OUR MISSION

We’re urgently confronting the world’s leading cause of childhood blindness and low vision.

Cortical/Cerebral Visual Impairment (CVI) is a public health crisis. Based in the brain, it is widely misunderstood and underdiagnosed. One study shows that CVI affects up to 1 in 30 children in mainstream elementary classrooms, and is common in children with Cerebral Palsy, Down Syndrome, Autism Spectrum Disorder, and neurodevelopmental conditions. With the targeted interventions, trained teachers, effective services and education, children with CVI can learn to access their world and define their success. At Perkins, we are on a mission to boldly address the CVI crisis through education, innovation, and collaboration. Our approach is research-based and whole-child focused. Join us. Every moment counts.

Teacher works with young student on a tactile lesson

Our CVI services

We believe: Every child with CVI is teachable. Every child with CVI can learn. Every child with CVI has a right to a timely diagnosis and an accessible education. No matter how their CVI manifests, no matter their zip code. We are confronting the CVI crisis through groundbreaking tools, online learning, current and accurate resources, and collaboration with medical professionals, educators, families, and people with CVI.

A mother crouches down, hugging her young, smiling son outside in front of a building entrance.

CVI Now

Your go-to resource for trusted answers and resources about CVI, CVI Now fosters community and shared connection and empowers families with the CVI knowledge, guidance, and tools you and your child need to succeed.

Girl with CVI grabs an item from her red slant board during math class

CVI Learning

Perkins is a leader in online learning. Build your CVI knowledge from introductory workshops to master-level CVI courses. Scholarships are available.

A girl points to a slant board with her teacher

The Perkins CVI Protocol

Perkins is taking a bold step forward in urgently confronting the leading cause of blindness by creating a research-based, inclusive assessment protocol for individuals with CVI.

A visually impaired young boy sits with a flower in a wheel chair.

CVI for Medical Professionals

Visit our new CVI hub for medical professionals, stocked with the latest on CVI screening, diagnosis, and research.  We’re in this together.

There’s power in meaningful collaboration.
Together, we can change the world for people with CVI.

Meet our team

  • Henry being hugged by his mother, Rachel

    Rachel Bennett

    Assistant Director of CVI Now, Parent Advocacy and Support at the CVI Center at Perkins
    Meet Rachel
  • Headshot of Ellen Mazel

    Ellen Mazel

    Director of CVI Research and Development at the CVI Center at Perkins
    Meet Ellen
  • A photo of a woman smiling in front of a window.

    Lisa Miller, COMS, TVI

    CVI Project Coordinator at the CVI Center at Perkins
    Meet Lisa
  • Lauren Moquin

    Program Associate at the CVI Center at Perkins
    Meet Lauren
  • A photo of a woman smiling.

    Raquel Ronzone

    Senior Business Development Manager at the CVI Center at Perkins
    Meet Raquel
  • Headshot of Burju Sari

    Burju Sari

    CVI Coordinator at the CVI Center at Perkins
    Meet Burju
  • Headshot of Lacey Smith, smiling wearing bright red

    Lacey Smith

    CVI Project Coordinator at the CVI Center at Perkins
    Meet Lacey
  • A photo of Jackie Swisshelm smiling in the front museum area of the Howe building.

    Jackie Swisshelm

    Digital Content and Design Strategist at the CVI Center at Perkins
    Meet Jackie
  • Headshot of Ilse Willems wearing glasses and smiling

    Ilse Willems, M.Ed and TVI

    Acting Director at the CVI Center at Perkins
    Meet Ilse
  • Headshot of Mary Zatta wearing red glasses and smiling

    Mary Zatta, Ph.D.

    Director of CVI Training at the CVI Center at Perkins
    Meet Mary

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We’re building a CVI community

Rachel Bennett CVI Now

“Raising a child with a different normal means I am building a new world for my son every day. It’s incredible that my personal journey has brought me to Perkins as the Content and Community Manager for CVINow.org. We are building CVI Now into an essential website and a dynamic online community for CVI families.”

Stories & resources

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 at Perkins today!