I have to consider the responses below as to how visual processing impacts day-to-day life.

What potential improvements might be suggested to help overcome these weaknesses or capitalize on strengths?

Response 1: One of those ways is computational approaches. "In the computational approach, researchers consider how different cues in the stimuli can be used to interpret the environment" (McBride & Cutting, 2018). Another one of these approaches is the Gestalt approach which refers to how the organizational principles of the world around us allow us to interpret in our own way the stimuli that is present within our individual environment. A third approach that is used is the perception-action approach. "In the perception-action approach, researchers consider the goals of action achieved through more direct perception" (McBride & Cutting, 2018). I believe based on the reading that I have done, each situation is different, meaning that you have to consider the situation first when you are deciding to test for visual processing. What are we testing for? Why are we testing? What outcomes are we looking for? Etc... for every individual situation. There are many different tests that we could run when testing for visual processing such as contrast sensitivity tests. This type of testing looks at the eye in terms of how sharp the visuals are and on details. This is a prime example of testing for strengths and weaknesses. You may have sharper more detailed visuals where I could have a weakness in that area. I think that visual memory is something that is a strength. I used to waitress and my boss, coworkers, and customers used to say that they thought I had photographic memory. I would see someone one time and take their order and then the next time they came in I would see their face and know exactly what their breakfast order was. On the back end of this same thing is that it only works in certain instances. It is not like I can see everything only one time and remember it. So I believe this is a strength and weakness.

Response 2: There are many tests to help measure visual processing- A few notable tests include color vision testing like the Ishihara color test to see if there are any issues with color discrimination (often finding issues with color deficiencies like red-green deficit disorder). Another visual processing test would be visual acuity tests for sharpness of vision. This is a very common test that many would recognize the famous 'Snellen' chart to see at distances. Considerations include: cognitive abilities, health and age. Our visual processing ability gets worse with age- along with impairment issues.

There are inherent strengths and weaknesses like baseline data to compare our aging test scores against. For example, if your score worsens, you can get surgery, contacts or glasses (or a combination). Other tests like glaucoma tests (where they puff air on your eye). These test can function as preventive and help people feel more confident as they age to not have impacted visual issues. If the issues are not addressed it could impair your safety when performing basic daily activities like driving or even navigating around your house. You wouldn't be able to read and could impact your ability to learn. For example, we are in online school, and rely on our ability to read to navigate the computer. I know there are audio checks and ADA compliant ways to get online degrees (but it would be drastically different from what I am used to). Additionally, there are jobs that you can not be colorblind like working for a bomb squad or being an airline pilot.