PROJECT “AMBLYOCATION”

Within the framework of the project “AMBLYOCATION” we support children, young adults and their families in the treatment of neuro-sensory vision, processing and perception disturbances – for example, in the therapy of so-called amblyopia with an innovative computer-assisted training treatment, which has, until now been almost completely unfunded by the public healthcare system. We also promote the scientific development of this new successful therapy through the awarding of grants.

What is amblyopia?
None of us sees clearly when we are born. Our brains must firstly train and learn to process the images which are seen with the eyes. This learning process takes place in the first 8 to 10 years of our lives and can’t be further developed after this. When young children have a problem with their eyesight which goes unnoticed and untreated (for example far-sightedness, astigmatism or squinting), the process of learning to see clearly is impeded. This results in a one-sided or two-sided eyesight weakness – amblyopia, a life-long problem that can’t be corrected with eyeglasses. What’s really fatal is that amblyopia can’t be detected with the typical eye tests used by opticians and orthoptists. The condition also often goes unnoticed by parents and pediatricians. Because of this a preventive eye examination in the first year of life is especially important.

How is amblyopia treated?
The classic amblyopia treatment with glasses and occlusion therapy (covering one eye) is an effective, but lengthy treatment. For older children the treatment can be associated with considerable restrictions in school. However, in association with a computer-assisted amblyopia training, the improvements in eyesight are achieved considerably faster and the occlusion time can be reduced. In addition, older children who were previously thought to have undergone all possible therapy can undergo further successful treatment. The computer-assisted amblyopia therapy is a very effective, innovative process for improvements to the amblyopic eye. It combines cutting-edge scientific research with the technological advantages of an internet-based therapy. Unfortunately, this therapy is currently either unavailable through the public healthcare system, or considerably under-funded.

Project “AMBLYOCATION”. What measures is the H.I.T. foundation taking?
The H.I.T. provides support for families whose health insurance won’t cover the costs of a computer-assisted amblyopia treatment and who can’t afford the costs of this essential therapy. In addition, the H.I.T. Foundation promotes research and development into this promising therapy through the awarding of scientific grants.

Amblyopia must be identified in the first years of life and treated as early as possible. Only then can these children take full advantage of the benefits of good eyesight and develop full spatial, three-dimensional vision with no restrictions to successful learning.