Pediatric Epilepsy Surgery Conference 2026

Researchers from the Bowers Lab at Harvard University would like to learn more about how people with visual field loss use their vision to notice potential hazards in real world situations such as walking or driving.
The study involves playing a simple video game which simulates driving, shown on a computer screen. Participants will use a steering wheel to steer their virtual car while watching out for pedestrian hazards. Participants will be asked to respond whenever they see a pedestrian about to cross the road. There will be plenty of time to get used to the video game and to practice steering and responding to pedestrians.

Researchers are recruiting people with a history of hemispherectomy, hemispherotomy, temporal-pariental-occipital disconnection or resection, or total occipital lobectomy, who are at least 14 years of age.

Study participation involves:

• One session, about 1.5 hours
• Vision measures
• Video game simulating driving (presented on a computer screen)
• Brief questionnaire

Inclusion criteria:

• Visual field loss (such as hemianopia)
• 14 years or older
• Able to control a steering wheel with either one or both hands
• Able to concentrate for at least 10 minutes without a break
• Sufficient stamina to participate in a study session lasting about 1.5 hours with breaks
• Either some experience of driving or no experience of driving

Participants will receive $50 for study participation.

To sign up to be considered for this study, complete our Research Interest Form here.