Bioptic Drivers Australia | Bioptic low vision driving

PROFESSIONALS

Eye Assessors

What is a clinical and function vision assessment for low vision bioptic driving?

(Note: These parameters are consistent with the International Council of Ophthalmology (ICO) 2006 Visual Standards report "Visual Requirements for Driving Safely" - see their report on recommendations for assessing functional vision):

Visual acuity better than 6/60
Visual acuity through the scope 6/12 or better
No more than 3 scotomas in the visual field
Vertical 10 degrees and Harizonal 110 visual periphery
Can differentiate colour (can still be colour blind or deficient)
Contrast sensitivity that is at least age matched
Able to demonstrate glare recovery
A stable eye condition (no major variations)
If progressive, is regularly monitored

An optometrist can work with an orientation and mobility (O&M) specialist. After the above assessment the O&M can conduct static and dynamic in room and outdoor on foot and passenger in car assessments. These assessments contribute to understanding the candidates visual processing.

As an example to see how the above is done in practice with both the optometrist and O&M see Churchill Fellowship blog "17. Bioptic driving in The Netherlands and the Europrean Union".

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How do I find out how to prescribe and fit the bioptic?

These are the three major brands that offer bioptic for driving. Click on the logo or image to go to their website. Each provider gives detailed instructions on how to prescribe and fit their devices. If you want to contact an Australian optometrist who currently prescribes in Australia to talk about their experiences, please contact us: biopticdriversaus@gmail.com

Dr Debra McConnaha

Low Vision and Neuro Rehabilitation Optometrist (retired) Indiana University

continues as Medical Examiner for Indiana Department of Motor Vehicle

email: mcconnah@iu.edu

Dr Sharon Oberstein

Low Vision Optometrist UNSW Student Led Optometry Clinic

email: s.oberstein@unsw.edu.au

17. Bioptic driving in The Netherlands and the European Union

Picture 1: driving on freeway Picture 2: sculpture of cycling clogs Picture 4: crossing showing car, pedestrian and bike lanes Picture 5: moped on cycle path and walk path next to it both separated by tree lined refuge then car lane Picture 5 shows shared streets Picture 6 shows shared streets. Bioptic driving in The Netherlands and the European Union became legal and commenced practiced in 2009. The Netherlands is the only EU country with a formalised bioptic driving program

15. California Motor Vehicle Research Branch - the state’s first licensed Bioptic Driver in 1971 – and others

California has a long history of low vision and bioptic driving with many critical events in evolution. In this blog I interview various people about California's history and current practice and reflect on the similarities and differences of success factors and barriers for Australia. Of particular interest in California is the controversy around studies done in 1983 and 1996 on motor vehicle collision rates of bioptic drivers. Interviews with: California's first licensed bi

14. “In the Driver’s Seat” – Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired & Bioptic Driving

Agenda for the last TSBVI In the Drivers Seat weekend A jump up to the fast-paced Austin, Texas is worlds apart from my previous stops in the USA. Here the culture, road infrastructure, services look like Melbourne and Sydney. Here bioptic driving has been around in the 1970s in practice and then formalised in law in the 1980s. Like many other places allowing those down to legally blind (20/200) to drive with a bioptic (20/40) if they pass the extensive eye and onroad testing

9. Using tints to improve driver safety for the colourblind & Kentucky's Achromat's

Photo: Kentucky state driving school car, Belinda O’Connor from Bioptic Drivers Australia, Brenda Eadens, Certified Driver Rehabilitation Specialist and Bioptic Driving Program Driver Trainer of Kentucky Office of Vocational Rehabilitation, Chuck Huss, Driver Rehabilitation Specialist West Virginia. A topic close to my heart is that of using tints to improve functional vision for people with colour deficiency or colour blindness. This is a topic that needs considerable and

Who can I contact for advice?

The above people have given permission to be contacted by professionals.