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
A deep dive into the higher visual functions with Professor Lotfi Merabet
Date: Thursday, 12 March 2026
Time: UK 7–8pm | USA PDT 12pm–1pm | USA EDT 3–4pm | NZ Friday, 13 March, 8–9am
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For: Individuals with CVI, parents, educators, therapists, clinicians
Join Dr Nicola McDowell and Professor Lotfi Merabet for an illuminating conversation exploring the higher visual functions associated with CVI and their profound impact on daily life and learning.
Professor Merabet will open the webinar by sharing updates on his ongoing work and new initiatives in the field. This will be followed by a conversation between Nicola and Professor Merabet examining how issues with the higher visual functions affect daily life. Nicola will draw on her personal, professional and research experience of CVI to explore how these functions shape classroom experiences and everyday activities, while Professor Merabet unpacks the neurological mechanics behind these complex processes and discusses practical approaches to assessment.
Whether you're an individual living with CVI, a parent navigating your child's visual world, an educator creating accessible learning environments, or a practitioner working in vision services, this conversation will deepen your understanding of how we process, interpret, and make meaning from visual information.
Hosted by the Austin McDowell Foundation as part of our commitment to CVI education and advocacy.
Upcoming webinars
An introduction to assessment with Professor John Ravenscroft
Date: Week of 20 April (exact date and time TBC)
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We're excited to be joined by Professor John Ravenscroft (University of Edinburgh) for a webinar exploring assessment. This is a big topic, so this first webinar will serve as an introduction. We'll share further details once a date is confirmed.
Professor John Ravenscroft is Professor of Childhood Visual Impairment at the University of Edinburgh and Director of the Scottish Sensory Centre, where his research explores the nature of representation and cognitive development in children with visual impairment, with particular expertise in cerebral visual impairment. He also serves as the President of ICEVI Europe.
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
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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
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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
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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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