What are the optimal conditions for UFOV® assessment?

The user will be viewing displays that are presented very rapidly. It is crucial that the viewing conditions be as ideal as possible.

Viewing distance

The optimal viewing distance depends on the height of the display area of the monitor used.

Minimum viewing distance: 1.8 * measured screen height
Optimal viewing distance: 2.1 * measured screen height
Maximum viewing distance: 2.4* measured screen height

Example: For a monitor with a display height of 10 inches, the user should view the display at a distance between 18 and 24 inches, with the optimal distance at 21 inches.

Experience has shown that some users are reluctant to sit close to the monitor and tend to back away from the screen. Monitor the user’s viewing distance during testing and correct at each stopping point, if necessary.

Testing room

The testing room should be dark. If lighting is necessary, ensure that glare on the screen is minimized. Test results may be skewed if glare interferes with the screen.

The room should be as quiet as possible. Ensure that any extraneous and/or background noise is minimized. The examiner should avoid speaking to the user during the test, as this will distract many users. Remember that although background noise will not affect the test results of all individuals, it will have the most negative effect on those individuals already having difficulty with the test.

The computer should be set up in a comfortable, ergonomic, position for the user can comfortably reach the mouse or touch screen. Even though the assessment doesn't measure reaction time, it is important that users can respond easily.

Test examiner demeanor

To make testing as pleasant as possible for both examiner and user, follow these simple guidelines:

1. Make sure the user is seated comfortably.
2. The user must be informed of the purpose of the test; this is often termed “informed consent.” It is not fair or ethical to test a user without informing them of the purpose of the exam. For example, if the test is used as part of a determination of driving risk or ability to drive, the user should be informed. Any refusal to begin or finish UFOV must be honored, and the user should never feel coerced. The user should be encouraged to complete UFOV in its entirety, but should be informed prior to starting the test that he or she has the right to choose to discontinue participation at any point during testing. Professionals, such as health care professionals, must follow codes of ethical conduct mandated by the professional organizations to which they belong. However, all examiners are strongly recommended to provide thorough informed consent to all users.
3. Inform the user that the test will take about 15 minutes to complete.
4. Inform the user that reaction time is not measured by the assessment and they should not feel rushed to respond before they are sure of their response.
5. Make sure that the user understands all instructions. Instructions may be repeated during testing, as necessary.

Wearing Glasses

Suggest to the user that glasses be worn if the user typically wears glasses for viewing information at similar distances. If the glasses are very dirty or smudged, suggest they be cleaned before starting the test. Fortunately, UFOV results are not seriously affected by even a substantial degree of blurred vision. If the user chooses not to wear glasses or expresses concern about the degree to which test results might be impacted by blurring, inform him or her that the computer will first determine whether he or she can see well enough to take all portions of the test and, if not, will automatically conclude the test after the first task is finished. In such a case, an eye exam will be recommended.

User issues

Frustration

UFOV is challenging and some users may become frustrated with their performances and wish to discontinue the test. Reassure the user as needed and praise effort made thus far.

Reminding users of the opening instructions is allowed at any time (e.g., sometimes the information presented on the screen is shown for very short periods of time, and most people reach a point where they cannot identify it). Since the assessment uses an adaptive algorithm, it may be important to inform the user that one can make errors and yet do well on the test, and that it is difficult for users to estimate how well they're doing during the test. He or she may be doing better than they think they are.

Reluctant to guess

Many users may be reluctant to respond when not absolutely sure of a correct answer. Encourage a best guess, and remind them that all responses, whether correct or incorrect, are important to make an accurate estimate of their threshold.

Wants to "back away" from the screen

Many older adults may wish to consciously or unconsciously increase the viewing distance, or move away from the screen, in an attempt to make the targets presented on in the periphery appear within their field of central vision. This defeats the purpose of Subtests 2 and 3. Try to discourage backing away, and many examiners find saying something like the following to be of help: “The rules of the test require that you sit close to the screen, like this.” Demonstrate or ask the user to move or lean forward to reach the correct distance (e.g., 24 inches).