International vision requirements for driver licensing and disability pensions: using a milestone approach in characterization of progressive eye disease

Abstract

ObjectiveLow vision that causes forfeiture of driver’s licenses and collection of disability pension benefits can lead to negative psychosocial and economic consequences. The purpose of this study was to review the requirements for holding a driver’s license and rules for obtaining a disability pension due to low vision. Results highlight the possibility of using a milestone approach to describe progressive eye disease.MethodsGovernment and research reports, websites, and journal articles were evaluated to review rules and requirements in Germany, Spain, Italy, France, the UK, and the US.ResultsVisual acuity limits are present in all driver’s license regulations. In most countries, the visual acuity limit is 0.5. Visual field limits are included in some driver’s license regulations. In Europe, binocular visual field requirements typically follow the European Union standard of ≥120°. In the US, the visual field requirements are typically between 110° and 140°. Some countries distinguish between being partially sighted and blind in the definition of legal blindness, and in others there is only one limit.ConclusionsLoss of driving privileges could be used as a milestone to monitor progressive eye disease. Forfeiture could be standardized as a best-corrected visual acuity of <0.5 or visual field of <120°, which is consistent in most countries. However, requirements to receive disability pensions were too variable to standardize as milestones in progressive eye disease. Implementation of the World Health Organization criteria for low vision and blindness would help to establish better comparability between countries.

Improving Roadway Navigation and Safety of Older Age Drivers

“…For an independent, active elderly person, maintaining mobility outside the home is essential (Born, et al, 2010). A private vehicle connects seniors to services, goods, and other activities for which they must have a high level of independence.…”

“…This travelling trend is becoming increasingly popular in Europe, as well (Talbot, et al, 2005). The most reliable and convenient media of transportation is driving, especially in areas with little or no public transportation (Born, et al, 2010). In addition, driving can provide physical and social benefits of personal transportation and mobility for seniors.…”

“…Conversely, loss of personal mobility, especially for seniors, may lead to depression and physical and mental illnesses (Phillips, Rousseau, & Schwartzberg, 2006). Driving cessation can also lead to negative economic and psychosocial consequences (Born, et al, 2010). For example, the loss of driving privileges can cause difficulty for former drivers to obtain required services and goods, such as, doctor's appointments, groceries, and their frequency of social opportunities with friends and relatives may be reduced (Born, et al, 2010).…”

“…For unrestricted licensed drivers, states have similar visual acuity requirements for licensure (either first time or re-license), and most states have determined the minimum best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) requirement at 20/40. European Union have established a standard that dominates the minimum visual acuity requirements for driving license in Europe (Born, et al, 2010). Vehicle and motorcycle drivers in Europe must have binocular visual acuity of at least 20/40 with or without correction, and standards of binocular visual field are specified no less than 120 o (Born, et al, 2010).…”

“…European Union have established a standard that dominates the minimum visual acuity requirements for driving license in Europe (Born, et al, 2010). Vehicle and motorcycle drivers in Europe must have binocular visual acuity of at least 20/40 with or without correction, and standards of binocular visual field are specified no less than 120 o (Born, et al, 2010). In the U.S., some states have shortened the period of driving license validity for certain ages for one or two years in order to test the driver vision.…”