Cerebral visual impairment (CVI), also known as cortical visual impairment or neurological visual impairment, refers to a group of syndromes involving visual dysfunction caused by damage to the central visual pathways. Patients with CVI often show no organic lesions in routine eye examinations. Sometimes, even optic nerve examinations and pupillary light reflexes appear normal, yet the patients experience low vision.

According to the World Health Organization, disorders related to central nervous system abnormalities account for 20% of childhood blindness and severe visual impairment, making it the most common cause of visual impairment in children in developed countries. In recent years, with advances in perinatal medicine, the survival rate of premature infants has increased, leading to a corresponding rise in associated CVI cases in developing countries. Approximately 3% of students in regular primary and secondary schools are affected by CVI. Besides severe visual dysfunction, CVI patients often experience decreased visual perceptual abilities, walking difficulties, impaired social interaction, autistic tendencies, and a lack of independent living skills. This places significant nurturing and educational burdens on families and society.

To better provide visual rehabilitation and reconstruction services for patients with cerebral visual impairment, starting September 3, 2025, Visual Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Team from the Strabismus and Amblyopia Department of Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center is proud to launch a dedicated CVI Outpatient Service!

If you or someone you know faces similar issues, please follow the WeChat official account of "Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University" and select the "Visual Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Platform Team" to make an appointment. We will provide patients with comprehensive examinations and assessments to develop personalized rehabilitation plans.

Introduction to the CVI Professional Team

The CVI diagnosis and treatment team, led by Professor Li Jinrong, includes attending physicians, optometrists, vision therapists, and other professionals dedicated to the diagnosis and rehabilitation of CVI, helping patients improve their visual function and quality of life.

Our dedicated CVI team is composed of:

• 1 Chief Physician
• 2 Attending Physicians
• 1 Optometric Physician
• 1 Optometrist
• 9 Vision Therapists
• 1 Head Nurse
• 1 Nurse