Sensory Substitution and Brain Plasticity Following Vision Loss (NCT07450677) | Clinical Trial Compass
Not Yet RecruitingNot Applicable
Sensory Substitution and Brain Plasticity Following Vision Loss
United States200 participantsStarted 2026-06-01
Plain-language summary
The goal of this clinical investigation is to learn how the brain responds when visual information is converted into patterns of sound or touch in blind and sighted participants. The main questions it aims to answer are:
* Does converting visual information into sound or touch patterns change visual performance in the blind or blindfolded?
* How does the brain adapt to different kinds of sensory information?
Researchers will use brain imaging and simple performance tasks to see how people process and learn from this type of converted sensory input. The investigators will compare how individuals with and without long-term vision loss respond to these signals.
Participants will:
* Learn to use technologies to assist in visual information conversion into sound or touch patterns every day for 5 weeks;
* Visit the brain imaging center 3 times for brain scans and behavioral tests.
Who can participate
Age range
8 Years – 85 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion criteria
. 8-85 years old for blind individuals; or 18-85 years old for sighted controls.
. (a) Blind due to ocular impairment (documented visual acuity of light perception or worse) in both eyes, or (b) sighted healthy adult controls with corrected visual acuity of 20/40 or better and with no known vision disorders.
. Able to hear the Informed Consent Form being read out to him or her, to understand it, and sign the Informed Consent Form.
. Able to undergo functional neuroimaging tests.
. Able to walk and stand independently.
. Able to understand and remember the training protocols involved in the research study.
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
What they're measuring
1
Number of correct responses to visual performance tasks
. Willing and able to use the provided sensory substitution system to solve simple visual tasks.
. Willing and able to complete simple tactile or auditory tasks.
Exclusion criteria
. Prior use with the sensory substitution device under investigation. This applies to both the auditory and tactile stimulators.
. Presence of any foreign metal in the body, except for dental fillings (will need to be pre-screened by a radiologist prior to signing the informed consent and enrollment).
. Pregnant or breastfeeding by self-report or urine test.
. Is a prisoner or has any required movements legally restricted.
. Unwilling or unable to adhere to all study requirements, including completion of the training period and any evaluation tests.
. Implanted electrical medical devices such as pacemakers.
. Claustrophobia that would prevent functional neuroimaging.
. Obesity preventing placement in the MRI scanner.