VISTA – Vision, Binocular vision, Strabismus, Therapy and Adaptation
Short description
Undetected binocular vision problems during childhood can lead to irreversible visual impairment and, in adulthood, negatively affect quality of life.
The research group’s aim is to conduct interdisciplinary projects that contribute to method development, quality improvement, and long-term advancement in the care of binocular vision–related conditions. The group combines clinical practice with academic research.
The research group
VISTA – Vision, Interdisciplinary focus on Binocular vision, Strabismus, Therapy (Amblyopia) and Adaptation (Improved Vision and Quality of Life)
VISTA is a multidisciplinary research group focused on the interaction between vision, the brain, and development.
The research explores how the eyes and brain work in synchrony to create stable vision, depth perception, and balance – from visual development in childhood to vision changes associated with neurological disorders.
By combining clinical orthoptics, neuroscience, and rehabilitation, VISTA contributes to method development, quality improvement, and enhanced quality of life for individuals with binocular vision and alignment disorders.
The name VISTA also means “view”, reflecting the group’s ambition to promote better vision, function, and well-being through a deeper understanding of the cooperation between the eyes and the brain.
Orthoptics and Binocular Vision Disorders
Orthoptics involves the position, movement, and coordination of the eyes. When binocular cooperation is disturbed, one eye may assume an abnormal position – a condition known as strabismus. Orthoptics and strabismus are central concepts in this research field and are directly linked to binocular vision and stereopsis – the ability to perceive depth and distance through the coordination of both eyes.
Binocular vision disorders are estimated to affect at least 10% of the adult population, often without being identified or diagnosed. Symptoms are frequently subtle and therefore difficult to detect, usually requiring specialist expertise for accurate assessment. Such conditions can have a significant negative impact on quality of life.
Common symptoms include asthenopia (visual fatigue or discomfort during visual tasks), eye pain, diplopia, confusion of visual input, dizziness, and headache. Patients may also experience burning sensations, blurred vision, concentration difficulties, or pressure behind their eyes, particularly during prolonged near work such as reading or computer use. Balance problems may also occur due to impaired depth perception and contribute to the increased risk of falls. Collectively, these symptoms can lead to limitations in many daily activities and, in some cases, long-term work absence. This condition can also affect psychosocial functioning and social interaction, sometimes with anxiety-related features.
From birth through prepuberty, children develop their visual acuity, coordination between both eyes, and the ability to interpret visual information. If visual input from one or both eyes fails to develop properly, it can result in strabismus and/or amblyopia. Amblyopia represents a permanent visual impairment that cannot be treated in adulthood, making early detection and treatment essential. Children with visual impairment rarely report symptoms, and when only one eye is affected, parents often fail to notice. Therefore, screening and research into the causes of amblyopia are crucial.
Limited awareness and understanding of binocular vision–related conditions mean that symptoms often remain undetected or are misinterpreted as signs of other medical or psychological issues. Increased awareness and improved diagnostic precision are therefore essential to ensure that more individuals are identified and receive appropriate treatment in time.
Research
Orthoptic research includes binocular vision disorders, vision-related quality of life, and visual development in children, with applications in both rehabilitation and neuro-ophthalmology.
Specific research areas include cyclodeviation (torsional strabismus), binocular changes associated with neurodegenerative diseases or traumatic/ischemic brain injury (e.g., Parkinson’s disease), as well as pre-, peri-, and postnatal influences on visual development in children.
The research activities are conducted interdisciplinarity and with a person-centered approach. The group combines clinical practice and teaching with academic research, with ongoing projects aimed at validating diagnostic and therapeutic methods.
This work contributes to method development, quality assurance, and long-term improvement of care for patients with binocular vision disorders.
Group members
Sara Flodin, PhD, Principal Investigator
Lena Havstam Johansson, PhD
Eva Aring, Docent
Sara Vetö, PhD
Ashkan Gheisari
