Master of Science, The Ohio State University, 2024, Vision Science

Purpose: The purpose of this project is to determine whether the difference between the stimulus targets of The Ohio Contrast Cards (OCC) and the Mayer-Kran Double Happy cards (DH) affect the measured contrast sensitivity of low vision patients. Methods: We recruited 54 patients from the OSU College of Optometry Low Vision and Bioptic Driving Clinics for this study. After obtaining consent, two examiners tested each participant to determine his/her Weber contrast sensitivity. The first tester used either the Ohio Contrast Cards or the Double Happy Cards in addition to the Pelli-Robson Chart, after which the second tester used whichever card test was not used by the first tester. The order of testers and card tests was randomized across participants. The card tests were used in a testing protocol that was similar to the protocol of the Teller Acuity Cards. After contrast sensitivity testing was completed, a vision-related quality of life (QoL) survey was administered to the participants. Participants were compensated $10 for their time. The study was designed (alpha = 0.05, beta = 0.80) to reveal differences of 0.15 Log10 units or greater between tests. Bootstrapped analysis of median performance was used to analyze results between contrast sensitivity tests. Stepwise linear regression was used to analyze correlation between contrast sensitivity, visual acuity, and quality of life. Results: Within-patient analysis revealed no statistically significant difference between the OCC and DH card tests (difference = 0.013 Log units, 95% range: -0.044—0.071). A significant difference in patient performance was found when comparing the OCC or the DH to the PR (0.23 Log10 and 0.22 Log10 units respectively). Contrast sensitivity showed a stronger correlation to quality of life compared to visual acuity, with results of the OCC having the strongest association of all tests performed. Conclusions: Regardless of the difference in target stimulus, the Ohio Contrast Cards and (open full item for complete abstract)

Committee: Angela Brown (Advisor); Bradley Dougherty (Advisor); Deyue Yu (Committee Member); Mawada Osman (Committee Member) Subjects: Ophthalmology

Ph.D., Antioch University, 2022, Leadership and Change

Companies have increasingly turned to text-based communications to recruit, hire, and manage a distributed remote workforce. For people who are blind or visually impaired, this movement presents both challenges and opportunities for attaining and retaining employment. Does the potential isolation of telework have a negative effect on workplace relationships for people who are blind or visually impaired? Does participation in text-based workspaces mitigate stereotypes and stigmatization experienced by people with visible disabilities? Using a constructivist grounded theory framework, this study explored how people who are blind or visually impaired experience relationships in text-based workspaces. Building and maintaining social connections and networks is critical for employment success, so understanding the factors at play in text-based workplace communications is key. Interviews with 18 blind or visually impaired professionals revealed a number of ways individuals connected with colleagues, cultivated professional identity, and built extended networks. This happened despite challenges from technologies and organizational processes that failed to account for employees who are visually impaired. This investigation resulted in the development of an emergent theory and a model that can advance policies and practices for employers and for employment training and support programs. This dissertation is available in open access at AURA (https://aura.antioch.edu/) and OhioLINK ETD Center (https://etd.ohiolink.edu/).

Committee: Mitchell Kusy PhD (Committee Chair); Harriet Schwartz PhD (Committee Member); Bonnie O'Day PhD (Committee Member) Subjects: Behavioral Psychology; Business Administration; Communication; Information Systems

Master of Science, The Ohio State University, 2020, Vision Science

Purpose: This study primarily compared the test-retest reliability of the Pelli-Robson chart (PR) and Ohio Contrast Cards (OCC) amongst testers. The secondary goal of this study was to examine the impact on contrast sensitivity if the testing distance for the Pelli-Robson chart were to be changed. An additional goal was to evaluate the relationship between visual acuity (VA) and contrast sensitivity (CS) when using letter-based charts and grating cards. Methods: Thirty low-vision students were tested, ranging from 7-20 years old. Each student was tested with both VA and CS tests in randomized order, which included: the Bailey-Lovie chart (BL), Pelli-Robson chart, Teller Acuity Cards (TAC), and Ohio Contrast Cards. Each student repeated both the PR chart and OCC in separate rooms, but neither the BL chart nor TAC was repeated. The PR chart was also tested at closer testing distance, based on the student's logMAR acuity from the BL chart. For the letter charts, a letter-by-letter scoring method was used. For grating cards, these were both scored as preferential looking tests. Results: The Limits of Agreement for the OCC and PR chart were +/- 0.451 and +/- 0.536, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference between tester or order of testers for the PR chart and OCC. Using the PR chart at a closer distance yielded an improvement in contrast threshold performance when compared to the standard testing distance. Students performed better on grating cards than letter charts, regardless of VA testing or CS testing. Conclusions: The Ohio Contrast Cards are a promising diagnostic tool for evaluating CS on low-vision patients and other patients who cannot be tested using letter-based charts. Clinicians using the Pelli-Robson chart for low-vision patients should consider testing closer than the standard testing distance.

Committee: Angela Brown PhD (Advisor); Bradley Dougherty OD, PhD (Committee Member); Deyue Yu PhD (Committee Member) Subjects: Health Care; Ophthalmology

Master of Science, The Ohio State University, 2020, Vision Science

Commonly used low vision reading tests frequently feature very short passages, read aloud, without any test of comprehension. The goal of this study was to create and evaluate a new silent, naturalistic reading test that contains longer passages to more closely mimic common daily reading tasks. Twelve nonfiction passages were produced along with four accompanying comprehension questions each. Twenty-eight normally sighted subjects were recruited for a first evaluation of the passages and questions. The average (SD) passage reading speed was 268 (67) words per minute. Passage reading speed showed a significant correlation with MNRead reading accessibility index (p = 0.05). Six passages, with one question discarded each, were selected out of the twelve to comprise the final reading test. Sixteen subjects with low vision were recruited to evaluate these passages and questions. Each subject read six passages, aided by a handheld CCTV magnifier if needed. The mean passage reading speed was 140 (40) words per minute. Passage reading speed was significantly correlated with contrast sensitivity (p < 0.001), MNRead reading acuity (p = 0.02), critical print size (p = 0.02), and reading accessibility index (p < 0.01). The new reading test showed an association with a well-established reading test among both normally sighted and low vision subjects. These passages may be of use both clinically and in research to quantify reading performance for different viewing conditions and patient populations.

Committee: Bradley Dougherty OD, PhD (Advisor); Deyue Yu PhD (Advisor); Marjean Kulp OD, MS (Committee Member); Thomas Raasch OD, PhD (Committee Member) Subjects: Ophthalmology

Master of Science, The Ohio State University, 2018, Vision Science

Purpose: The use of bioptic telescopic spectacles (BTS) to obtain licensure for driving is currently legal in over 42 states, yet questions remain about performance and safety. The effect of BTS on sign identification distance is unknown. Previous studies reported worse ratings for lane position and steering steadiness in bioptic drivers, but were unable to report differences attributable to BTS use due to safety concerns with on-road testing. This study utilizes a driving simulator to compare sign identification performance with and without BTS use, and to compare bioptic and normally-sighted drivers. Velocity, lane position, and lane deviations are also examined. Additionally, self-ratings of quality of driving, avoidance, dependence, and driving space are examined. Methods: Bioptic drivers and controls were recruited from The Ohio State University College of Optometry. Visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, and visual field were assessed. The study was completed in a six-degree-of-freedom driving simulator equipped with a 260° curved front screen simulator with side mirror LCD displays and a screen seen through the rear-view mirror. Subjects completed a 32,000 meter straight four-lane highway course with light traffic and a speed limit of 45 mph. The main task was to press a button on the steering wheel whenever a target city name or route number road sign was confidently identified amongst distractor signs. This task was completed twice, once using the BTS and once without. Paired t-tests were used to analyze differences in sign recognition distance, velocity, lane position and steering entropy. Differences in the number and duration of lane deviations were also examined. Results: Twelve bioptic drivers and six controls participated. Mean±SD bioptic driver age was 56±17 and 55±10 for controls. Mean logMAR VA OU for bioptic drivers was 0.80±0.17 (20/125) and mean log CS was 1.48±0.16. Mean VA with telescope was 0.21±0.10 (20/32). The mean sign identification d (open full item for complete abstract)

Committee: Bradley Dougherty OD, PhD (Advisor); Thomas Raasch OD, PhD (Committee Member); Aaron Zimmerman OD, MS (Committee Member) Subjects: Ophthalmology; Optics

Master of Science, The Ohio State University, 2014, Vision Science

A new test of contrast sensitivity (CS), the Stripe Card Contrast Sensitivity (SCCS) test, could serve as a simple and efficient means for estimating the maximum contrast sensitivity value of a given patient without having to use multiple spatial frequency gratings, and without knowing the spatial frequency at which maximum sensitivity occurs. This test could be useful for a wide range of patients with various levels of visual acuity (VA), ages, and diagnoses. We measured VA [Bailey-Lovie (BL), Teller Acuity Cards (TAC)] and CS [Pelli-Robson (PR), SCCS, Berkeley Discs (BD)] in counterbalanced order with subjects at the Ohio State School for the Blind (OSSB). Thus, we tested VA and CS using letter charts (B-L, P-R), grating cards (TAC, SCCS) and a chart with shapes (BD). Vision-related quality of life (QoL) surveys [The Impact of Visual Impairment in Children (IVI_C) and Low Vision Prasad Functional Vision Questionnaire (LVP-FVQ)] were used following vision testing. Additionally, we obtained Michigan Orientation & Mobility (O&M) Severity Rating Scale (OMSRS) severity of need scores for some participants. Testing was performed over a two-year period for 51 participants at OSSB. We have organized our work into three experiments: Experiment I was performed in the 2012-13 school year and included 27 participants who were tested monocularly using the patient's preferred eye. The following year, we returned for repeat testing of 11 participants from the first year (“Experiment IIa”) and additional testing of 24 new participants (“Experiment IIb”). Those assessments were performed on each eye monocularly (where possible) rather than just with the preferred eye. QoL and O&M results were obtained during both years of testing and are detailed in Experiment III. Vision tests on the better eyes correlated positively and significantly with one another, except for a non-significant correlation between the B-L and SCCS. The IVI_C correlated significantly with all vision tests, (open full item for complete abstract)

Committee: Angela Brown PhD (Advisor); Roanne Flom OD (Committee Member); Thomas Raasch OD, PhD (Committee Member) Subjects: Health Care; Ophthalmology

Master of Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, 2014, EECS - Computer and Information Sciences

RAMBLER Robot is designed to enable research on biologically inspired behavioral robot control algorithms. RAMBLER Robot tests the feasibility of autonomously localizing without typical sensors like wheel odometers or GPS. The primary objective is to independently, accurately, and robustly recover the path of a moving robotic system with only the lowest-cost sensors available off-the-shelf. Methods new and old are reviewed and tested on the real RAMBLER Robot hardware. The hardware and software necessary to use omni-directional camera measurements to decrease uncertainty regarding the position and heading of a small robot system are presented in detail. The RAMBLER Robot is shown to successfully localize within a small arena using three passive indistinguishable landmarks.

Committee: Roger Quinn (Committee Chair); Francis Merat (Committee Member); Gregory Lee (Committee Member) Subjects: Computer Science; Robotics

Master of Science, The Ohio State University, 2012, Computer Science and Engineering

For the purpose of increasing accessibility and customizability of sheet music, an application on an Android tablet was designed that generates and displays sheet music from a MusicXML input file. Generating sheet music on a tablet device from a MusicXML file poses many interesting challenges. When a user is allowed to set the size and colors of an image, the image must be redrawn with every change. Instead of zooming in and out on an already existing image, the positions of the various musical symbols must be recalculated to fit the new dimensions. These changes must preserve the relationships between the various musical symbols. Other topics include the laying out and measuring of notes, accidentals, beams, slurs, and staffs. In addition to drawing a large bitmap, an application that effectively presents sheet music must provide a way to scroll this music across a small tablet screen at a specified tempo. A method for using animation on Android is discussed that accomplishes this scrolling requirement. Also a generalized method for writing text-based documents to describe notations similar to musical notation is discussed. This method is based off of the knowledge gained from using MusicXML.

Committee: Rajiv Ramnath (Advisor); Jayashree Ramanathan (Committee Member) Subjects: Computer Science

Doctor of Philosophy, The Ohio State University, 2003, Industrial and Systems Engineering

The continuing dominance of computers and the rising chorus of complaints from computer users highlight the importance of understanding the risks associated with computer use. Particularly challenging are the issues of eyestrain and muscle pain, the latter particularly puzzling because of the low force levels and static postures of computer work. To study eyestrain and muscle pain during computer work, a multi-disciplinary approach was developed, using techniques from three diverse fields: biomechanics, myofascial pain and vision. A laboratory study was used to examine the effects of the independent variables, postural and visual stress, during a 30-minute typing task. Sixteen healthy females (ages 19-29) participated in the experiment; all were touch-typists. The study design was a 2 x 2 repeated measures, with randomized order of testing. The dependent variables included development of trigger points in the upper trapezius, subjective measures of discomfort, visual function, and surface electromyography (EMG). Trapezius EMG data were collected at locations of known trigger points. This provided information about EMG as the trigger points developed during the experiment. An experienced myofascial specialist performed onsite examination to identify the trigger points before and after each experimental session. Cyclical changes in the EMG median frequency that occurred throughout the experiment were quantified. These cyclic changes provided information regarding motor unit rotation patterns. A method for quantifying eyestrain through EMG changes in the obicularis oculi was also developed. There was a significant interaction between postural and visual factors on both the perception of eyestrain and on the trapezius EMG. In particular, the high visual stress condition, when combined with the low postural stress condition, produced fewer cyclic changes in median frequency (i.e. less motor unit rotation), and greater trigger point pain. A hypothesized injury pathway for (open full item for complete abstract)

Committee: William Marras (Advisor) Subjects:

Master of Public Administration (MPA), Ohio University, 1986, Industrial and Manufacturing Systems Engineering (Engineering)

The development of a software package for low cost machine vision system for real time applications

Committee: Helmut Zwahlen (Advisor) Subjects: Engineering, Industrial

Master of Science (MS), Ohio University, 1988, Electrical Engineering & Computer Science (Engineering and Technology)

Hypercube machine implementation of low-level vision algorithms

Committee: M. Celenk (Advisor) Subjects:

Master of Science (MS), Ohio University, 1989, Industrial and Manufacturing Systems Engineering (Engineering)

An improved feature geometry based, low-cost, machine vision software system was developed by conducting a statistical reliability study of a previously developed system, evaluating alternative methods of completing the machine vision process, developing more effective edge linking and corner detection algorithms and implementing these new algorithms into a more efficient and reliable version of the existing machine vision software. The resulting system utilizes the same machine vision hardware that was utilized by the previous machine vision software system. This hardware includes an Apple IIe microcomputer, that serves as the host computer for the machine vision system; a 4K frame buffer, that is used to capture designated areas of the image obtained by the image sensor; a General Electric TN2500 Digital Camera, that serves as the sensor; a monitor and a Microbot robotic arm that is used to pick up and move an object for demonstration purposes. The resulting system is capable of recognizing a flat surfaced, randomly positioned rectangular object that contrasts well with its background within about 11 seconds with an overall reliability of about 80%. This system is equipped with an interactive user interface that allows the system to be operated and maintained by a person with very little knowledge of computers and machine vision. The interface gives the user the capability of changing parameters that affect how the machine vision system operates. These features combined with the system's ability to interactively output the data that is generated during the system's operation makes this system a valuable teaching tool to demonstrate the application of machine vision to students.

Committee: Helmut Zwahlen (Advisor) Subjects: Engineering, Industrial

Doctor of Education, Miami University, 2010, Educational Psychology

This qualitative dissertation study investigated the success of an African-America religious school located in a Midwestern low SES neighborhood. There are inequities in educational opportunities. Schools, as mandated by the local and state agencies, have a history of not fulfilling the stated mission of educating all children especially African American students. This school developed in response to the historic denial of unequal opportunities. The prophetic mission and call to achieve equity gave rise to the founding of this school by the membership of the Messiah Christian Alliance Fellowship Church. The foundation of this educational facility was essential in the building of healthy African American students. Historical data shows that children who are members of lower socio-economic (SES) groups achieve at lower rates than middle class white students and students from wealthier homes. Yet for many of these students the reality of obtaining a quality is in fact another deferred. This qualitative study investigated the success of at a school located in an urban community. Through the theory base of Black Liberation Theology, the pastor and followers answered the call of providing excellent education to the children attending this school.

Committee: Raymond Terrell (Committee Chair) Subjects: Educational Leadership

Doctor of Philosophy, The Ohio State University, 2013, Vision Science

Bioptic telescopic spectacles (BTS) allow people with vision impairment to obtain driving licensure even when their visual acuity does not meet normal state standards. BTS are spectacles with a small telescope implanted in one or both of the lenses. The telescope is used for brief periods during driving to spot distant targets such as road signs and traffic signals. The study described in this dissertation examines visual and demographic associations among obtaining a bioptic driving license, training and road testing results, and motor vehicle collisions in patients with low vision. The study also compares the collision rate of bioptic drivers to that of a control group of non-bioptic drivers matched on age and sex. A retrospective study of medical records was completed for patients examined for entry into the Ohio bioptic driving program at the College of Optometry at The Ohio State University over a five year period. Data were collected on visual factors, documented driver training, licensure testing results, and post-licensure driving record. No significant associations were found among visual and demographic factors and obtaining licensure after an initial vision examination. Several factors were significantly associated with the amount of training documented for candidates for licensure, including age and previous non-bioptic driving experience. The amount of training documented was associated with road testing results, but not with driving safety after licensure. Previous driving experience was also significantly associated with occurrence of motor vehicle collisions (MVC) in bioptic drivers, with drivers without previous experience having approximately 2.5 times as many collisions per year of licensure than those with previous experience. Other significant associations with MVC in bioptic drivers included age and the number of non-collision related convictions. Nystagmus was independently associated with MVC, but no other patient visual factors w (open full item for complete abstract)

Committee: Thomas Raasch (Advisor) Subjects: Biomedical Research; Health Sciences; Ophthalmology; Optics; Public Health; Public Policy; Transportation