Bioptic Driving

The Low Vision Centers has just launched a brand new website
dedicated to providing information on Bioptic Driving. Please visit
BiopticDrivingUSA.com.


	Bioptic driving is a method of driving that utilizes both the patient’s general vision and intermittent vision through a small telescopic system that improves the sharpness of the patient’s vision.

	Read an article on low vision and driving issues.

	Bioptic drivers will drive with their own vision about 95% of the time, but brief views through the bioptic telescope provide detail such as signs, traffic lights and far distant objects.

	Click to view one of our bioptic drivers with her VES-AF: VES--AF Patient - Windows Media File or VES-AF Patient on RealVideo

	Click here for types of bioptics systems used for driving.

	Bioptic driving requires extensive training in both the use of the bioptic and in behind-the-wheel driver’s training. The ultimate is to return to safe legal driving.

	Click Here to Order Your Copy of the Bioptic Driving Video!

	During the 1970s and 1980s, bioptic driving emerged as a viable option to aid a select group of mildly visually impaired individuals continue as licensed drivers. California began issuing bioptic driver’s licenses in 1971. On May 1, 1977, New York adopted new laws allowing for bioptic driving. In 1984, the Department of Transportation issued a statement that indicated the visually impaired should not be discriminated against. DOT’s action, though of limited power, did lead more states to look at the option of bioptic driving.

	Today a majority of states have adopted bioptic driving licensure. In 1986, the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles developed guidelines for bioptic driving with input from the Indiana Low Vision Rehabilitation Society, Indiana Optometric Association, Rehabilitation Driving Specialists and key low vision practitioners, including Dr. Richard L. Windsor. Click to read a article on Bioptic Driving by Drs. Richard and Laura Windsor which was recently published in Vision Enhancement: Bioptic Driving: Driving with Low Vision

	Since 1986, all of the surrounding states including Michigan, Illinois, Kentucky and Ohio have adopted bioptic driving laws to help the visually impaired drive. Each state has different guidelines and different methods of obtaining a license. There is no uniformity yet in bioptic licensing.

	The Indiana BMV Bioptic regulations include minimum vision guidelines and specific requirements for the adequate training of the bioptic driver.

	Thirty hours of behind-the-wheel training is required, and vision skills that the bioptic driver must learn are outlined. Annual eye examinations with reports to the Bureau of Motor Vehicles are also required. Click here to view Indiana BMV Requirements

	Click below for Ohio or Illinois Bioptic Driving Rules: Kentucky Bioptic Driving Rules Ohio Bioptic Driving Rules



	A bioptic driver doing behind-the-wheel training with Sue Henderson, a driving rehabilitation specialist.

	We highly recommend Dr. Eli Peli's new book on driving with visual impairment titled Driving with Confidence.

Other sources for bioptic driving information: Bioptic Driving International NOAH Albinism Discussion Group on Bioptic Driving Bioptic Web Board Discussion Group at BiopticDriving.org