Neuroplasticity of the visual system in deaf adults

Context

Loss of one sensory modality leads to an increased reliance on the remaining senses, and as a result, the unaffected senses often become relatively enhanced. For example, deaf individuals are better at detecting peripheral visual stimuli, suggesting that their visual system has adapted to differences in visual experience.

The research

Using functional magnetic resonance imaging and other neuroimaging techniques, we measure the anatomical and physiological changes in the eyes and brain associated with increased peripheral visual sensitivity in deaf adults.

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Heidi Baseler

Dr Baseler's research focuses on understanding the neural mechanisms specialised for processing central and peripheral vision, and how these mechanisms respond to sensory loss (visual or auditory).

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André Gouws

Dr Gouws' research interests include neurochemistry, face processing, illusory stimuli and cortical reorganisation.

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Alex Wade

Professor Wade's research interests include visual attention, the representation of colour and contrast in the human brain and the way in which these processes are affected by neurological diseases.

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Tony Morland

Professor Morland is interested in how the brain organises visual information in the light of visual deficits that arise as a result of disease or damage to the visual system and the effects of visual diseases and disorders on visual function.

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