Modern Methods of Visual Training for Children with Strabismus and Amblyopia through Assisted Serious Games

Abstract

This paper describes how a solution was developed in case of visual problems that frequently occur in childhood could be largely avoided or drastically reduced. It presents a research stage focused on the prevention of the most common vision pathologies in children. The development of the method proposed at this stage of the research was based on the following hypotheses: the first of these is that, unfortunately, not enough importance is given to screening and, as the case may be, visual training among children. The second one is that, according to some statistical studies, more than 20% of the children tested have a visual problem, more or less severe, and pathologies such as strabismus, amblyopia or ametropia have the highest frequency. A third hypothesis is that non-invasive, short-term and interactive methods (as serious games) of visual investigation and training, have a positive impact on both children and optometrists. Thus, a non-conventional method has been developed, complementary to classical methods, whereby vision testing and game training constitute the main activity in some therapy sessions. It was proceeded to the conception, design and testing of visual testing and training methods in as serious assisted games, dedicated to amblyopia and strabismus among school and preschool children. The method was repeatedly test-ed and improved throughout its development and finally it was tested on a sample of 10 children. It could be concluded that the procedure could be implemented from the point of view of screening and training vision type testing in schools and kindergartens.