(Ph.D. McMaster)
lewistl@mcmaster.ca
(905)525-9140, Ext. 23009

 

This is me testing a baby	and at a Wedding

 My main research interests involve studying the development of vision in normal infants, the consequences of visual deprivation during infancy, and recovery from amblyopia.

 The normal development of vision. We are investigating developmental changes in visual abilities such as the perception of form and motion. The results to date suggest that aspects of vision requiring more steps of cortical processing are slower to develop than those requiring fewer steps of cortical processing.  

The visual development of children treated for cataracts. To learn more about the importance of early visual experience on the development of vision, we have been studying an unusually large cohort of children who were deprived of normal visual input until they had surgery to remove dense central cataracts and were fitted with contact lenses. Studies in progress involve visual acuity, and the perception of form and motion. Deficits in these patients suggest that visual outcome is influenced by when the deprivation began, how long it lasted, and whether it occurred in one or both eyes. Moreover, the effects of early visual deprivation often differ for aspects of vision mediated by the primary visual cortex versus those mediated by higher cortical areas.

Recovery from amblyopia. We have established a collaborative research network of six labs from around the world in order to (1) study ways to induce recovery from amblyopia and (2) use amblyopia as a model system to re-examine critical periods and developmental changes in plasticity.

Overall, the results will provide insights into the developmental mechanisms driving changes in visual abilities. The results will also have important clinical implications for understanding treatment protocols leading to an optimal visual outcome and may also provide a basis for new approaches to rehabilitation.

 

 

Publications

• Armstrong, V., Maurer, D., Ellemberg, D., & Lewis, T.L. Sensitivity to first- and second-order drifting gratings in 3-month-old infants. i-Perception, 2011, 2, 440-457.
• Robbins, R.A., Shergill, Y., Maurer, D., & Lewis, T. L. (2011). Development of sensitivity to spacing versus feature changes in pictures of houses: Evidence for slow development of a general speccing detection mechanism? Journal of Experimental Child Psychology, 109, 371-382.
• Robbins, R.A., Nishimura, M., Mondloch, C.J., Lewis, T.L. & Maurer, D. Deficits in sensitivity to spacing after early visual deprivation in humans: A comparison of human faces, monkey faces, and houses. Developmental Psychobiology, 2010, 52, 775-781.
• Ellemberg, D., Lewis, T.L., Maurer, D., Lee, B., Ledgeway, T., Guilemot, J.-P., & Lepore, F. The effect of displacement on sensitivity to first- and second-order global motion in 5-year-olds and adults. Seeing & Perceiving, 2010, 23, 517-532.
• Patel, A., Maurer, D., & Lewis, T.L. (2010). The development of spatial frequency discrimination. Journal of Vision, 2010, 10, 1-10.
• Jeon, S.T., Hamid, J., Maurer, D., & Lewis, T.L. Developmental changes during childhood in single letter acuity and its crowding by surrounding contours. Journal of Experimental Child Psychology, 2010, 107, 423-437.
• Hadad, B., Maurer, D., & Lewis, T.L. The development of contour interpolation: Evidence from subjective contours. Journal of Experimental Child Psychology, 2010, 106, 163-176.
• Hadad, B., Maurer, D., & Lewis, T.L. The effects of spatial proximity and collinearity on contour integration in adults and children. Vision Research, 2010, 50, 772-778.
• Armstrong, V., Lewis, T.L., & Maurer, D. Sensitivity to first- and second-order motion and form in children and adults. Vision Research, 2009, 49, 2774-2781.
• Lewis, T.L. & Maurer, D. Effects of early pattern deprivation on visual development. Optometry and Vision Science, 2009, 86, 640-646.
• Taylor, N.M., Jakobson, L.S., Maurer, D., & Lewis, T.L. Differential vulnerability of global motion, global form, and biological motion processing in full-term and preterm children. Neuropsychologia, 2009, 47, 2766-2778.
• Maurer, D., Mondloch, C.J., & Lewis, T.L. Effects of early visual deprivation on perceptual and cognitive development. In C. von Hofsten & K. Rosander (Eds.), Progress in Brain Research, Vol. 164, Elsevier: 2007. Pp. 87-104.
• Lewis, T.L., Kingdom, A., Ellemberg, D., & Maurer, D. Orientation discrimination in 5-year-olds and adults tested with luminance-modulated and contrast-modulated gratings. Journal of Vision, 2007, 7, 1-11.
• Maurer, D., O'Craven, K., Le Grand, R., Mondloch, C., Springer, M., Lewis, T., & Grady, C. Neural correlates of processing facial identity based on features versus their spacing. Neuropsychologia, 2007, 45, 1438-1451.
• Maurer, D., Mondloch, C.J., & Lewis, T.L. Sleeper effects. Developmental Science, 2007, 10, 40-47.
• Maurer, D., Ellemberg, D., Lewis, T.L. Repeated measurements of contrast sensitivity reveal limits to visual plasticity after early binocular deprivation in humans. Neuropsychologia, 2006, 44, 2104 – 2012.
•  Le Grand, R., Cooper, P.A., Mondloch, C.J., Lewis, T.L. Sagiv, N., de Gelder, B., & Maurer. D. What aspects of face processing are impaired in developmental prosopagnosia? Brain and Cognition, 2006, 61, 139 – 158.
•  Freire , A., Lewis, T.L. , Maurer, D. , & Blake, R. The development of sensitivity to biological motion in noise. Perception, 2006, 35, 647 – 657.
•  MacKay, T. L., Jakobson, L.S., Ellemberg, D., Lewis, T.L., Maurer,  D., & Casiro, O. Deficits in the rocessing of local and global  motion in very low birthweight children. Neuropsychologia, 2005, 43,  1738-1748
• Ellemberg, D., Lewis, T.L., Defina, N., Maurer D., Brent, H.P., Guillemot, J-P, & Lepore, F.  Greater losses in the sensitivity to second-order local motion than to first-order local motion after early visual deprivation in humans. Vision Research, 2005, 44 (22), 2877 – 2884.
• Lewis, T.L., & Maurer, D. Multiple sensitive periods in human visual development: Evidence from visually deprived children. Developmental Psychobiology, 46, 2005, 163 - 183.
• Ahmed, I.J. Lewis,  T.L., Ellemberg, D.,  and Maurer D. Discrimination of speed in 5-year-olds and adults: Are children up to speed? Vision Research, 2005, 45, 2129 – 2135.
• Maurer, D., Lewis, T.L., & Mondloch, C.J.  Missing sights: consequences for visual cognitive development. Trends in Cognitive Sciences, 2005, 9/3, 144-151. DOI: 10.1016/j.tics.2005.01.006
• Lewis, T.L., Ellemberg, D., Maurer, D., Dirks, M., Wilkinson, F., Wilson, H.R. A window on the normal development of sensitivity to global form in Glass patterns. Perception, 2004, 33, 409-418.
• Ellemberg, D., Lewis, T.L., Dirks, M., Maurer, D., Ledgway, T., Guillemot, J.-P., & Lepore, F. Putting order into the development of sensitivity to global motion. Vision Research, 2004, 44(20), 2403-2411.
• Ellemberg, D., Lewis, T.L., Meghji, K.S., Maurer, D., Guillemot, J.-P., & Lepore, F. Comparison of sensitivity to first- and second-order local motion in 5-year-olds and adults. Spatial Vision, 2003, 16(5), 419 – 428.
• Ellemberg, D., Lavoie, K., Lewis, T.L., Maurer, D., Lepore, F., & Guillemot, J.-P. Longer VEP latencies and slower reaction times to the onset of second-order motion than to the onset of first-order motion. Vision Research, 2003, 43, 651-658.
• Lewis, T.L., Ellemberg, D., Maurer, D., Wilkinson, F., Wilson, H.R., Dirks, M., & Brent, H.P. Sensitivity to global form in Glass patterns after early visual deprivation in humans. Vision Research, 2002, 42, 939-948.
• Ellemberg, D., Lewis, T.L., Maurer, D., Brar, S., & Brent, H.P. Better perception of global motion after monocular than after binocular deprivation. Vision Research, 2002, 42, 169-179.
• Ellemberg, D., Lewis, T.L. , Maurer, D., & Brent, H.P. The role of visual input in setting up spatial filters in the human visual system, Proceedings of PICS 2001: Image Processing, Image Quality, Image Capture, Systems Conference, The Society for Imaging Science and Technology, Springfield, VA 2001, 421-425.
• Maurer, D., & Lewis, T.L. Visual acuity: the role of visual input in inducing postnatal change. Clinical Neuroscience Reaearch, 2001, 1, 239-247.
• Goldberg, M.C., Maurer, D., Lewis, T.L., & Brent, H.P. The influence of binocular visual deprivation on the development of visual-spatial attention. Developmental Neuropsychology, 2001, 19, 55-83.
• Goldberg, M.C., Maurer, D., & Lewis, T.L. Developmental changes in attention: The effects of endogenous cueing and of distractors. Developmental Science, 2001, 4, 208-218.
• Maurer, D., & Lewis, T.L. Visual acuity and spatial contrast sensitivity: Normal development and underlying mechanisms. In C. A. Nelson and M. Luciana (Eds.). The handbook of developmental cognitive neuroscience. Boston, MA, MIT Press, 2001, 237-251.
• Ellemberg, D., Lewis, T.L. , Maurer, D., & Brent, H.P. Influence of monocular deprivation during infancy on the later development of spatial and temporal vision. Vision Research, 2000, 40, 3283 - 3295.
• Lewis, T.L. , Maurer, D., Chung, J.Y.Y., Holmes-Shannon, R., & Van Schaik, C.S. The development of symmetrical OKN in infants: Quantification based on OKN acuity for nasalward versus temporalward motion. Vision Research, 2000, 40, 445-453.
• Mondloch, C.J., Lewis, T.L., Budreau, D.R., Maurer, D., Dannemiller, J.L., Stephens, B.R., & Kleiner K.A. Face perception during early infancy. Psychological Science, 1999, 10, 419-422.
• Maurer, D., Lewis, T.L., Brent, H.P., & Levin, A.V. Visual input induces rapid improvement in the acuity of infants. Science, 1999, 286, 108-110.
• Ellemberg, D., Lewis, T.L., Maurer, D., Liu, C.H., & Brent, H.P. Spatial and temporal vision in patients treated for bilateral congenital cataracts. Vision Research, 1999, 39, 3480-3489.
• Ellemberg, D., Lewis, T.L., Liu, C.H., & Maurer, D. The development of spatial and temporal vision during childhood. Vision Research, 1999, 39, 2325-2333.
• Maurer, D., & Lewis, T.L. Overt orienting toward peripheral stimuli: Normal development and underlying mechanisms. In J. E. Richards (Ed.), Cognitive neuroscience of attention: A developmental perspective. Mahwah, NJ: Erlbaum, 1998, 51-102.
• Lewis, T.L. Editorial: Seeing beyond acuity. British Journal of Ophthalmology, 1998, 82, 982-983.
• Mondloch, C.J., Lewis, T.L., Maurer, D., & Levin, A.V. The effects of visual experience on face preferences during infancy. Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience Technical Report, 1998, No.98.4.
• Goldberg, M.C., Maurer, D., & Lewis, T.L. Influence of a central stimulus on infants' visual fields. Infant Behavior and Development, 1997, 20, 359-370.
• Maurer, D., Nnubia, N., & Lewis, T.L. The effect of sucking on infants' orienting toward peripheral visual stimuli. Infant Behavior and Development, 1997, 20, 397-404.
• Bowering, E.R., Maurer, D., Lewis, T.L., & Brent, H.P. Constriction of the visual field of children after early visual deprivation. Journal of Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus, 1997, 34, 347-356.
• Menzes, A.V., Lewis, T.L., & Buncic, J.R. The role of ocular involvement in the prediction of visual development and clinical prognosis in Aicardi syndrome. British Journal of Ophthalmology, 1996, 80, 805-811.
• Bowering, E.R., Maurer, D., Lewis, T.L., Brent, H.P. & Riedel, P. The visual field in childhood: Normal development and the influence of deprivation. Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience Technical Report, 1996, No. 96.1.
• Lewis, T.L., Maurer, D., & Brent, H.P. The development of grating acuity in children treated for unilateral or bilateral congenital cataract. Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science, 1995, 36, 2080-2095.
• Tytla, M.E., Lewis, T.L., Maurer, D., & Brent, H.P. Stereopsis after congenital cataract. Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science, 1993, 34, 1767-1773.
• Harris, L.R., Lewis, T.L., & Maurer, D. Brain stem and cortical contributions to the generation of horizontal optokinetic eye movements in humans. Visual Neuroscience, 1993, 10, 247-259.
• Maurer, D., & Lewis, T.L. Visual outcomes after infantile cataract. In K. Simons (Ed.), Early visual development, Normal and abnormal. Committee on Vision, Commission on Behavioral and Social Sciences and Education, National Research Council. New York: Oxford University Press, 1993, 454-484.
• Bowering, E.R., Maurer, D., Lewis, T.L., & Brent, H.P. Sensitivity in the nasal and temporal hemifields in children treated for cataract. Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science, 1993, 34, 3501-3509.
• Lewis, T.L., Reed, M.J., Maurer, D., Wyngaarden, P.A., & Brent, H.P. An evaluation of acuity card procedures. Clinical Vision Sciences, 1993, 8, 591-602.
• Lewis, T.L., & Maurer, D. The development of the temporal and nasal visual fields during infancy. Vision Research, 1992, 32, 903-911.
• Lewis, T.L., Maurer, D., Tytla, M.E., Bowering, E., & Brent, H.P. Vision in the "good" eye of children treated for unilateral congenital cataract. Ophthalmology, 1992, 99, 1013-1017.
• Lewis, T.L., Maurer, D., Smith, R.J., & Haslip, J.K. The development of symmetrical optokinetic nystagmus during infancy. Clinical Vision Sciences, 1992, 7, 211-218.
• Maurer, D., & Lewis, T.L. The development of peripheral vision and its physiological underpinnings. In M.J. Weiss & P.R. Zelazo (Eds.), Newborn Attention: Biological constraints and the influence of experience. Norwood, N.J.: Ablex, 1991, 218-255.
• Lewis, T.L., Maurer, D., & Brent, H.P. The development of visual resolution in infants and toddlers tested monocularly with optokinetic nystagmus. Clinical Vision Sciences, 1990, 5, 231-241.
• Lewis, T.L., Maurer, D., & Brent, H.P. Optokinetic nystagmus in normal and visually deprived children: Implications for cortical development. Canadian Journal of Psychology, 1989, 43, 121-140.
• Maurer, D., Lewis, T.L., Cavanagh, P., & Anstis, S. A new test of luminous efficiency for babies. Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science, 1989, 30, 297-303.
• Maurer, D., Lewis, T.L., & Brent, H.P. The effects of deprivation on human visual development: Studies of children treated for cataracts. In F.J. Morrison, C.E. Lord, & D.P. Keating (Eds.), Applied developmental psychology, Vol. 3, Psychological development in infancy. San Diego, CA: Academic Press, 1989, 139-227.
• Tytla, M.E., Maurer, D., Lewis, T.L., & Brent, H.P. Contrast sensitivity in children treated for congenital cataract. Clinical Vision Sciences, 1988, 2, 251-264.
• Anstis, S., Cavanagh, P., Maurer, D., & Lewis, T. Optokinetic technique measures infants' responses to color. Applied Optics, 1987, 26, 1510-1516.
• Lewis, T.L., Maurer, D., & Brent, H.P. Effects on perceptual development of visual deprivation during infancy. British Journal of Ophthalmology, 1986, 70, 214-220.
• Anstis, S., Cavanagh, P., Maurer, D., Lewis, T., MacLeod, D.A., & Mather, G. Computer-generated screening test for color blindness. Color Research and Application, 1986, 11, S63-S66.
• Lewis, T.L., & Maurer, D. Preferential looking as a measure of visual resolution in infants and toddlers: A comparison of psychophysical methods. Child Development, 1986, 57, 1062-1075.
• Lewis, T.L., Maurer, D., & Brent, H.P. Optokinetic nystagmus in children treated for bilateral cataracts. In R. Groner, G.W. McConkie, & C. Menz (Eds.), Eye movements and human information processing. Amsterdam: North-Holland, 1985, 85-105.
• Lewis, T.L., Maurer, D., & Blackburn, K. The development of young infants' ability to detect stimuli in the nasal visual field. Vision Research, 1985, 25, 943-950.
• Maurer, D., Lewis, T.L., & Brent, H.P. Peripheral vision and optokinetic nystagmus in children with unilateral congenital cataract. Behavioural Brain Research, 1983, 10, 151-161.
• Maurer, D., & Lewis, T.L. Review of Psychological Development from Infancy: Image to Intention. Edited by M. Bornstein & W. Kessen. Child Development Abstracts and Bibliography, 1981, 55, 72.
• Maurer, D., & Lewis, T.L. The influence of peripheral stimuli on infants' eye movements. In D.F. Fisher, R.A. Monty, & J.W. Senders (Eds.), Eye movements: Cognition and visual perception. Hillsdale, New Jersey: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, 1981, 21-29.
• Lewis, T.L., & Maurer, D. Central vision in the newborn. Journal of Experimental Child Psychology, 1980, 29, 475-480.
• Maurer, D., Siegel, L., Lewis, T.L., Kristofferson, M., Barnes, R., & Levy, B. Long-term memory improvement? Child Development, 1979, 50, 106-118.
• Maurer, D., & Lewis, T.L. Peripheral discrimination by three-month-old infants. Child Development, 1979, 50, 276-279.
•  Maurer, D., & Lewis, T.L. A physiological explanation of infants' early visual development. Canadian Journal of Psychology, 1979, 33, 232-252.
•  Lewis, T.L., Maurer, D., & Kay, D. Newborns' central vision: whole or hole? Journal of Experimental Child Psychology, 1978, 26, 193-203.