Welcome to LittleBearSees.org
This website is dedicated to raising awareness about cortical visual impairment (CVI). We strive to provide the information and tools necessary for helping children with CVI learn how to see. We, like many, were told that there was no way to know how much Lukas (aka Little Bear) could see and there was nothing we could do about it. The only thing that the ophthalmologist could determine was that he could see light. We were told that there were no special toys we could buy to improve his vision.
Actually, there was a lot we could do, and there is a lot you can do if your child has cortical visual impairment (CVI). The brain can be taught how to interpret what the eyes are seeing. According to Dr. Roman-Lantzy, CVI is the leading diagnosis of visual impairment in children in the U.S. And yet, it is often either not diagnosed at all or it is misdiagnosed and many parents are told nothing can be done to change it. Today, Little Bear can see items that are red, yellow, blue, green, pink, purple and even multicolored. He is beginning to look at our faces. He sees toys he recognizes and smiles. He is even learning to use his vision to reach for things. One study found that 97% of children with CVI who received visual intervention improved their vision dramatically over a period of a few years. We are only beginning this journey in learning about CVI and we would love for you to join us. There is hope!