What does CVI look like?

Learn about common manifestations of CVI, why they happen, and what you can do.

CVI stands for Cortical Visual Impairment/Cerebral Visual Impairment. CVI is a brain-based visual impairment caused by damage to the visual pathways or visual processing areas of the brain—and it’s the leading cause of visual impairment in children. Individuals with CVI are neurodiverse, and their perspective on the world is unique and valuable. An individualized multisensory approach to learning and intervention empowers life-changing access.

Find answers

Jasper, a boy with CVI, runs joyfully down a path in an open field

What is CVI?

CVI is a brain-based visual impairment and the leading cause of visual impairment in children.

Learn about CVI

How is CVI diagnosed?

An accurate CVI diagnosis is critical for access and advocacy.

Learn about diagnosis

After the diagnosis

Five steps that involve finding support, getting assessments and beginning intervention.

Learn about next steps

Kids with CVI can’t wait!

Cortical/Cerebral Visual Impairment is the new leading cause of blindness for children in the United States. This is why we created CVI Now — for every child, for every parent, for every caregiver, for every provider. Join us.

Stories & resources

A teenaged girl wearing sunglasses is smiling big on sunny day

Article

NEI sets CVI as a research priority

CVI is the leading cause of blindness. CVI Awareness Month is about sharing current CVI knowledge and what life-changing access looks like for individuals with CVI. Every child with CVI has the right to an early diagnosis, effective vision services, and access to appropriate educational programs.

Article

September is CVI Awareness Month

Boy using both hands to explore different textured cards while sitting at table. He has a smile on his.

How-to

A multisensory approach for children with CVI

Parents, join our private CVI Facebook group!

Join the CVI Now parent community to connect with and learn from other CVI families — to ask your questions and get answers.

Join now

Mom and son outisde embracing while looking at and smiling for the camera

Stories from CVI families and individuals

View all CVI stories

A visually impaired girl standing on a small, stationary trampoline.

Story

Before every ‘Miracle Worker,’ there’s a family who believes their child can learn

Krish, a boy with CVI, sitting on park bench with his twin brother. Both are smiling big.

Video

How my world works: Self-advocacy and CVI

Aiden sits on the carpet with his AAC device next to his sister while playing uno.

Q&A

Making strides: Aiden’s communication journey

CVI Now videos

Webinar

Navigating the IEP process

Webinar

Matt Tietjen presents CVI and the math mind

Henry inside a wooden truck at the playground leans and smiles toward the camera

Henry’s diagnosis journey

Rachel Bennett Henry’s mom

“Henry’s diagnosis story is common. Children with CVI are under-diagnosed, misdiagnosed and many have difficulty getting access to appropriate educational services. This must change!”

Read full story

Go to all stories

Expert resources

Learn about CVI and the brain.

Dive into resources to learn all about the leading cause of visual impairment in kids. And deepen your knowledge about our visual system and the CVI brain.

Learn about CVI

Join us on our CVI learning journey.

Let’s learn and support each other on this journey. Have questions? Reach out to the CVI Team today!