About the Lab

The Minnesota Laboratory for Low-Vision Research, located at the University of Minnesota, is dedicated to understanding reading difficulties and other important visual problems encountered by people with low vision. Low vision is any eye condition, not correctable by glasses or contacts, that results in visual impairment. Low vision can be caused by macular degeneration, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, cataract, retinitis pigmentosa, and many other eye disorders.

Who Are We?
This laboratory, funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), is internationally recognized for its pioneering work on low vision. Its director, Gordon E. Legge, Ph.D., is a Distinguished McKnight University Professor, and has received several major awards for his research. Other lab members include postdoctoral fellows, doctoral students, undergraduates, and lab staff, all of whom specialize in vision research.

What Do We Do?
Results from our research are being used to develop improved tests of reading and new technology for aiding in reading. For example, the MNREAD Acuity Chart, developed in the lab, provides a much better measure of reading vision than previous eye charts. It is therefore extremely helpful in recommending specific reading aids.

Research Participants Wanted
Our research relies on voluntary participation by people with low vision. Research participants visit the laboratory for one or more two-hour sessions. Testing involves reading letters, words, or text displayed on charts or computer screens. Most people enjoy their visit to the lab, and find the projects to be interesting.

Al May, a retired statistician from Pillsbury, has low vision resulting from ischemic optic neuritis. He has participated in several studies over a period of years. "I feel like I am making a contribution to low-vision technology, and that's important to me. Participating in studies is a pleasant experience." Lab staff facilitates participation by arranging transportation for participants. The laboratory covers reasonable transportation costs within the Twin Cities area and pays participants for their time in the lab.

Because of the variety of projects in the lab, people with all levels of visual acuity - from 20/20 to no vision - are invited to participate. To reflect the rich diversity of the Twin Cities, we encourage members of all racial and ethnic backgrounds to take part in this important research. Even people who have great difficulty with reading can play an important part in our research. If you would like to participate, please get in touch with us.

Click here to download our lab brochure: Lab Brochure