# Optimizing Safety and Functionality in the Visually Impaired

> **NIH NIH R01** · JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY · 2020 · $547,935

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY
Disability results when the demands of a task, in the environment where a task is performed, exceed the ability
of the individual. However, little is known about the environmental features which might best allow persons with
visual impairment, particularly those with irreversible conditions such as glaucoma or age-related macular
degeneration, to perform important tasks enabling independence (i.e. instrumental activities of daily living), and
to remain safe within their homes (i.e. by avoiding falls). In Aim 1 of this proposal, we will investigate the
importance of visual impairment to home functionality, as judged by objectively-evaluated in-home task
performance. During in-home task performance, we will look for specific environmental impediments (lighting,
contrast, text size, clutter, need for fine motor manipulation) associated with performance, allowing us to
directly link environmental impediments to functionality. In Aim 2 of this proposal, we will investigate the
importance of visual impairment to rates of falls at home. Also, we will identify specific home hazard types
which increase the risk of falls in a novel approach which matches the in-home location of falls, how much
physical activity (steps) occurs in each region of the home (defined through integration of accelerometer and
IPS data), and the number and type of hazards in each in-home region (defined through a home assessment).
Unlike prior research, the current proposal will assign risk to home hazards only with regards to falls occurring
near the hazard, and only proportional to the number of steps taken in the vicinity of the hazard (judged by
integrated IPS and accelerometer data), an approach which is hypothesized to successfully identify hazards
relevant to in-home falls in persons with visual impairment. By identifying home features associated with
greater home functionality and safety, the proposal will further the National Eye Institute’s commitment to
research which “improves quality of life for people of all ages”.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9973717
- **Project number:** 2R01EY022976-06A1
- **Recipient organization:** JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** Pradeep Yammanuru Ramulu
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $547,935
- **Award type:** 2
- **Project period:** 2013-04-01 → 2025-07-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9973717

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9973717, Optimizing Safety and Functionality in the Visually Impaired (2R01EY022976-06A1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9973717. Licensed CC0.

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