Academy Think Tank Findings Published, Offering New Insights on Low Vision Research

Academy Think Tank Findings Published, Offering New Insights on Low Vision Research

The American Academy of Optometry is bringing attention to important questions surrounding the gaps in low vision research with the publication of key points from its third Think Tank, held during its 2024 annual meeting.

The resulting article, published this month in Optometry and Vision Science, focuses on four major topic areas: (1) low vision services and rehabilitation; (2) technological advances in low vision; (3) accessibility; and (4) education and training.

Recognizing the importance of low vision research to the future of optometry and vision science, the Academy convened a group of experts in 2024 to facilitate an in-depth discussion. The Think Tank brought together twelve experts, including clinicians, vision scientists, computer vision scientists, and educators to present an overview of the current challenges and consider priorities for the future.

“For millions of people living with vision impairment, the question isn’t what they can see on a chart. It’s whether they can read a prescription bottle, recognize a grandchild’s face, or cross a street safely,” said Academy President Dr. Carl Spear. “This Think Tank puts research where it matters most, on real-world function and quality of life. The Academy is committed to turning these findings into action by connecting clinicians, scientists, and educators so that what we learn in the lab changes what we do in the exam room.”

The published article identifies critical needs and opportunities in low vision research, including:

• Advance multidisciplinary, patient-centered models of low vision rehabilitation
• Evaluate technologies in real-world settings and against functional outcomes that are meaningful to patients with vision impairment
• Develop integrated, multimodal solutions, guided by universal design principles, for activities of daily living
• Strengthen research and educational support for children with vision impairment
• Foster collaborative, real-world research that translates into meaningful improvements in quality of life

“I am deeply grateful to the Academy for selecting low vision research as the focus of its third Think Tank,” said Think Tank organizer and moderator, Dr. Susana Chung. “This choice reflects the Academy leadership’s recognition that substantial research is still needed to better understand and address the needs of individuals living with vision impairment. We hope that the Think Tank and this resulting paper will serve as catalysts for continued dialogue, increased collaboration, and concerted efforts to address the many critical needs and opportunities in low vision research.”

The full article, “American Academy of Optometry Think Tank III: Current challenges and future directions in low vision research,” is published in Optometry and Vision Science. Learn more about the Think Tank and explore a summary of key findings on our website. Access to the full article requires a subscription to Optometry and Vision Science.