Cerebral Visual Impairment Education: Training and Current Practice Patterns of Optometrists and Ophthalmologists

Introduction: Cerebral visual impairment (CVI) is the most common cause of visual impairment in developed nations. The purpose of this study was to understand the entry-level education and training received by optometrists and ophthalmologists, as well as current practice patterns. Methods: Online surveys were distributed to optometry and ophthalmology program directors and practicing optometrists and ophthalmologists. Data collection occurred between May 2020 and August 2020. Results: Surveys were completed by 48 program directors and 334 eye care professionals in North America, Europe, Oceania, and Asia, with most in North America. Less than half of the program directors reported (48%, 23/48) providing formal CVI didactic education. No program provided more than 2 hr of classroom instruction, 83% offered 1–2 hr, and 17% offered less than 1 hr. Although some clinical instruction was offered by 92% (44/48) of programs, exposure to patients with CVI occurred infrequently. Over one-half of the practitioners reported moderate familiarity with CVI. However, only 31% (102/334) of practitioners reported receiving formal classroom CVI instruction; of those, 56% (57/102) had 2 hr or less. Sixty-five percent (218/334) reported diagnosing children with CVI infrequently in their practices, with only 24% making CVI diagnoses on a daily or weekly basis. Discussion: Given the diverse and heterogenous characteristics of CVI, it is challenging to prepare future clinicians to evaluate and manage children with CVI with only 1–2 hr of lecture and minimal clinical exposure. This missed opportunity during formal education has significant implications for early diagnosis and timely intervention. To adequately prepare practitioners for comprehensive care of individuals with CVI, it is imperative to improve the quality and scope of didactic and clinical training. Implications for Practitioners: The results indicate the need for more comprehensive CVI education for optometrists and ophthalmologists during training as well as throughout practice with continuing education.