Driving with the Bioptic Telescope

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Driving with the Bioptic Telescope
Presented By Dr. Dennis Kelleher California
Department of Education
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What is a Bioptic Telescope

• Miniature aperture
• Expanded field (Keplerian)
• Standard field (Galilean)
• Magnification Range 1.7X to 6X
• 2.2X, 3X 4X most commonly used

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Bioptic Telescope Assortment
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When is a Bioptic Telescope Recommended for
Driving?

• Visual Acuity of less than 20/80
• Visual Acuity of greater than 20/200
• Near normal peripheral visual fields of at least
  150 degrees
• Near normal eye motility

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Vision Factors to Consider

• Static Visual Acuity
• Dynamic Visual Acuity
• Visual Fields
• Stable Eye Pathology
• Color Perception
• Depth Perception Binocularity
• Contrast Sensitivity Glare Recovery

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Vision Standards Guidelines

• Greater than 20/200 VA without Bioptic
• Minimum 20/40 Visual Acuity with Bioptic
• Minimum 150 Degree Visual Field
• Stable Eye Condition
• Contrast Sensitivity Image Brightness
• Ability to Differentiate Color
• Ability to Track Objects
• Peripheral Vision in Both Eyes

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Vehicle Code 12805 (b)

• The Department shall not issue a drivers license
  to, or renew a drivers license of, any person
• (b) Whose best corrected visual acuity is 20/200
  or worse in that persons better eye, as verified
  by an optometrist or ophthalmologist. No person
  may use a bioptic telescope or similar lens to
  meet the 20/200 visual acuity standards.

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Form DL 62 Report

• VA without lenses
• VA with standard lenses
• VA through Bioptic in better eye
• Date and type of most recent prescription
• Visual fields
• Diagnosis (cause of low vision)
• Prognosis (stability)
• Advice for re-exam, restrictions, lighting,
  glare. use of other aids etc.

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Non-Visual Safety Margin Factors

• Emotional Status
• Reaction Time Mental Alertness
• Substance Abuse
• Inexperience Over-Exposure
• Age
• Other Impairments
• A Need to Drive

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Bioptic Training Sequence

• Locate Stationary Objects while Still
• Locate Moving Objects while Still
• Locate Moving Objects while Moving
• Develop Rapid, Accurate Perception
• Spatial Awareness Memory
• Adjustments to various lighting conditions
• Use of tracking cues

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Other Considerations for Low Vision Drivers

• Use Other Low Vision Devices Appropriately
• Know Where You Are Going in Advance
• Use Non-Visual Cues
• Be Attentive to Driving at All Times
• Drive During Less Demanding Conditions
• Impose Voluntary Self-Restrictions
• Periodic Professional Training

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Driving Tasks

• Steering, Shifting Turning
• Speed Control Braking
• Backing Up and Parking
• Depth Perception
• Use of Mirrors
• Know Driving Laws Use Courtesy

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Defensive Driving Skills

• Keep Your Eyes Moving
• See the Entire Picture
• Be Sure You are Seen
• Follow at a Safe Distance (4 seconds)
• Anticipate what Other Driver(s) Action
• Leave Yourself an Escape

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Effective Bioptic Use

• Spotting Device
• Vary Amount of Bioptic Use
• Maximizing Eye Movement
• Scanning Driving Environment

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Indicators of Effective Bioptic Use

• See traffic lights/stop signs, pedestrians in
  crosswalks through carrier lens
• Spots reads freeway signs within one second
• Determines distance before intersection to spot
  for breaking
• Varies use between freeways, residential
  business areas

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Restrictions

• Geographic Area
• Hours
• Specific Roads
• Special Vehicle Equipment
• Driving to specific destinations
• No Restrictions

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Objections to Bioptic Telescope Use

• Restricted Visual Field through Bioptic
• Ring Scotoma Causing Blind Spot
• Vibration and Speed Blur
• Telescopic Parallax Depth Perception
• Bioptic Use with Mirrors
• Sensitive Bioptic Frame Adjustments

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RESOURCES

• Association for Driver Rehabilitation Specialists
• PO Box 49, Edgerton, WI 53534 (t) 608-884-8833
• (fax) 608-884-4851 http//www.driver-ed.org
• BiOptic Driving Network
• www.BiOpticDriving.org
• www.BiOpticDriving.org.uk

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FOR MORE INFORMATION

• Dr. Dennis Kelleher
• Special Education Division
• California Department of Education
• 515 L Street Suite 270
• Sacramento, CA 95814
• 916-327-0842 voice
• 916-445-4550 FAX
• dkellehe_at_cde.ca.gov