, and speaking engagements for organisations, schools, conferences, and professional development events.
Topics available
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Understanding Cerebral Visual Impairment
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CVI in Mainstream Educational Settings
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The Austin Assessment: Research and Application
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Evidence-Based Strategies for Supporting CVI
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The Lived Experience of CVI
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Vision Rehabilitation and Education
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Inclusive Education Practices
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Custom topics tailored to your needs
Format options
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Keynote presentations
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Professional development sessions
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Conference presentations
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Panel discussions
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Customised content for your audience
Interested in booking a presentation?
Contact us to discuss your organisation's needs, available dates, and customised presentation options.
Research and publications
Dr Nicola McDowell's research explores the many facets of CVI, from screening and identification to educational support, lived experience, and impacts on mental and physical wellbeing. Her work spans children and adults, mainstream and specialised settings, combining rigorous academic research with insights from lived experience.
Validation of the Austin Assessment: A screening tool for cerebral visual impairment related visual issues
Plos One, 2023
This peer-reviewed research validated the Austin Assessment as a screening tool for CVI-related visual issues, filling a critical gap in early identification. The study screened 270 children aged 5-13, established age-specific thresholds, and identified 17 children with clinical findings potentially indicative of CVI who had not previously been identified. The Austin Assessment demonstrated good sensitivity and specificity, making it effective at distinguishing children who need further evaluation from those with typical vision.
Hiding in plain sight: Children with visual perceptual difficulties in schools
Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, 2024
This review explores why children with visual perceptual difficulties are often 'hiding in plain sight' in schools, unidentified and unsupported despite affecting up to 3.4% of children in mainstream education. The article proposes practical solutions to ensure these children receive the support they need to thrive.
Children with cerebral visual impairment related visual issues in the classroom
Kairaranga, 2023
This study investigated the impact of CVI on children in mainstream classrooms, finding that the vast majority experienced learning difficulties (82%), emotional challenges (100%), and social interaction difficulties (91%). The research identified promising support strategies including CVI education for teachers and parents, classroom decluttering, and calm breaks, though further study is needed to evaluate long-term effectiveness.
Hemianopia and features of Balint Syndrome following occipital lobe hemorrhage: Identification and patient understanding have aided functional improvement years after onset
Case reports in Ophthalmic Medicine, 2019
This case study documents how CVI, including hemianopia and dorsal stream dysfunction, can remain unidentified for years—in this case, 17 years following a brain haemorrhage at age 16. The turning point came when the patient, now Dr Nicola McDowell, recognised her own symptoms while learning about CVI in children, leading to proper assessment and the development of strategies that significantly improved her visual functioning and quality of life.
For a complete list of publications, research projects, and academic presentations, visit Dr McDowell's institutional profile.
Join us in creating change
Whether you're a parent, professional, researcher, or supporter, there's a role for you in improving outcomes for children with CVI.
Education Disclaimer
The Austin McDowell Foundation provides educational information only. We do not provide medical advice, diagnosis, treatment, or clinical support. Webinars and resources are for educational purposes only and do not replace professional medical or educational services. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals for medical concerns.
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