New 15-Minute Tool Enhances Detection of Visual Perception Issues in Stroke Survivors

Researchers from Durham and Oxford universities have introduced an innovative screening tool designed to assist health professionals in identifying visual perception problems among stroke survivors. This new assessment, named the Oxford Visual Perception Screen (OxVPS), is a simple, 15-minute, paper-based test that aims to improve the diagnosis of visual difficulties that can severely affect the quality of life for those recovering from strokes.

Visual perception problems are reported to affect up to 76% of stroke survivors, yet many remain undiagnosed due to the absence of straightforward and reliable assessment methods. These issues can manifest in various ways, including difficulties in recognizing common objects and faces, impaired reading abilities, and challenges with hand-eye coordination. If these problems are overlooked, they can significantly hinder an individual's independence and ability to engage in daily activities, leading to risks such as unsafe behavior in familiar environments.

The OxVPS consists of ten tasks that evaluate a broad spectrum of visual perception challenges resulting from brain injuries. Patients are asked to recognize drawings of objects and faces, read a short passage, and draw geometric figures. This tool was developed with input from stroke survivors and experts in neuropsychology, making it user-friendly and easy to interpret.

Current assessment methods can be lengthy and may not cater to patients with communication difficulties, often leading clinicians to rely on observational methods and patient self-reports. According to Dr. Kathleen Vancleef from Durham University, having a quick and straightforward testing method is essential to ensure that visual perception issues are not missed, thus facilitating appropriate support and rehabilitation for stroke survivors.

Brin Helliwell, a stroke survivor who faced visual perception challenges, noted that he was unaware that these issues could arise from his condition. He emphasized the importance of screening to help individuals comprehend their experiences better.

The effectiveness of the OxVPS was validated through trials with 107 healthy participants to establish baseline scores and with eight stroke survivors to differentiate between vision-related difficulties and those stemming from neurological issues. Further evaluations are being conducted in stroke wards across three hospitals, and the tool is already available for free clinical use within publicly funded healthcare systems, including the NHS.

Mark Dearing, a Highly Specialist Orthoptist at University Hospital of North Durham, stated that the tool provides a condensed method for identifying visual perception issues, enabling healthcare providers to offer targeted assistance.

As the research team works towards wider implementation of the OxVPS among healthcare professionals within the NHS, they are also looking to collaborate with commercial partners for its international expansion.

Professor Nele Demeyere from the University of Oxford expressed excitement about making this standardized tool available for allied health professionals, noting that it enhances the ability to conduct follow-up screenings for specific visual perception difficulties, including rare conditions like agnosia. The visual report generated by the OxVPS provides a clear overview of a patient's strengths and weaknesses in various perception aspects.

While the OxVPS does not diagnose specific visual perceptual disorders, it serves as a valuable resource for guiding further assessments and rehabilitation strategies. Dr. Louise Flanagan, Head of Research at the Stroke Association, highlighted the urgency of addressing vision problems post-stroke, as these can significantly impede a survivor's ability to perform everyday tasks safely, thereby leading to anxiety about their independence.