Partially Sighted Woman Given A ‘New Lease Of Life’ By Trial Technique

A 31-year old mother who was partially blinded in a car accident eight years ago has been taught to ‘see’ again.

Experts say it is thanks to pioneering techniques developed at Durham University.

Nichola Burlison, who is married with two young children, lost half her vision on the same side in both eyes when she suffered severe brain damage as a result of the accident.

She has a condition called ‘half blindness’ or hemianopia.

Following the accident, she stayed in hospital for six months re-learning basic skills such as walking, talking, dressing and eating.

New training

She then returned to her home in Low Willington, County Durham, but still required a great deal of help and remained heavily dependent on others.

It was only when she contacted the charity Action for Blind People, that she became involved in a study which she says has given her a new lease of life.

I am more comfortable with reading and I don’t miss words at the start of sentences any more Nichola Burlison

The study, run by Durham University’s psychology department, tested patients’ visual ability before and after their new type of training.

Researchers found that patients became faster and more accurate at detecting objects, such as coloured dots or numbers on a computer screen.

“The training had made a big difference to me,” said Mrs Burlison. “Although I still struggle with basic things like crossing the road, reading and cooking, I feel so much more confident.”

Big boost

“I am more comfortable with reading and I don’t miss words at the start of sentences any more.

“I also move my eyes around, both to the left and right, because I am more aware than I can do that.”

Researchers believe the tests helped patients to compensate for their lost vision by exploring their “blind field”, the part of the visual field affected by the brain damage.

“I was really surprised that I could do more than I thought after the training.

“It gave me a big boost and I would love for other people in my position to become aware of this as it may help them too,” Mrs Burlison said.

The researchers ultimately hope to make the training available to patients on their mobile phones or hand-held games consoles.