The Visual Snow Initiative (VSI) funds a diverse array of scientific research focused on advancing the understanding of Visual Snow Syndrome and improving its management, with the ultimate goal of identifying a cure. All donations to VSI directly fund research on Visual Snow Syndrome (VSS).
VSI was founded on the principle of fostering global research collaboration for VSS. Since its inception, VSI has initiated the first-ever collaborations among VSS researchers, and continues to connect them, facilitating the exchange of knowledge, sharing of ideas, and ongoing progress in VSS research.
VSI’s Global Research Team evaluates and supports the most promising research proposals, informed by the expertise of leading VSS specialists. Given the high volume of submissions, VSI prioritizes projects with the greatest potential for impactful scientific and clinical outcomes.
Each research initiative contributes to the broader scientific understanding of VSS while providing practical resources to help individuals manage symptoms and improve quality of life in the interim, as the search for a cure progresses. The data generated is also essential for identifying safe and effective treatments for symptoms, including pharmacological, non-invasive, and accessible approaches, tailored to the diverse symptoms, preferences, and medical histories of individuals with VSS.
For any studies involving medication, VSI collaborates with global researchers who specialize in both the complexities of VSS and pharmacology—expertise essential for ensuring the research is conducted safely and with a comprehensive understanding of the condition.
To date, VSI has funded groundbreaking research in seven countries, which has led to the clinical and scientific recognition of VSS as a distinct neurological condition, characterized by both visual and non-visual symptoms. These pioneering studies have uncovered critical insights into the biological basis and pathophysiology of VSS, while also driving the ongoing development of viable treatment options to help manage its symptoms, where none previously existed.
Since the Visual Snow Initiative began its work in 2018, research and publications on Visual Snow Syndrome have quadrupled.
The insights gained from all VSI-supported research are applied to drive long-term progress toward the ultimate objective of identifying a cure.
Note: Some researchers investigate specific aspects of VSS, while others explore multiple areas, with overlapping focus and the use of similar methodologies. As such, some researchers may explore the same subjects and potential treatments simultaneously, often collaborating to maximize results. Additionally, some institutions and researchers use VSI’s platform to recruit participants for studies, including those not directly funded by VSI.
Focus: Etiology (root causes), biology, pathophysiology, brain network mechanisms, symptomatology, potential causes, and treatment targets
Focus: Identification of biomarkers and receptor-level mechanisms underlying VSS
Study 1: Transcranial Alternating Current Stimulation (tACS) Focus: Modulating overactive brain networks associated with VSS Methods: tACS combined with EEG Research Lead: Study 2: NESA XSignal Neuromodulation Device Research Lead:
Focus: Exploration of pharmacological treatments and ethics/regulatory approvals
Focus: Cortical excitability and abnormal network activity
Focus: Large randomized controlled trial assessing symptom modulation and blood biomarkers
Focus: Visual and sensory processing pathways implicated in VSS
Focus: Visual noise, motion-selective neurons, and perceptual mechanisms in VSS
Focus: Diagnosis and treatment of VSS-related visual dysfunction and quality of life improvement
Focus: Differential diagnosis, clinical features, surveys, TMS, comprehensive VSS characterization
Study: Phenotyping the Behavioral Impacts of Visual Snow Syndrome Focus: Visual perception, daily function, neural mechanisms, and assessment tools Research Lead: VSI Support Provided: Letters of support for CIHR grant application and study recruitment
Focus: Neuro-ophthalmologic diagnostic device applicable to VSS and other conditions
Focus: Surveys, diagnostic frameworks, VSS assessment tools; pending publication of her TMS/rTMS research Research Lead:
Back row (L-R): Dr. Ben Sinclair, Paige Foletta, Dr. Scott Kolbe | Front row (L-R): Dr. Meaghan Clough, Dr. & Prof. Owen White, Dr. & A/Prof. Joanne Fielding, Emma Solly
If you are a scientific researcher, healthcare professional, or represent a medical institution, organization, or university seeking funding for a Visual Snow Syndrome study, please fill out the form below:
Testimonials and a list of VSI’s collaborators can be found on the Acknowledgments page of our website.
For more details about VSI’s Global Research Team and our partners, please visit the Meet the VSI Team page.
The following Visual Snow Syndrome research studies, educational articles, and resource projects highlight the collective global efforts of the Visual Snow Initiative (VSI) and its collaborators to advance understanding, raise awareness, expand education, and establish recognition for the condition.
A comprehensive library of the latest Visual Snow Syndrome studies, educational articles, and advocacy efforts involving the Visual Snow Initiative (VSI), organized chronologically, is available on our News & Research page. A timeline highlighting key milestones and ongoing progress in Visual Snow Syndrome can be found on our Visual Snow Timeline page.
Our News & Research section features important updates on the Visual Snow Initiative, including research studies, interviews, projects, and other relevant information about our global efforts and progress regarding Visual Snow Syndrome.
VSI collaborates with academic institutions, medical organizations, and independent researchers worldwide.
These institutions and researchers utilize VSI’s platform to recruit participants for studies, including those not directly funded by VSI.
Additionally, VSI facilitates global collaboration by connecting experts through regular virtual meetings.
Note: Delays in research can sometimes occur due to factors beyond direct control. These may include unforeseen research challenges, changes in regulatory processes, resource availability, and coordination with multiple parties, organizations, or institutions. While efforts are always made to mitigate setbacks, unforeseen challenges may result in extended timelines for certain VSS research projects. Your understanding is appreciated on behalf of the VSS researchers who are working hard to do their best, address these challenges, and help make progress as swiftly as possible.
Updates are provided as soon as they are received from the research teams.
Every donation to the Visual Snow Initiative funds critical Visual Snow Syndrome (VSS) research. Your tax-deductible contribution drives global research efforts and creates a meaningful impact on the lives of those affected by VSS.
