CVI Resources, Research & Practical Support

At Positive Eye, we are passionate about improving outcomes for children and young people with vision impairment. One area that continues to gain recognition is Cerebral Visual Impairment (CVI), a neurological visual condition that affects how the brain processes visual information rather than how the eyes function.

Over the years, I have been fortunate to contribute to and collaborate on a number of initiatives aimed at improving understanding of CVI. Alongside being involved in the TEACHCVI project, I regularly signpost professionals and families to a range of trusted resources that provide information, practical strategies, training and support.

This blog brings together a collection of Cerebral Visual Impairment resources that I have found particularly useful and would recommend exploring. Whether you are a parent, teacher, QTVI or therapist, these resources can help develop understanding and support effective practice.

Creating Better Outcomes for Children with Cerebral Visual Impairment

CVI is now recognised as one of the leading causes of visual impairment in children in many developed countries. Children with CVI often experience difficulties with visual attention, recognising objects, navigating environments and processing complex visual information.

Without an understanding of CVI, these difficulties can easily be misunderstood as attention, learning or behavioural challenges. By increasing professional awareness and adapting environments appropriately, we can help children access learning more successfully, participate more fully and develop greater independence.

TEACHCVI

A few years ago, I was delighted to contribute to and be part of the TEACHCVI project, an international collaboration that brought together specialists, educators and healthcare professionals from across Europe. The project aimed to create practical tools and resources to help bridge the gap between education and healthcare, ensuring that children with CVI receive consistent, informed support.

TEACHCVI was developed through an Erasmus+ supported partnership to strengthen collaboration between teachers, educators and healthcare professionals working with children who have Cerebral Visual Impairment. The project produced resources designed to increase awareness, improve understanding of CVI and support evidence-informed practice.

👉 Explore TEACHCVI

Positive Looking, Positive Looking To Go and Marvin’s Story Time Show

Positive Eye has developed a range of resources that support children and young people with visual impairment, including those with Cerebral Visual Impairment (CVI).

Positive Looking Visual Skills Programme and Course

Positive Looking is a practical observation and intervention programme designed to help professionals understand how children and young people use their vision in everyday environments, supporting the development of functional vision skills and greater independence.

Used by QTVIs, QTMSIs, special school teachers, therapists and parents across the UK and internationally, Positive Looking provides a structured and practical framework for assessing functional vision and supporting the development of visual skills through meaningful, child-centred activities and experiences.

👉Explore Positive Looking

Positive Looking To Go

Positive Looking To Go is the digital companion to the Positive Looking programme. Accessible through an app-based platform, it enables practitioners to access assessment materials, record observations and implement intervention activities wherever they are working.

The flexibility of the platform supports consistent practice across home, school and other educational environments, making it easier to embed visual development opportunities into everyday learning.

👉 Explore the Positive Looking to Go App

Marvin’s Story Time Show Research

Positive Eye has also been involved in research exploring the impact of Marvin’s Story Time Show, a series specifically designed to support children with vision impairment, including children with CVI, low vision, complex needs and PMLD. It reflects contemporary approaches to visual development and engagement.

The research explored the impact on teachers’ practice, how children interacted with the programme, and its potential to support visual attention, engagement and learning experiences. It contributes to the growing body of evidence highlighting the importance of accessible, visually considered resources for children with complex visual needs, including those with CVI.

By combining research, practical resources and professional expertise, initiatives such as Marvin’s Story Time Show help ensure that children with visual impairment have access to meaningful, engaging and inclusive learning opportunities.

👉 Read the research

👉Explore Marvin’s Story Time Show

CVI Scotland

CVI Scotland has become one of the most respected sources of information on Cerebral Visual Impairment. The website provides extensive guidance for families, educators and professionals, alongside research summaries, practical advice and resources aimed at improving understanding of how CVI impacts learning and daily life.

Their work has played a significant role in raising awareness of CVI internationally and promoting better educational outcomes for children and young people.

👉 Explore CVI Scotland

Make It Easier To See

Make It Easier To See, developed by Professor Rachel Pilling, is a valuable resource that provides practical information, strategies and guidance to help families and professionals better understand visual processing difficulties and Cerebral Visual Impairment (CVI).

The website offers accessible, evidence-informed advice and practical approaches for adapting environments, reducing visual complexity and improving access to learning and everyday activities. It is an excellent source of support for anyone seeking to make meaningful changes that help children with CVI engage more successfully with the world around them.

👉 Explore Make it Easier to See

Perkins School for the Blind (USA)

Perkins School for the Blind is internationally recognised for its expertise in supporting children and young people with visual impairment. Its CVI Now Resource Center provides a comprehensive collection of information about CVI, including assessment, educational strategies, access to learning, advocacy and lived experiences from individuals and families affected by CVI.

For professionals seeking to deepen their knowledge, Perkins also offers specialist training opportunities focused on CVI and educational practice.

👉Explore CVI Now Resource Center

Teach Us Too

Teach Us Too has curated a useful collection of CVI resources for teachers, schools and education professionals. Their resource library signposts visitors to a range of trusted CVI information sources, helping professionals access evidence-based information and practical support materials.

It is a useful starting point for anyone wishing to broaden their understanding of CVI and inclusive educational practice.

👉 Explore Teach Us Too

Supporting Children with CVI Through Collaboration

Awareness of Cerebral Visual Impairment continues to grow, but there is still much work to do to ensure children and young people receive the understanding and support they need.

By sharing knowledge, strengthening collaboration and focusing on practical strategies, we can create learning environments where children with CVI are better understood and able to thrive.

Whether you are a parent, teacher, QTVI, habilitation specialist, therapist or other professional, I hope these resources provide useful information, guidance and inspiration for your own CVI journey.

If you would like to develop your understanding further, explore Positive Eye’s Positive Looking Programme, Positive Looking To Go and our range of training and resources designed to support children and young people with visual impairment, including those with CVI.

Together, we can improve outcomes for children with CVI through greater understanding, collaboration and informed practice.