Research
The Arlene R. Gordon Research Institute
The Arlene R. Gordon Research Institute is the only research institute existing within a vision rehabilitation agency.
The Institute's multidisciplinary team consists of experimental psychologists, developmental psychologists, computer scientists and social welfare researchers working in the areas of vision, psychosocial and evaluation research. Our multidisciplinary approach recognizes the complex interrelationships among biophysical, social and psychological processes that influence the functioning and adaptation of people of all ages who are visually impaired.
Pre- and post-doctoral research fellows train under the supervision of senior Lighthouse scientists. Trainees come from diverse fields, including psychology, sociology, anthropology, social work, public health, optometry and ophthalmology to acquire research skills in both laboratory and field settings.
We offer a Visiting Scholars Program as well, providing colleagues -- both nationally and internationally -- with on-site research opportunities.
Our Mission
We are dedicated to expanding knowledge about vision function and the psychosocial aspects of vision impairment. Our efforts provide an empirical foundation for the development of vision rehabilitation services designed to help people overcome the challenges of vision impairment, as well as for the development of professional training programs.
Linking Research with Service and Education
Because our home base is a vision rehabilitation agency, we have the unique opportunity to collaborate with low vision clinicians, social workers, vision rehabilitation therapists and educators -- all of whom work together to identify practice-relevant research questions and to apply research findings in current practice.
Focusing on Function
Working within this environment, Lighthouse investigators endeavor to advance our understanding of how people who are visually impaired function -- visually, socially and psychologically -- in everyday life. And research insights are applied to help people with vision loss function independently at home, in school, on the job and in the community.
Our Work
Lighthouse International's Arlene R. Gordon Research Institute is comprised of the following major divisions:
Vision research investigates vision function in individuals with normal and impaired vision, vision assessment techniques, strategies for maximizing visual functioning, and issues related to accessibility and environmental interventions.
Psychosocial research investigates the consequences of vision impairment for functional and psychosocial well-being, processes of adaptation to vision impairment, and social and psychological factors that influence adaptation and rehabilitation outcomes.
Evaluation research investigates the processes, outcomes and effectiveness of rehabilitation, community outreach and education programs. Evaluation findings are used in the planning and enhancement of service models -- both at the Lighthouse and worldwide.
Major Research Programs
Aging and vision loss
Basic and clinical psychophysics
Coping and adaptation to vision loss
Depression, disability and rehabilitation
Driving and vision
Educational models for children with vision impairments
Employment and job-related issues for people with vision impairments
Evaluation and outcome research
Family and friendship support systems
Reading and text legibility
School-to-work transitions for adolescents with vision impairments
Statistics on vision impairment
Wayfinding and accessibility
Recent research projects have been funded by competitive grants from government agencies, private foundations and corporations, including:
National Aeronautics and Space Administration
National Eye Institute
National Institute for Disability and Rehabilitation Research
National Institute of Mental Health
National Institute on Aging
US Department of Veteran Affairs
AARP Andrus Foundation
Helen Hoffritz Foundation
The Katzenberger Foundation, Inc.
Macular Disease Foundation
Pearle Vision Foundation
Sharing Information Worldwide
The Research Institute is dedicated to developing research programs to help fill knowledge gaps in our field. And we are charged with disseminating our findings globally to professional and public audiences. We accomplish this through several means, including journals, books and book chapters; presentations at professional and scientific conferences.
Support for Our Work
The Research Institute is supported by Lighthouse International, government and foundation grants, and individual donations.
To learn more about the Arlene R. Gordon Research Institute, please e-mail research@lighthouse.org.