Advances in modelling visual symptoms and visual skills

Abstract

Though it seems to be a natural process of physical development, not everyone learns on their own how to use their eyes effectively. Poor binocular vision skills negatively impact a wide range of daily life activities, including reading. This study extends previous work using existing data in multidimensional causal Rasch models of vision. Optometry, survey, and reading assessment data are evaluated in a common frame of reference. Thirty-three students performed vergence and tracking exercises in about 12 to 38 sessions each involving a sequence of five computerized training modules. The number of training modules experienced in any given session ranged from one to five. There were 4, 064 total measured cases, with about 123 measures per student. Paired comparison t-tests of early and late measures show significant gains in vision quality. Two regression models predict reading scores on the basis of vision data. Results support further study of how training in Functional Binocular Vision might contribute to improved outcomes in reading education.