Visual behavior can be assessed by observing the optokinetic nystagmus, a reflex tracking movement of the eyes, which stabilizes the position of a moving image on the retinal fovea when the head remains stationary. Known from ophthalmologic diagnostics, this reflex offers a basic approach to examine the functionality of the visual system.

The group has access to an automated testing arena (optomotor setup), which permits to register the eye movements of a freely moving animal elicited by a projected visual stimulus pattern.