Video Test to Evaluate Detection Performance of Drivers with Hemianopia: Preliminary Results

The ability of individuals with hemianopia to compensate for their vision impairment by eye/head scanning to detect hazards in their non-seeing (blind) hemifield varies widely in both simulator and on-road tests. Conventional visual fields tests do not reflect this variability, while simulator and on-road tests are time-consuming and expensive. The authors therefore developed a simple, 15-minute video-based pedestrian detection test suitable for implementation on a desktop computer and monitor. The test was found to be sensitive to detection deficits in both hemianopia and quadranopia, and predictive of detection performance in a driving simulator. Preliminary findings suggest that the test provides a simple method of measuring detection ability relevant to driving which may be useful both as a screening test and as an evaluation tool for rehabilitation devices and training. Language: en