Which visual test involves tracking a moving target with the eyes?

The correct choice is smooth pursuits, which refers to the eye movement that allows an individual to track a moving target smoothly and steadily. This type of visual tracking is essential for daily activities, such as following a moving object or person without losing focus or requiring frequent abrupt eye movements.

During a smooth pursuit test, individuals are typically asked to track a slowly moving object with their eyes, which can help assess the function of the oculomotor system and identify any impairments that may exist following a stroke. This skill involves the ability to maintain a constant gaze on a target as it moves across the visual field, which is vital for coordination and spatial awareness.

The other options, while relating to eye movement, describe different mechanisms. Vertical pursuits focus specifically on tracking objects moving vertically, which is a narrower assessment than smooth pursuits, and does not capture the broader assessment of moving targets in any direction. Saccades refer to rapid, simultaneous movements of both eyes in the same direction, typically used for quick jumps between targets rather than tracking a single moving target smoothly. The focus test evaluates the ability to maintain visual accuracy on a stationary object rather than following a moving target, making it less relevant to this context. Consequently, smooth pursuits are the most appropriate choice for