NVT Systems

NVT Vision Rehabilitation System

Neuro Vision Technology ("NVT") is based upon compensatory scanning training in conjunction with rigorous, standardised assessment of the nature and extent of the Neurological Vision Impairment. Patients are trained to become familiar with the extent of their field loss and other neuro-visual problems, and to compensate by employing learned scanning strategies to ensure that their remaining visual field is utilized to its best extent. The best scanning strategies in each case depend not only on the origin of the field loss but also on other cognitive and behavioural aspects such as visual neglect and issues with visual processing speed.

The NVT system is embodied in a combination of hardware, software and training:

• THE NVT SCANNING DEVICE- A standardised assessment and therapy tool to help teach visual scanning strategies which are then transferred to all activities of daily living and mobility.
• SPECIALISED SOFTWARE PROGRAM - That provides a patient management system, a structured protocol for the assessment of every aspect of vision affected by brain injury and the measurement of therapy outcomes.
• ONSITE TRAINING - Training program for rehabilitation therapists in the use of the NVT Vision Rehabilitation System.

NVT Scanning Device		Benefits
	Lightweight, portable		The NVT Scanning Device can be used in any environment from the acute hospital, rehab facility and even in the patient's own home.
	Assessment of functional vision skills ranging from simple visual fields to complex visual tasks requiring speed, visual memory and spatial reasoning.		Assessment can be completed within a short timeframe reducing the risk of patient fatigue
	Training tool that addresses visual scanning and attention deficits		Provides the patient with a greater awareness and understanding of their vision impairment
Vision 2000 Software		Benefits
	Comprehensive patient management system		Shows patient progress through assessment and training program, at a glance.
	Standardised protocols for Assessment and Training		Allows for comparison of evidence based outcome measures for individual patients and between patients.
	Automatic report writing		Significant improvements in productivity allowing staff for more time for patient contact
Professional Training Course		Benefits
	On-line theory course with content covering all aspects of brain structure and function, with particular emphasis on the vision system		Allows for implementation of this new service delivery with your own patients, in your own setting
	On site, comprehensive training program for groups		Course content covers application of scanning skills to all activities of daily living, from reading to mobility in dynamic environments.
	Training in the use of the NVT Scanning device and transfer of skills to all activities of daily living, including mobility tasks.		Provides a reference guide for sensory, cognitive and physical aspects of acquired brain injury
	Extensive manuals and workbooks covering theory lectures, clinical intervention strategies and the software application		ACVREP approved 22 CE Hours

 

NVT Scanning Device is a rehabilitation tool designed to highlight and enhance the following visual skills required for day-to-day activities:-

• Visual scanning in the presence of Neurological vision impairments, such as a homonymous hemianopia, quadrant filed loss, and relative field loss. Defines the perimeter of the affected field as a starting point for consistent
  visual search patterns.
• Visual spatial attention in the presence of visual neglect or inattention. Challenges and promotes attention into the affected area. Highlights the capacity for divided attention.
  
• Visual Recognition – enhancing skills such as fixation, tracking and concentration
  
• Eye-Hand-Body Coordination - Coordination and movement of eyes, hands and body towards visual stimuli. The impact of reduced balance on visual attention can be addressed.
  
• Visual processing speeds – evaluates the speed at which visual information can be presented and accurately detected by a person. Slowed processing has implications for judging the speed of moving vehicles and pedestrians.
  
• Visual memory - the NVT System includes tasks that rely on visual memory for successful completion.
  
• Visual spatial reasoning – specific assessment and training tasks highlight spatial reasoning and problem solving.

Physical characteristics:

• Wide scope of scanning to simulate vision skills required for 'real life' activities. The panel of lights extends approx 80cms (32") either side central fixation covering a wider field of view. The patient is required to utilise both head movement and eye movement towards the affected visual field in order to detect the light stimulus.
• The standardised presentation of coloured lights (LEDs) provides baseline measures of performance and evidence based outcome measures.
• The NVT Scanning device can be easily adjusted to the eye level of the patient, be they seated or standing.
• The NVT Scanning Device is lightweight and portable and can be assembled on site in less than one minute. This flexibility allows for use in the Acute Hospital, Rehabilitation Hospitals or Client Home.
• The NVT Vision Rehabilitation System is registered with the FDA as a 510K Exempt, Class 1 Medical Device.
• NVT SYSTEMS PTY LTD is registered with the FDA to manufacture the NVT Scanning Device and meets FDA Good Manufacturing Practice for quality control during manufacturing. It meets TGA and CE mark requirements and has been tested by a certifying body and meets all safety standards required for this device.

Applications for use:

• Addresses a wide range of visual skills –using exercises that can be graded from a simple, single light task to complex tasks requiring visual memory, spatial reasoning and problem solving. This allows for its use in the early stages of recovery but also provides challenging exercises for higher functioning skill levels.
• The NVT System can be used in the development of vision skills in children. Also applicable to adults who wish to demonstrate their vision skills in relation to complex tasks such as driving.
• Assessment designed to accommodate the additional deficits – an assessment can be conducted in just 20 minutes thus minimizing the effect of fatigue. Assessments can also be conducted in the presence of additional physical and language deficits as the ability to complete the task does not rely on language skills or a physical response. The impact of additional cognitive impairment is noted throughout the assessment and training process.
• The transfer of skills to other activities of daily living - The NVT System includes exercises that relate specifically to reading and mobility, graded from an environment that is structured and familiar into more dynamic busy environments.

Benefits of a Standardized Operating System:

• Protocols for documenting results of additional clinical measures of visual function that can be affected by brain injury or other disease – including to visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, ocular motor function and reading function.
• Inclusion of evidence based outcome measures - Results on conventional measures of visual scanning and visual neglect, such as the Behavioural Inattention Test and the Mobility Assessment Course, are also noted using the Vision 2000 software. Together with the results of the NVT scanning assessment, these validated assessments form the basis of outcome measures for the NVT scanning training program. All test results taken pre and post training can be documented and comparisons made for individual patients and between patients.
• Patient Management System - The software program also provides a template for the operator to record all client demographic details, information regarding their medical history. Results noted in clinical documentation may also recorded particularly if they are known to impact on the ability of the patient to function independently in mobility and other tasks of daily living. A patient's evaluation or training report is then automatically compiled. The system allows for tracking of patient progress through their training program, including the number of sessions and attainment of training goals.
• In Built report generation that increases time spent with direct therapy and reduces the burden of documentation on therapy staff. This detailed reporting gives objective feedback not only to the therapist, but also to the patient and caregivers.

Comprehensive training manuals

• Software manual providing 'step by step' detailed color screen shots.
• Software training videos
• Assessment and Training Manual outlining the assessment and training protocols for functional vision assessment, scanning assessment and transfer of scanning skills to activities of daily living, such as reading and mobility.
• Client training videos providing examples of training methods in the acute rehabilitation setting and community settings.
• Access to Online training in the vision loss and brain injury.

NVT SYSTEMS draws upon the expertise of vision therapists that have worked in the area of neurological vision impairment for over 20 years. We have developed procedures for comprehensive evaluation and training for visual perceptual deficits, such as homonymous hemianopsia. The assessment process initially uses the NVT scanning device to highlighting visual scanning deficits associated with a visual field loss and to demonstrate to the patient, and their carers, the nature of the vision impairment. The NVT scanning device is then used as the basis of a training programme to teach the patient to compensate for the lost visual field utilising the intact areas of their vision. The scanning skills learnt using the NVT scanning device are then transferred to activities of daily living, with a particular emphasis on the person being able to move with safety around their environment. The aim is to enable the person to become as independent as possible.

For more information on this unique program contact:
Gayle Clarke, gclarke@nvtsystems.com.au

The NVT System

• › NVT Scanning Device
• › Specialised Software
• › Onsite Training

Other

• › Online Training