Targeting residual visual pathways to develop effective rehabilitation for patients with hemianopia

Sight loss is extremely common after a stroke or brain injury, caused by damage to the vision centre at the back of the brain. This condition, known as 'hemianopia', can cause significant distress through loss of a driving license and social isolation. Unlike other parts of the body, there are no treatments to recover sight loss after a stroke. However, my research shows that the brain can still respond to images, even though you may not be aware of seeing anything at all. This is called 'blindsight', and it relies on previously unknown connections between the eyes and spared areas in the damaged brain that bypass the main vision centre. My proposal uses state-of-the-art brain imaging and vision tests to measure and target these pathways using new visual training techniques. The purpose will be to select the right training tool for the right person, to maximise recovery of sight loss.