A Driving Vision

Ask low vision patients what they want, and the first answer is often a single word: independence.

For many, that includes the desire to drive. While that may sound impossible, 47 states now allow some of these individuals to drive under limited, varied-by-state circumstances.

Bioptics—in the form of glasses with miniature telescopes mounted on the lenses—is what makes it possible. Though it differs by state, the minimum vision for driving is up to what’s considered a medium loss of central vision—usually between 20/60 and 20/200—along with adequate (which, like central vision, is defined differently around the country) visual fields.

EXPERT ADVICE

Low vision experts Richard Shuldiner, O.D., and Henry Greene, O.D., have researched and communicated about low vision and driving, especially with the aid of bioptic telescopes. Dr. Greene is the incoming chairman of the Low Vision Division of The Vision Council. He is also president of bioptic telescope manufacturer Ocutech, in Chapel Hill, NC.

Based in Riverside, CA, Dr. Shuldiner is founder of the International Academy of Low Vision Specialists (IALVS) and a respected author and lecturer on low vision.

“Driving equals independence,” confirms Dr. Shuldiner, “so it’s high on the wish list of most of my low vision patients. Of course, because vision requirements differ so much in each state, we cannot always accomplish that goal.”

Want to Learn More?

Both Dr. Greene’s and Dr. Schuldiner’s websites offer a treasure trove of information for ECPs and patients about driving with bioptics.

For more, go to ocutech.com/about-bioptics and ialvs.com, as well as designsforvision.com.

Based in Bohemia, NY, Designs for Vision was founded by the late William Feinbloom, O.D., Ph.D., who invented the original bioptic telescope.

THE PARAMETERS

Drivers use the bioptics telescope similarly to the way fully sighted drivers use side and rearview mirrors, explains Dr. Greene. The majority of the time (95% of a low vision driver’s time behind the wheel, he adds), users look through the regular (carrier) lens portion of the bioptic.

It’s imperative for patients and practices to study the fine print on driving restrictions in their locale. In Florida, for example, it’s legal to drive with bioptic telescopes but not to take a driving test with them.

“In California, they can be used, but it’s not mandatory. In New York, however, certain levels of vision are required to have the telescope,” explains Dr. Shuldiner.

A complete listing of driving-with-low-vision requirements by state is available at his group’s website, ialvs.com.