Using ViSS

Speedy & easy to use

ViSS is delivered entirely by the computer and requires minimal supervision. The screening test, which is in the form of a word search game, takes about 20 minutes. The game is played under two conditions - one where the appearance of the screen visually more stressful than the other. Because each individual's performance is compared across two different conditions (visually stressful and visually unstressful) their individual speed of working is immaterial. The junior version (age 7 - 11 years) includes animated cartoons designed to make the task more enjoyable.

Easy but comprehensive reporting

The Viss reports module shows the extent to which the person's performance was disrupted by visually stressful stimuli. A graphical scale of susceptibility to visual stress from - 'low' to 'extremely high' - makes it easy to interpret the results and a full statistical analysis is also shown. An Individual Item Analysis shows the performance on each item through the test so that the pattern of disruption caused by visual stress can be discerned. See below for an example Individual Item Anaylysis.

Comments may be included on the print-out of results, thus providing a complete record of the screening on one convenient A4 page.

After screening with ViSS

The Administrator's Manual gives guidance on appropriate action after screening. Individuals who are found to have high susceptibility to visual stress can be checked to determine which colour of overlay would be most suitable or, alternatively, referred to an optician or eye specialist who can prescribe tinted lenses. The use of tinted lenses or coloured overlays to treat visual stress was formerly regarded with scepticism by the medical and education professions. However, scientific studies by Professor Arnold Wilkins of the University of Essex have shown that this treatment is generally the most effective and simplest solution.

For more information on research by Professor Arnold Wilkins on visual stress visit:
www.essex.ac.uk/psychology/overlays