CVI Now - Perkins School for the Blind

CVI is the leading cause of childhood blindness

CVI stands for Cortical/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 blindness in children. Individuals with CVI are on the blindness spectrum and neurodiverse, and their perspective on the world is unique and valuable. An individualized multisensory approach to learning and intervention, rooted in comprehensive assessment, empowers life-changing access.

Every individual with CVI, no matter their zip code or how their CVI manifests, has a right to early diagnosis, effective vision services, and accessible educational programs.

Learn about CVI

Perkins hosts the CVI: Collaboration for Change Conference on June 26-28. Join us! Register today.

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

Boy touches an image of his water bottle on the iPad

Featured Resource

The CVI Now IEP Guide

We know that IEPs can be overwhelming and stressful. We’ll walk you through the IEP process from beginning to end with CVI-specific explanations and advice.

This guide is a productive, solutions-oriented resource.
Dive into how IEPs are built and implemented, as well as what questions to ask and what to expect at each stage.
We’re here for you!

CVI Now IEP Guide

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

Teacher kneels down to be at eye level with a student in a wheelchair

Video

CVI: Access to People

Still shots of a basketball in motion on a black background

Video

CVI: Impact of Motion

Boy walking in the grocery store using his white cane

Video

CVI: Impact of Clutter

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

Barbara and her son, Logan, hug and smile

Story

Navigating my son’s CVI and complex communication needs

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!