Driving with the Bioptic Telescope

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Driving with the Bioptic Telescope
By Dr. Dennis Kelleher
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Vision Factors

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

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Common Vision Standards

• 20/40 Visual Acuity with Bioptic
• Greater than 20/200 VA without Bioptic
• Minimum 130 Degree Visual Field
• Stable Eye Condition
• Ability to Differentiate Color
• Ability to Track Objects

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Non-Visual Safety Factors

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

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Restrictions

• Geographic Area
• Hours
• Specific Roads
• Special Vehicle Equipment
• Differential Licensing Testing Procedures

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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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Effective Bioptic Use

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

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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

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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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Driving Tasks

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

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Techniques 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