Welcome to the Bioptic Driving Web Site. This site is devoted to the dissemination of information about low vision driving with the use of a bioptic. My purpose is to inform others that there is an option available that may allow them to obtain their driver's license even if they cannot meet their state's standard vision requirements for driving. Here you will find information that will aid in making an informed decision as to whether this is a feasible option.
What is Low Vision Driving?
Low vision driving, or vision-assisted driving, as I prefer to call it, is driving with the use of a device called a bioptic. A bioptic is a small telescope mounted in the lens of a pair of glasses. The telescope aids the driver in seeing road signs and other objects at a distance. Many states now allow drivers who cannot meet their state's standard vision requirements to drive if they are fitted with a bioptic telescope and meet certain other guidelines. .
Where do I get a bioptic?
Bioptics for driving must be prescribed just as a pair of eyeglasses is. Do not be surprised if your eye care professional has not heard of vision-assisted driving or a bioptic. Ask for a referral to a Low Vision Specialist. My recommendation is to contact several and ask if they are acquainted with fitting bioptics for driving. Click here to find a low vision specialist near you.
NOTE: A low vision evaluation may be beneficial even if you are not interested in pursuing driving.
Can I drive safely?
This is a tough decision. Some people who qualify to drive with the use of a bioptic may choose not to because they do not feel that they can do so safely. Their decision is to be commended and respected. Some issues to consider are the driving conditions in the area where one would most frequently be driving and the maturity of the driver to realize his/her limitations.
How will I learn to drive?
As more states amend their laws to allow bioptic driving and as technology becomes more readily available, many people who were told for years that they could not drive are finding that they can now do so legally. Many people learn to drive when they are teenagers through their school system. How do you go about learning to drive if you do not have access to a driver's education program through your school system? Some states have specific driver training requirements for bioptic drivers. These states will be more likely to have training options available . For those that don't, here are a few suggestions:
Driving Schools - Depending on where you live, this may be an option. You do not need an instructor specifically trained in low vision driving techniques, but if you can find one and can afford it, all the better. Check your yellow pages for Driving Schools.
Your School District - I was fortunate to know a high school driver's education teacher who let me attend a week-long session of driving simulators. If you are a taxpayer you may ask and be granted permission to do the same at your local school. This was very good experience for learning defensive driving techniques, even if the films were 25 years old!
Driving Coach - If the above mentioned options are not available to you then you will need to find someone who is willing to help you in your effort to learn to drive. I call this person a Driving Coach because they will be coaching you as you make progress in your effort to obtain your driver's license. A good driving coach will be a good driver himself and will be patient and supportive in your efforts to learn to drive.
RESOURCES
LIVING WITH VISION LOSS Independence, Driving and Low Vision Solutions This book presents the reader with ideas for coping with vision loss as well as options and considerations for driving with low vision. Read more about this title at http://www.mindspring.com/~gottlieb/book.htm
Low Vision Driving Information This web page sponsored by the National Organization for Albinism and Hypopigmentation gives a brief overview of bioptic driving http://www.albinism.org/publications/driving.html
Low Vision Driving Webboard Read the personal experiences of vision-assisted drivers or post a question to this webboard sponsored by the National Organization for Albinism and Hypopigmentation.
LINKS
AMERICAN ACADEMY OF OPHTHALMOLOGISTS Policy Statement ont
Vision Requirements for Driving
Bioptic Driving Systems -The Low Vision Centers of Indiana
Lighthouse International - Driving and Mobility
The Association for Driver Rehabilitation Specialists
Sunrise/Sunset Chart - This is a printable chart for your specific location. This is helpful for daylight-only drivers or those who just don't like to drive in the dark.
CarControl.com - Defensive driving and driver education
The Art of Driving - This site offers safe driving tips and links to other pages about driving.
The Low Vision Gateway has lots of good information about low vision and links.
Drivers.com is a global community for traffic safety education and driver training.
Woman Motorist Internet magazine with articles on cars and driving safety
DriveHomeSafe.com is a teen driving website center for parents and future teen drivers needing solutions, instruction, statistics, and education on everything about safe teen driving.
KNOW YOUR LIMITATIONS! This is the most important safety tip for the low vision driver. This is also what can make the difference as to whether you decide to drive using a visual aid. While you may not feel comfortable driving everywhere, you may feel confident to drive yourself safely to and from work, the store or appointments. This ability alone can greatly improve one's quality of life, independence and self-esteem.
PLAN YOUR ROUTE Map your route before you get in the car. How will you get to where you need to go and how will you get home? What situations may cause a possible problem based on where you are going and what time of day? Will traffic be heavy? Maybe another, less traveled route would be better. Will you be driving into the sun? Maybe there is a better time of day to make the trip. It may be best to avoid uncontrolled intersections and left turns across traffic. Knowing where you are going avoids last-minute decisions, which can be dangerous in traffic.
Follow the Rules of the Road and Drive Carefully This applies to everyone but is especially important to the vision-assisted driver. This will only serve to maximize your safety and the safety of others. Also, always keep in mind that driving is a privilege not a right. It is only fairly recently that many states have allowed bioptic driving. Each of us is setting a precedent for future low vision drivers and it is important for the group as a whole to maintain a good driving record.
Allow Ample Space Between You and Other Drivers This will increase the amount of time you have to notice the car ahead slowing down or stopping.
Click on the state or province below to send an e-mail to one of the bioptic driving mentors.
CALIFORNIA
CALIFORNIA
ILLINOIS
GEORGIA
TENNESSEE
NEVADA
NEW JERSEY
NEW YORK
VIRGINIA
MANITOBA, CANADA
MY STORY
At age 15, after completing most of my driver education classroom work, I became suspicious that my low vision may disqualify me from receiving my driver’s license. A phone call to my ophthalmologist confirmed my fears-I did not meet the requirements for driving. I was devastated. Years passed and I built my life around not being able to drive. I moved within walking distance of my job and relied on family and friends for transportation. In 1997 I received a mailing about a low vision conference that led me to learn about NOAH. (see above) It was through NOAH that I met others who were driving successfully in spite of their low vision. I learned of the vision requirements for bioptic drivers in my state and contacted my ophthalmologist. After reviewing my records, he said I did not qualify and he had never heard of such a thing as a bioptic but would gladly refer me to a low vision specialist. At this point I knew I must advocate for myself and I made an appointment with a low vision specialist that had helped other bioptic drivers. After taking the exam that tested many aspects of my vision, I was told that I did meet the requirements for driving in my state. I was elated, but at the same time was afraid this was too good to be true. I went home to ponder whether I would make a safe driver. A few months later I went back to be fitted for the bioptic and to begin the process of obtaining my license. There were few difficulties and in June of 1999 at the age of 36 I received my Illinois State Driver's License. One of my life’s missions is to help others know the sense of independence and the self-esteem that comes with that independence that driving can bring.
