Lisa Payne - Group Leader Sharron Beasley Venessa Escobar Kristy Fendley Brenda Jackson Vanessa Martin Natasha Villars

 The Medical Definition  It is a cleft or defect in normal continuity of a part of the eye.  Our Definition  A Coloboma is a hole in one of the parts of the eye.  A Coloboma may be present from birth or may result from trauma.  Colobomas may also exist in the eyelid, a defect which interrupts the border of the eyelid.  Also known as the keyhole disease or cat eye disease

 There are 5 types of Coloboma  Optic Disc  Iris  Retinal  Choroid  Morning Glory  Each type of Coloboma displays the same characteristics but different symptoms.  All types of colobomas are in the inferior position, they are all gaps or holes in the structure of the eye, and severity of damage to the eye is determined by the size and the depth of the gap.

Is when the coloboma covers the optic nerve which results in loss of visual acuity. Effects cortical vision

Is any defect in the iris that allows light to enter the eye, other than through the pupil. Can effect visual acuity.

Is a gap in the retina and sometimes retinal detachment will occur. Can effect visual acuity.

Is a Gap in the part of the eye that gives it nourishment. Can affect visual acuity

Is a coloboma on the optic nerve that takes the shape of the inside of a morning glory flower. Effects cortical vision.

 It is important that specialist, and educational professionals are involved with the child as soon as possible.  The student or client may also be highly sensitive to light.  Problems at school may be due to some of the reading books being hard to see.

 The size of the print can be increased and letters and words spaced more widely.  Good bright lighting and a crisp black print on a clean white background will also make things easier  The dog is Running. The Cat is brown with strips.

 Teachers and team members must also be aware that it may be appropriate for the child to wear sunglasses during times when there is bright light  Teachers should be sensitive to presenting information from different angles that the child may see more clearly

 Commonly asked questions  What kind of services will my child need?  What effects will a child with special needs have on the family?  How will my child be effected?

 A few answers  take the child to a pediatric ophthalmologist  support groups Internet chats to learn how to care for their child.  School Services recommended by VI Teacher  Children with coloboma have more doctor’s appointment and more treatments that are done at home (patching / eye drops / medication). The more severe the coloboma the more time a parent may have to devote to their child  Encourage your child to do anything they want to do. The child can play sports, wearing protective eye gear When older depending on the severity of the coloboma the child may be able to drive.

 The eye with the coloboma can also be smaller, referred to as microphthalmia  Problems associated with the coloboma depend on its location in the eye as well as the severity of the defect.  include field loss, issues with light scatter and glare, decreased visual acuity, nystagmus, strabismus

 A person with a coloboma may have difficulty  traveling due to field loss  functioning in bright light  with regular daily tasks due to decreases in field and acuity  Treatment  not usually repaired with surgery  optical aids are typically used iris occluding contact lenses and/or special filters sunglasses patching the weaker eye are used to give the student optimal vision.

 In Texas  DARS ( Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services ) The DARS Division for Blind Services (DBS) assists blind or visually impaired individuals and their families. Depending upon their goals and needs, DBS offers services to help regain independence or find a job. For information visit or call the Division for Blind Services at

 TAPVI ( Texas Association for Parents of Children with Visual Impairments ) is a statewide non-profit organization serving families of children who are visually impaired or blind, including those who have multiple disabilities. Our children range from infancy to adulthood. They have various vision diagnoses and levels of visual impairments. TAPVI can be contacted at Address: TAPVI c/o Alaine Hinds Plainbrook La Porte, Texas Phone TAPVI Website

 Texas School for the Blind Serves as a special public school in the continuum of statewide placements for students who have a visual impairment Students, ages 6 through 21, who are blind, deafblind, or visually impaired, including those with additional disabilities, are eligible for consideration for services at TSBVI. Contact information 1100 W. 45th St. Austin, TX Switchboard: (512) Toll Free Recording Number: TDD (512) FAX Number: (512)

 Nation Wide  American Foundation for the Blind Provides a nation wide search of services available in every state Contact information Tel: (212) Fax: (212) Penn Plaza, Suite 300 New York, NY Website