Compass is still being developed and is effectively in beta. Some content and features may be incomplete, change, or not work as expected.

Content is anchored to trusted sources where available, but Compass has not yet been clinically reviewed. It provides general information rather than medical advice.

Feedback helps us identify gaps, errors, usability problems and opportunities to improve Compass over time.

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Speech, swallowing and communication

Eye gaze

Controlling a computer by looking at it, using a camera that follows where the eyes are pointing.

What it means

A small camera works out where on the screen you are looking, and looking steadily at something selects it. It is an access method rather than a device: the same technique can drive a communication programme, a web browser or a set of home controls.

Why you might hear it

  • It comes up when hand movement makes a keyboard or touchscreen difficult.
  • Assessment usually involves trying it rather than deciding on paper.

People who may help

Where Compass goes into this

About this explanation

These are plain explanations of words you may come across, not advice about your own situation. Where a word matters to a decision, the question pages go into it properly, and your own team is the place to take it.