PROGRAMME

Monday, 7th of July

9:00 – 9:45 Registration and welcoming refreshments

9:45 – 10:30 Opening ceremony

10:30-11:15 – Keynote speaker Dr. Namita Jacob To see or not to see: Rethinking conventional approaches & negotiating ethical dilemmas in planning interventions for children with vision impairment Moderator:
11:15-12:45 – Oral presentations Moderators:
Anić Vlatka, Luburić Matea, Paulik Andrea	Use of Optical Aids in Children and Adolescents with Visual Impairments: Perspectives, Challenges, and Opportunities
Batistin Tiziana, Zanatta Alessia, Zanardo Vincenzo, Reffo Maria Eleonora, Mercuriali Elena	The Role of Social Play in Siblings’ Relationships
Danneels Anne, Keppens Katrien	Delayed Initiation of Early Intervention in Children with Visual Impairment
Seitz Snježana, Validžić Požgaj Ana	My vision changed
Nicotra Roberta, Luparia Antonella, Antonini Mauro, Ballante Elena, Signorini Sabrina, VFS study group	Visual Function Score: A New Clinical Tool to Assess Visual Function and Detect Visual Disorders in Children
12:45-13:30 – Lunch
13:30-15:00 – Oral presentations Moderators:
Martac Valentina, Vučinić Vesna, Jablan Branka	Propionic Academia: Characteristics of Visual Functioning – A Case Study
Peharec Renata, Naletilić Angela, Jašić Mladen	Visual functioning and joint attention skills in a child with social communication difficulties – a case study
McKee Elena, Christian Lisa, Niechwiej Szwedo Ewa	Association Between Binocular Vision Function and Motor Ability in Typically Developing Children
Niechwiej-Szwedo Ewa, McKee Elena, Christian Lisa	Is a Decline in Fine Motor Skills Associated with Reduced Visual Function?
Thompson Alicia, Cubbidge Robert P.	Application of Facial Anthropometry to Spectacle Frame Design for Chinese Children
15:00-15:30 – Coffee break
15:30 – 17:00 – Oral presentations Moderators:
Gagula Jasminka, Mihalić Kocijan Nikolina	Early neurodevelopmental assessment as a guide for early intervention and targeted support for parents in the infant’s daily life: a case report
Grbeša Ivana	Making Knowledge About Vision More Accessible; Online Support and Education Platform for Families and Professionals
Sikirić Dominik, Daničić Maja	Parental Support and Professional Challenges in the Rehabilitation of Orientation and Mobility of Children with Blindness and Visual Impairment
Vukićević Danijela, Ivanović Vanja, Glavonjić Milka, Jovanović Vojislav	Bayley III Assessment of Preterm Children Across Gestational Age Groups
Keppens Katrien	Neonatal Visual Assessment to Expedit Visual Stimulation of the Very Preterms at Risk for Cerebral Visual Impairment

18:00 – Zagreb Tour

20:00 Social event – dinner

Tuesday, 8th of July

9:00-9:45 – Keynote speaker Prof. John Ravenscroft Learning from the Past: Paradigm Shifts in Understanding Cerebral Visual Impairment (CVI): Exploring the Intersection of Philosophy and Neuroscience Moderator:
9:45-10:45 – Oral presentations Moderator: Asst
Dale Naomi, Morgan Taeona	Reading and Numeracy in Children with Suspected Higher Functioning CVI: Do Cluster Subtypes of CVI and Specific Visual Spatial Perceptual Tests Predict Reading and Numeracy Outcomes?
Schraauwers Robin, Ten Brink A.F., Van Genderen M.M., Dijkerman H.C., Geldof C.J.A.	Towards a Conceptual Model for the Assessment of Higher-Order Visual Functions in Children with Cerebral Visual Impairment (CVI)
Gellert Julia, Gadó Márta	Cerebral Visual Impairment in the Population of a Special School for Low Vision Children
10:45 – 11:15 Workshop Moderators: Asst.prof. Corinna Bauer
Ilse Willems	Evaluating the Impact of CVI
11:15-11:45 – Coffee break
11:45 – 13:15 – Oral presentations Moderators:
Ravenscroft John, Fazzi Elizia, Furlanello Cesare, Orbitus Els	The VIPPSTAR Registry. The Development of a European Registry for Childhood Visual Impairment
Sargent Jenefer, Oluonye Ngozi	Characteristics of Children with Suspected Brain Related Visual Problems Seen by a Specialist Neuro-Developmental Service
Stadskleiv Kristine, Haugum Karen, Hansen Nanna Ellgaard, de Rodez Benavent Sigrid Aune	Assessment of Cerebral Visual Impairments in Children at Risk, a Systematic Review
Žunić Dragana, Mikolič Ajda, Ovčak Kos Maja	The Importance of an Interdisciplinary Approach and Family Involvement in The Management of Children with CVI: A Case Study
Paulik Andrea, Mihalić Kocijan Nikolina, Katušić Ana	Visual Functioning of Children with Cerebral Palsy – Are We Looking in the Same Direction?
13:15-14:00 – Lunch
14:00-15:30– Oral presentations Moderators:
Dale Naomi, Foroudi Lian, Eastman Lars, Clayden Jon	Verbal and Spatial Abilities and Microstructural Integrity of White Matter Tracts in Children with Congenital Ocular Visual Impairment: Which Tracts are Protected or at Risk?
Harvey Carl J.	The Views of Parents of Children with Cerebral Palsy About Research into Cerebral Vision Impairment (CVI)
Maiani Meghan, Carlson Helen, Kirton Adam	Associations Between Perceptual Performance and White Matter Microstructure of The Optic Radiations in Children with Perinatal Stroke
Ravenscroft John, Curtis Ffion, Maden Michelle, Rowe Fiona, Hepworth Lauren, OSSBI study group	Components of Service Delivery for Children with Cerebral Visual Impairment (CVI): A Scoping Review Protocol
Michelleti Serena, Molinaro Anna, Loi Erika, Galli Jessica, Ortibus Els, Gincota Ecaterina B, Brandi Santiago, Pel Johan JM, Kooiker Marlou JG, Pizzi Marina, Venuti Paola, Furlanello Cesare, Fazzi Elisa	Early Visual Intervention Through a Digital Personalized Platform in Infants at Risk for Cerebral Visual Impairment: The VIPPSTAR-G1 Project
15:30-16:00 – Coffee break
16:00-17:00 – Oral presentations Moderators:
Katušić Ana, Paulik Andrea, Mihalic Kocijan Nikolina	Visual Behaviour in Early Infancy Relates to Cognitive Development
Jarwick Laura, De Alwis Yasmin, Nassar Mahmoud	Orthoptic Testing for Cerebral Visual Impairment in Babies, Children and Young People – Protocol Development
Rot Sara, Ilc Petra	The Role of Teachers for Blind and Visually Impaired in the Rehabilitation Process of Children with Cerebral Visual Impairment at the National Centre for Comprehensive Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired
17:00 – 17:45 – Workshop Moderators: Alison Salt
Naomi Dale and Els Ortibus	Evidence-based clinical practice guidelines for screening, assessment, diagnosis and classification of childhood onset cerebral visual impairment: introduction to the guidelines for implementation

19:30 – Gala dinner

Wednesday, 9th of July

10:00-10:45 – Keynote speaker Prof. Oliver Ehrt Clinical aspects of vision in children Moderator:
10:45-12:30 – Oral presentations Moderator:
Hopkins Shelley, Bentley Sharon, Black Alex, Wood Joanne	Development of a Re-Designed ‘Turtle’ Optotype for Testing Visual Acuity in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children
Kalnica Dorosenko Kristine	Personalized Binocular Therapy for Amblyopia: Evaluating the Efficacy of Gameblyo, a Novel Therapeutic Application
Petrinovic-Doresic Jelena, Kondža Krstonijević Edita, Bjeloš Mirjana	Long-term anatomical and functional outcomes of treated retinopathy of prematurity
Lowery John, Lyons Kerri, Hayes John	Comparison between Spot Vision Screening results and academic test scores in 3rd Grade students
Lowery John	Vision Screening of School-Age Children in Oregon: What We Have Learned From 10 Years of Data
12:30 – 13:30 – Lunch + poster presentations
13:30-15:00 – Oral presentations Moderator:
Pilon Florine, Veen-Hellendoorn Heleen	Procedural Comfort in Paediatric Ophthalmology
Scarpelli Laura, Nicotra Roberta, Re Lorenzo, Signorini Sabrina, Developmental Neuro-Ophtalmology Study Group	Clinical and Genetic Characterization of Microphthalmia, Anophthalmia and Coloboma (Mac) Spectrum Disorders: A Comprehensive Analysis of a Single-Center Cohort
Alimović Sonja, Paulik Andrea	Measuring Speed and Amplitude of Accommodation in School-Aged Children
Jones Lowri, Howarth Michelle, Allen Eve	Exploring Non-Attendance of Appointments in Paediatric Ophthalmology
Steltman Jordy, Nordmann M.N., Anders D. S, Asjes-Tydeman W.L., Loudon S.E., Simonsz H.J.	Early Glasses Study: First Final Results
15:00-15:45 – Closing ceremony

Keynote ZAGREB

Prof. John Ravenscroft

Prof. John Ravenscroft, is Chair of Childhood Visual Impairment, at the University of Edinburgh. He is based at the Moray House School of Education and Sport and is a Psychologist. He is the director of the Scottish Sensory Centre, which provides professional training to teachers and other professionals in the education of children with sensory impairment. He is also the editor in charge of the British Journal of Visual Impairment and President of ICEVI Europe. He works with governments and organisations internationally, and has a specific interested in Cerebral Visual Impairment of which he combines Psychology, Neuroscience and Philosophy into his work.

Abstract Title:
Learning from the Past: Paradigm Shifts in Understanding Cerebral Visual Impairment (CVI): Exploring the Intersection of Philosophy and Neuroscience

View Abstract

This presentation explores the intersection of philosophy and neuroscience by examining Cerebral Visual Impairment (CVI) through the lens of Thomas Kuhn’s theory of scientific revolutions. CVI, a brain-based visual impairment, challenges traditional paradigms that emphasize ocular-focused diagnostics and interventions. Kuhn’s concepts of anomalies and paradigm shifts provide a framework to analyze the current limitations in CVI research and practice, such as inconsistent diagnostic criteria, variability in therapeutic outcomes, and the disconnect between research and clinical application. By addressing these gaps, the talk highlights the potential for a paradigm shift rooted in interdisciplinary collaboration, and personalized care strategies. Such a shift emphasizes a holistic understanding of CVI that integrates neuroscience, education, patient advocacy and clinical practice. This presentation aims to inspire innovative research, foster collaboration among stakeholders, and advocate for a future where CVI care is reimagined to better serve affected individuals and their families.

Dr. Namita Jacob

Dr. Namita Jacob is Program Director, Chetana Trust, Chennai.The organization develops and shares locally relevant solutions to issues in child development, disability, health and education. It works in particularly close partnership with people who are visually impaired, deaf and deafblind and those who support them. As an independent consultant, Dr. Jacob designs and develops services at the community level, within hospitals, schools and orphanages across Asia and MENA and helped establish some of the earliest comprehensive services for children with complex sensory impairment in India. In her career of over 35 years in development and disability, she has published widely and authored several text-book chapters, and three books used internationally. Her work includes guiding research, creating teacher development programs and resources for individuals with disabilities, their families and professionals who serve them.

Abstract Title:
To see or not to see: Rethinking conventional approaches & negotiating ethical dilemmas in planning interventions for children with vision impairment

View Abstract

The last decades have seen tremendous changes in our social and cultural environments, technology has changed our behaviour and functioning, yet our approach to intervention priorities have not really changed in decades. This presentation considers the role of vision in learning and functioning in different contexts and through this exploration provokes questions on whether we really individualize intervention solutions adequately. Drawing from the literature on how the brain learns and applies learning when called on to act, this presentation discusses core knowledge areas that should guide intervention planning. Taking a development systems approach, the presentation addresses the challenges in the development of intervention guidelines. Ethical questions that arise are discussed using the Asian context where a typically Asian philosophical approach to decision making which would prioritize harmony and collective well-being over personal interests poses particular challenges to the practitioner. A significant percentage of people with vision impairment live in Asia, where paucity of services and complexity of environments and living situations add to the challenges of developing and sharing truly effective interventions. The presentation challenges the professional community to expand the thinking around existing approaches to intervention, to better serve a complex condition in a culturally complex world.

Prof. Oliver Ehrt

Prof. Oliver Ehrt is head of strabismology, paediatric and neuroophthalmology at the University Eye Hospital of the Ludwig-Maximilians University Muenchen, Germany. He spent a research fellowship in the field of amblyopia at McGill University, Montréal, Canada. Other research interests include strabismus surgery, retinopathy of prematurity and especially phsychophysics of mon- and binocular vision and development of new diagnostic techniques. He is member of national and international strabismological and peadiatric ophthalmological societies and has attended and organized many of their meetings. He is president of European Strabismological Association (E.S.A.)

Abstract Title:
Clinical aspects of vision in children

View Abstract

We have many ways of assessing vision in children. Tests have to be adapted to the age and cooperation of the child – and the question you want to answer.
In the first years of life fixation, pursuit movements, detection of small objects, fusion movements or OKN can give a rough estimate of visual performance in the clinical set up where test have to be easy and rather quick to perform. These test do not pick up discreet visual deficits. They are especially helpful when a difference between the eye can be detected.
Preferential looking methods (PL) allow quantitative measurements. They do correlate with optotype visual acuity. However , especially in amblyopia – the most common visual deficit in children – grating acuity i.e. the detection of the contour of an object is much better than the recognition of a single optotype which again is much easier than the recognition of crowded optotypes. This is because amblyopic vision is not blurred vision but distorted vision. This effect on grating, single and crowded optotypes will be demonstrated. So PL is not suitable to detect moderate or mild amblyopia. Therefore detection of amblyopia in the first 3 years depends on the identifying factors which might cause amblyopia. The extended Brückner Test is very useful in detecting the major amblyogenic factors: parametria, esp. hypermetropia, small angle strabismus and media opacities.
After the age of three optotype visual acuity can be tested in several modalities: distance – near – near add +3dpt, single – crowded optotype. In order to keep testing time not too long, we prefer testing single optotype at distance and crowded optotypes at near. Binocular VA is mandatory in nystagmus, reading problems and unclear complaints.