An Introduction to Bioptic Driving

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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. Patients 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. Bioptic driving requires extensive training in both the use of the bioptic and in behind-the-wheel driver’s training.

Bioptic driving has been used by thousands of mildly visually impaired patients in the United States.

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. Since that time 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.

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.

These guidelines have worked very well over the past 19 years and have had only minor modifications. Today, about 700 Hoosiers have received bioptic driver’s licenses. These patients tell us that it has changed their lives by letting them maintain employment, drive their children to school and just simply enjoy the open road.

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