Eye movements and visual search in Amblyopia (patches experiment)
Dennis Levi, Professor
Optometry
Closed. This professor is continuing with Spring 2024 apprentices on this project; no new apprentices needed for Fall 2024.
Amblyopia is a neurodevelopmental disorder of spatial vision characterized by a reduction in visual acuity. Previous research has shown that several neuro, oculomotor and perceptual deficits are also present in persons with amblyopia. Particularly, research has shown that amblyopes have longer saccadic and manual latencies to stimuli (i.e., the time it takes to fixate on a target after a change in target position) and that such prolonged latencies extend to visual search. Further, abnormalities in fixational eye movements (FEMs) (i.e., small movements of the eyes which ensure that vision does not fade during fixation) have also been found. The current project aims to extend previous literature findings by exploring the role of fixational eye movements on visual search.
Role: If interested in long-term research in the lab, the research assistant will learn how to use the high resolution head-mounted EyeLink Eye Tracker. Furthermore, the research assistants may be involved in interacting with patients and helping to conduct experiments with patients.
If the assistant desires to be more involved with the research project, there are the options of data analyses, coding/designing new experiments, literature search, and implementation of new techniques and concepts that will contribute to the current and the future clinical research in patients with visual deficits. Dr. Angela Gomez Tomaz will supervise the assistants throughout the project.
Qualifications: Interest in vision, commitment, and high motivation are required. Good communication skills and courteous attitude are required. The assistants must be dependable, responsible, and be able to work independently when it is required. Assistants are expected to devote about 8-10 hours per week for the project (hours can be negotiated if needed). Flexibility with hours and ability to be present at the lab in the evenings and occasional weekends are a plus. Research tasks and commitment can be negotiated by students. Students will contribute to screenings as well as data collection and have the opportunity to interact with patients and controls. If interested, more research tasks (e.g., data analysis) can be negotiated. Responsibility and flexibility are vital.
Hours: 9-11 hrs
Related website: https://www.levilabberkeley.org/
Biological & Health Sciences