Pilot Study of an Optic-to-Audio Device in a Pediatric Cohort With CLN3-related Conditions or Low Vision

Background:

CLN3 involves vision loss observed around the preschool years, with eventual progression to blindness within 1-3 years. Researchers want to test an assistive device that may help children with CLN3 or with non-CLN3 related blindness.

Objective:

To learn if it is safe, easy, and useful for children with CLN3 or with non-CLN3 related blindness to use the OrCam.

Eligibility:

People aged 6-18 years who have either CLN3-related disease or non-CLN3 related blindness.

Design:

Participants will be screened with the following:

Medical history

Physical exam

Family history

Eye exam and vision tests. They will get eyedrops to dilate their eyes.

Psychological and neurocognitive tests. They will be asked questions and observed for how they do various tasks, such as talking, playing, writing, drawing, and solving problems.

Hearing tests. They may wear headphones or earplugs. Electrodes may be taped to their head.

Blood samples

Skin biopsy, if needed

Cheek cell, saliva, or urine samples

The OrCam is the size of and weighs about half as much as a pack of gum. It is attached to eyeglass frames by magnets. Participants will do tasks before and after they have been trained on the OrCam. They will do these tasks without or with using the OrCam.

Participants will be given an OrCam to use for 1 week or 1 month. They will have check-in sessions with the study team.

Participants and/or their caregivers will be asked about abilities, behaviors, social skills, learning methods, intelligence, and health-related quality of life.

Participants samples may be used for genetic testing and/or to make a type of stem cell.

Participation will last for 1-5 weeks.