Participant Information Statement

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Mobility is a major barrier faced by people with reduced vision affecting their ability to work, study, and access community. This project will establish an ACT connected mobility pathways framework for referrals for people with reduced vision to be assessed for functional vision to offer mobility options and training pathways. The person can be taught how to maximise the use of their vision along with assistive technology to help mobility to facilitate access to work, study and community. Including visual scanning, use of the phone for navigation and accessibility and use of a monocular and/or bioptic for distance viewing. This will improve travel options including walking, public transport, cycling, active travel, rideshare and for those who meet strict criteria, learn to drive with bioptic telescopic glasses. Importantly, connected pathways to mobility also support people transitioning from driving particularly supporting older persons who have been driving their entire life. 

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This Australian first project being piloted in the ACT will be a model presenting opportunity to replicate connected pathway teams as a blueprint nationally.  

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Around 4,000 people in the ACT could benefit in the long term. A formal framework and training will upskill professionals across the ACT on how their profession fits, when and how to refer and how to support reduced vision candidates who currently have no formalised pathways (unlike people classified legally blind). 

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Privacy Notice

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Bioptic Drivers Australia (BDA) collects personal information through this application form for the sole purpose of administering the ACT Reduced Vision Mobility Pathways Pilot Program. The information you provide will be used to assess your eligibility for the pilot, coordinate functional vision assessments, orientation and mobility services, training activities, and to communicate with you about your participation. 

We may share relevant information with members of the project’s transdisciplinary core team and other program partners involved in assessment or training. Information will only be shared where necessary to deliver program activities and support your participation. 

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Your personal information will be handled in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Australian Privacy Principles. We will not disclose your information to any other third parties unless required or authorised by law, or with your explicit consent. 

You may request access to, or correction of, the personal information we hold about you at any time by contacting BDA at biopticdriversaus@gmail.com. If you choose not to provide the information requested, we may be unable to assess your eligibility or include you in the pilot program. 

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By submitting this form, you confirm that the information provided is accurate, and you consent to BDA collecting, storing, and using your personal information as described in this Privacy Statement. 

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Who Can Apply?

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This pilot project focus is for people with ‘central vision loss conditions’ who still have functional peripheral visual fields. These conditions typically involve reduced central acuity but stable, wide-angle environmental awareness.  

 

Common suitable conditions include:  

Albinism  

Achromatopsia  

Stargardt disease  

Early‑stage macular degeneration  

Cone dystrophies  

Certain retinal conditions affecting central acuity  

Some optic nerve conditions  

Congenital nystagmus (case‑by‑case)  

 

These conditions preserve the peripheral awareness needed for safe scanning, hazard detection, and telescope/ bioptic glasses use.  

 

Conditions not accepted for the pilot program are those with significantly reduce peripheral visual fields, create dense central scotomas, or cause unstable or fluctuating vision. Common conditions include:  

 

Retinitis pigmentosa  

Glaucoma  

Diabetic retinopathy  

Advanced macular degeneration  

Hemianopia or quadrantanopia  

Neurological/ cerebral vision impairment 

Any condition with unstable or rapidly progressive vision  

 

But! Eligibility depends on more than diagnosis. For those wishing to pursure driving, driving suitability is based on functional vision, not just the name of a condition. Therefore, the process for a functional vision assessment for everyone will consider:  

 

Peripheral field integrity  

Central acuity  

Able to differentiate colour (but can be colourblind)  

Glare recovery  

Visual processing speed  

Cognitive and motor ability  

Stability of the condition  

Ability to learn scanning techniques. 

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Apply using the form below.

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