The Optimum VI project is the first national research study of its kind into the early development of babies and young children with sight problems. The findings are likely to greatly improve our understanding about the best ways to support babies with sight problems and will be of interest to both professionals and parents in the UK and internationally.
The project is a funding partnership between Fight for Sight, RNIB and Great Ormond Street Hospital Children's Charity. Currently 30 babies and their parents have entered but many more are needed to reach the target of 100 children. Researcher Dr. Elena Sakkalou said "We are happy to hear from families anywhere in the UK and can provide home visits if they live at distance from us. We would also be grateful if managers of local authority sensory problems services could help us to advertise the study."
Infants from birth to 15 months with severe to profound sight problems are invited to take part in the study (excluding children with additional severe motor or hearing problems).
If you wish to take part or are working with a family of a baby with sight problems please contact Dr. Elena Sakkalou 020 7599 4124 or email
e.sakkalou@ucl.ac.uk