Specificity of the effects of compensatory scanning training for patients with homonymous visual field defects

A compensatory training program has been developed aimed at improving visual scanning in patients with homonymous visual field defects. This is the first randomized controlled trial looking into the effects of a compensatory scanning training based on a top-down, systematic horizontal scanning strategy. Performances were compared for patients receiving training, patients on a waiting list and healthy control participants. Visual functions tests, a dot counting test, visual search tests, a hazard perception tests, an obstacle course, reading tests, and questionnaires on experienced difficulties in daily life were assessed. Positive effects of training on self-reported vision-related quality of life were found and these effects were still present at half year follow-up. Furthermore, training improved detection of peripheral stimuli in mobility and dual task situations. No effects of training were found for visual functions, dot counting, visual search or reading. We will discuss how different training exercises and training methods appear to affect different types of visual tasks and activities