In human vision, the useful field of view (or UFOV) is the visual area from which information can be extracted without eye or head movements. UFOV size generally decreases with age, most likely due to decreases in visual processing speed, reduced perception, and increased susceptibility to distraction. UFOV performance is correlated with important real-world issues, including risk of an automobile crash. Performance can be improved by computer-based training.

History

UFOV assessment and training programs were primarily developed by Karlene Ball of the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and Daniel Roenker of Western Kentucky University. The first versions of the assessment and training programs were produced at Northwestern University by Robert Sekuler and Ball. These programs were originally made available through Visual Awareness Inc.

Assessment

The traditional UFOV assessment is a computer-based visual test containing three subtests. The threshold scores are combined to produce an overall performance score.

Impact

Performance on the UFOV assessment is correlated with several real-world functions:

Training

Performance can be improved by computer-based training. Multiple studies have shown that improved UFOV performance generalizes to several real-world functions. UFOV training has been shown to: Note: UFOV is not the same as a visual field or perimetry test that examines the ability of the visual system to process light falling on various regions of the retina. Perimetry tests check for the integrity of the visual system while UFOV tests the ability to pay attention to the information in the visual field particularly when under situations of increased demand for attention.