Assessment of eye movements and selected vision function tests in three pupils with albinism: A case study in Tanzania. (May 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wilhelmsen, Gunvor B; Eide, Mads Gjerstad; Felder, Marion
• Is Part Of: British journal of visual impairment. Volume 40:Number 2(2022)
• Page Start: 360
• Page End: 368
• Publication Date: 2022-05
• Subjects: Eyetracking -- nystagmus -- pupils with albinism -- smooth pursuits -- vision functions; People with visual disabilities -- Periodicals; Blind -- Periodicals; Vision disorders -- Periodicals; Blindness -- Periodicals; People with visual disabilities -- Services for -- Great Britain -- Periodicals; Blind -- Services for -- Great Britain -- Periodicals; 362.4105
• DOI: 10.1177/0264619620986855
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0264-6196

Abstract

Albinism is a huge challenge both socially and educationally in Tanzania and many other countries. Pupils with albinism are normally encouraged to read with a fixed gaze due to their nystagmus, and there are doubts about whether refraction improves their reading. The aim is to get more knowledge about their functional vision as a fundament for educating pupils with albinism. The article presents a case study with three pupils from a primary school in Tanzania who went through a functional assessment of vision using standardized methods and a new eye-tracker software measuring smooth pursuits. The assessment reveals large individual differences not only in visual acuity but also in ocular motor functions. There is a need for better understanding of the vision challenges these pupils face so that professionals can develop more suitable methods in school for securing their education.