Abstract
Four children with visual impairment caused by periventricular leukomalacia were followed with regard to their development of visual and cognitive functions, visual-spatial ability, and behavior. The process of learning to read was monitored. The cognitive profiles were uneven, with higher scores on verbal than on visual-spatial subtests. The latter were far below average. Eye movements while reading were recorded. We found some improvement of visual acuity and visual fields with time. After a two-year follow-up, three children were able to read print, although one of them preferred Braille. One child, who had spastic diplegia, could not read print or Braille, but could type on a keyboard with the help of synthesized speech. The children had difficulties making eye movements during reading; they compensated with head movements.