Visually Impaired Drivers Who Use Bioptic Telescopes: Self-Assessed Driving Skills and Agreement With On-Road Driving Evaluation

Abstract

Bioptic drivers show insight into the overall quality of their driving and areas in which they experience driving difficulty. They report using the bioptic telescope while driving, contrary to previous claims that it is primarily used to pass the vision screening test at licensure.

Current Perspectives of Bioptic Driving in Low Vision

“…13,19 In Owsley's recent investigation, the majority of a sample reported using their device to improve driving performance, contrary to this proposed belief. 2 Likewise, in a previous study, it was noted that more than half of the bioptic drivers observed were frequently utilising the telescope for spotting while driving. 19 Recent investigations seem to emphasise the importance of assessing the comprehensive individual in regards to not only their visual function but also their visual processing, cognitive, and motor functions.…”

“…14 The evidence regarding the safety and efficacy of bioptic use is still unclear, as some controlled studies show its advantages whereas others elucidate its challenges. 2,12,15,16 Specifically, one study involving bioptic drivers in Massachusetts 17 suggested that they were safe drivers when compared with the general population, whereas another study presented some concerns in Texas. 18 Owsley points out that some of these studies are dated, have limitations in research design, and did not involve training programs with updated technological advances.…”

“…Ironically, there exists a research paradox, as some investigations have shown that these measures have little value in predicting vehicle collisions. 2,16,20 Several studies have demonstrated that other quantitative measures such as contrast sensitivity and useful field of view (UFOV) are more accurate for determining a patient's level of risk for driving with a vision impairment. 15,21 In addition to visual acuity and visual field measurements, visual processing tasks for determining driving risk may be under-utilised in determining a patient's eligibility, as the state licensing offices may rely on the seemingly obvious measures.…”

“…2 In 2006, a demonstration project was completed in The Netherlands to investigate patient outcomes of a bioptic driving training program. 22 The outcomes were found to be favourable.…”

“…1 The percentage of these patients with neuro-ophthalmic disease has never been investigated, but studies report that patients with neuro-ophthalmic disease use bioptics for driving. 2 Currently, 45 states in the United States allow bioptic driving if patients meet certain requirements. Utah, Iowa, Connecticut, Maine, and Washington, DC, explicitly state that bioptics are not permitted to be used while driving, and Minnesota permits them on a case-by-case basis.…”