Individuals with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11DS) exhibit deficits in visuo-spatial reasoning, including impairments in spatial attention and visuo-spatial short-term memory. In the present study, we investigate specific mechanisms contributing to visuo-spatial impairments by recording gaze fixations using a Tobii 1750 eye-tracking machine. Fortyone participants with 22q11DS (aged 8-24, 18M 23F) and 38 healthy controls (aged 9-24, 20M 18F) completed a version of the Benton Visual Retention Test (BVRT) adapted for eye tracking. Participants studied each of the 10 geometric images from the BVRT for a period of 10 seconds. Each image was then followed by a multiple-choice slide containing the original image and three similar choices. Overall, individuals with 22q11DS demonstrated fewer (p=0.002) and shorter (p=0.012) fixations during their exploration of the 10 images compared to the control group. This was especially clear on images that had a lower level of complexity. Moreover, specific regions remained less explored than others in the 22q11DS group. For example, almost all peripheral figures were significantly less explored (from p<0.001to p<0.034) for 7 of the 8 images with a peripheral figure. Moreover, when multiple figures were presented centrally, the simplest of the figures remained significantly less explored (from p<0.004 to p<0.05) for 5 of the 7 images with multiple central figures. Main cortical aeras related to a deficits in visual exploration of peripheral figures is the Caudal Middle Frontal on both hemispheres and those related to a deficit in exploration of simple figures is the Left Anterior Cingulate While visuo-spatial impairments are frequently mentioned in relation to 22q11DS, the current study shows alterations to spontaneous exploration of complex geometrical images in affected individuals, which may be related as well to difficulties in attentional disengagement (Simon et al, 2005). These observations provide concrete mechanisms for improving visual scanpath in affected individuals.