A new resource is now available for the Visual Snow Syndrome (VSS) community. The Oxford Mindfulness Foundation has launched an 8-week virtual Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy course adapted specifically for Visual Snow Syndrome (MBCT-vision), beginning January 6.
This programme was developed with neurologist and neuro-ophthalmologist Dr. Sui Wong, applying the methods from her VSS research where objective fMRI scans before and after MBCT showed measurable functional changes in the visual and salience networks, indicating improvements in neurological dysregulation associated with the condition. This virtual programme makes these research-based methods more accessible beyond the clinic.
This new offering builds on the Visual Snow Initiative’s free, globally accessible “Mindfulness for Visual Snow Syndrome” module in the Oxford Mindfulness app, which was informed by the teachings from Dr. Wong and the Oxford team. Visual Snow Initiative founder Sierra Domb contributed to the development of the initial course and facilitated the collaboration with Dr. Wong and Oxford Mindfulness, emphasizing the importance of identifying, developing, and expanding access to diverse, evidence-based interventions (informed by patient experiences and scientific research) that may otherwise be unavailable.
Many participants who found the first course beneficial expressed interest in further MBCT resources and continued support. In response, Oxford Mindfulness and Dr. Wong developed this new, longer course to provide a more comprehensive application of mindfulness-based approaches for individuals with VSS.
What is MBCT-Vision?
MBCT-vision is an adaptation of the evidence-based Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) programme, developed by neurologist and neuro-ophthalmologist Dr. Sui Wong. Dr. Wong’s research has used MBCT-vision alongside fMRI imaging to examine brain function in individuals with VSS. Following her MBCT programme, participants in Dr. Wong’s research exhibited functional changes on fMRI scans in the visual and salience networks, reflecting measurable improvements in neurological dysregulation.
This new Oxford course is taught by Christina Surawy, a senior MBCT instructor, researcher, and colleague of Dr. Wong. While Dr. Wong continues her clinical and research work, she has consulted on the course to ensure accurate representation of the methods used in her studies. Importantly, the programme has also been developed with direct input from individuals who experience Visual Snow Syndrome, helping ensure it is accessible and relevant to the community.
Collaboration
The collaboration between the Visual Snow Initiative (VSI) and Oxford Mindfulness brings together VSI’s advocacy and research support with Oxford’s expertise in evidence-based mindfulness teaching. Together, the goal is to increase understanding of Visual Snow Syndrome and offer tools grounded in research, clinical insight, and compassion.
All details, including curriculum, structure, FAQs, and registration, can be found directly on the Oxford Mindfulness course page.
Note
Consistent with Oxford’s standard approach for their academic mindfulness training, the comprehensive MBCT-vision course carries a programme fee. However, the free and globally accessible “Mindfulness for Visual Snow Syndrome” module remains available in the Oxford Mindfulness app for anyone who would like to explore the practices at no cost.
What is the difference between the free MBCT-Vision course offered by VSI and the paid Oxford Mindfulness course?
Both the free and paid MBCT-Vision courses were developed with Dr. Sui Wong and are based on the same research-backed protocol she used in her Visual Snow Syndrome (VSS) studies. The main differences are format, length, and cost. The free version was created by the Visual Snow Initiative (VSI) in collaboration with Oxford Mindfulness to help make Dr. Wong’s scientific protocol widely accessible It’s delivered through the Oxford Mindfulness app and designed to be easy to try, especially for those new to MBCT, with contributions from Dr. Wong, VSI Founder Sierra Domb, and Oxford Instructor Makeda McKenzie. The paid course is run by Oxford Mindfulness and offers the same core teachings, but in a longer, live, interactive format led by Janet Wingrove, Dr. Wong’s colleague. VSI is currently exploring working with Dr. Wong and Oxford Mindfulness to expand free access to this same MBCT-vision course in the future. Any updates will be announced on our website and social media.
Access
New comprehensive full programme:
- 8-week virtual Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy course adapted specifically for Visual Snow Syndrome (MBCT-vision)
Previously launched condensed programme:
- Mindfulness for Visual Snow Syndrome module (available free in the Oxford Mindfulness app)