We have investigated whether improved scanning also carries over to more complex and 'real-world' visuospatial functioning. Our training procedure consists of three consecutive phases. In the first phase, we teach subjects to make large and fast saccadic eye movements into the blind hemifield. In the second phase, these compensatory eye movements have to be applied in more complex and dynamic situations. In the final phase, the scanning pattern has to be employed while driving a car.
Training is preceded and followed by registration and evaluation of scanning behaviour.
Results indicate that large differences in scanning performance can be found within the population with homonymous hemianopia showing that not all subjects automatically develop compensatory strategies. Comparison of performance before and after training indicates that, indeed, a number of aspects of visual scanning behaviour can be adapted in a relatively short period of time. Training can also lead to improvements in visuospatial neuropsychological test performance.