Driving with the Bioptic Telescope Presented By Dr. Dennis Kelleher California Department of Education November 23, 2018 Driving with the Bioptic Telescope

What is a Bioptic Telescope Miniature aperture Expanded field (Keplerian) Standard field (Galilean) Magnification Range 1.7X to 6X 2.2X, 3X & 4X most commonly used November 23, 2018 Driving with the Bioptic Telescope

Bioptic Telescope Assortment November 23, 2018 Driving with the Bioptic Telescope

When is a Bioptic Telescope Recommended for Driving? Visual Acuity of less than 20/80 Visual Acuity of greater than 20/200 Near normal peripheral visual fields of at least 150 degrees Near normal eye motility November 23, 2018 Driving with the Bioptic Telescope

Vision Factors to Consider Static Visual Acuity Dynamic Visual Acuity Visual Fields Stable Eye Pathology Color Perception Depth Perception & Binocularity Contrast Sensitivity & Glare Recovery November 23, 2018 Driving with the Bioptic Telescope

Vision Standards & Guidelines Greater than 20/200 VA without Bioptic Minimum 20/40 Visual Acuity with Bioptic Minimum 150 Degree Visual Field Stable Eye Condition Contrast Sensitivity & Image Brightness Ability to Differentiate Color Ability to Track Objects Peripheral Vision in Both Eyes November 23, 2018 Driving with the Bioptic Telescope

Driving with the Bioptic Telescope Vehicle Code 12805 (b) The Department shall not issue a driver’s license to, or renew a driver’s license of, any person: (b) Whose best corrected visual acuity is 20/200 or worse in that person’s better eye, as verified by an optometrist or ophthalmologist. No person may use a bioptic telescope or similar lens to meet the 20/200 visual acuity standards. November 23, 2018 Driving with the Bioptic Telescope

Driving with the Bioptic Telescope Form DL 62 Report VA without lenses VA with standard lenses VA through Bioptic in better eye Date and type of most recent prescription Visual fields Diagnosis (cause of low vision) Prognosis (stability) Advice for re-exam, restrictions, lighting, glare. use of other aids etc. November 23, 2018 Driving with the Bioptic Telescope

Non-Visual Safety Margin Factors Emotional Status Reaction Time & Mental Alertness Substance Abuse Inexperience & Over-Exposure Age Other Impairments A Need to Drive November 23, 2018 Driving with the Bioptic Telescope

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 Adjustments to various lighting conditions Use of tracking cues November 23, 2018 Driving with the Bioptic Telescope

Other Considerations 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 Periodic Professional Training November 23, 2018 Driving with the Bioptic Telescope

Driving with the Bioptic Telescope Driving Tasks Steering, Shifting & Turning Speed Control & Braking Backing Up and Parking Depth Perception Use of Mirrors Know Driving Laws & Use Courtesy November 23, 2018 Driving with the Bioptic Telescope

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 November 23, 2018 Driving with the Bioptic Telescope

Driving with the Bioptic Telescope Effective Bioptic Use Spotting Device Vary Amount of Bioptic Use Maximizing Eye Movement Scanning Driving Environment November 23, 2018 Driving with the Bioptic Telescope

Indicators of Effective Bioptic Use See traffic lights/stop signs, pedestrians in crosswalks through carrier lens Spots & reads freeway signs within one second Determines distance before intersection to spot for breaking Varies use between freeways, residential & business areas November 23, 2018 Driving with the Bioptic Telescope

Driving with the Bioptic Telescope Restrictions Geographic Area Hours Specific Roads Special Vehicle & Equipment Driving to specific destinations No Restrictions November 23, 2018 Driving with the Bioptic Telescope

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 November 23, 2018 Driving with the Bioptic Telescope

Driving with the Bioptic Telescope RESOURCES Association for Driver Rehabilitation Specialists PO Box 49, Edgerton, WI 53534 (t) 608-884-8833 (fax) 608-884-4851; http://www.driver-ed.org BiOptic Driving Network www.BiOpticDriving.org www.BiOpticDriving.org.uk November 23, 2018 Driving with the Bioptic Telescope

Driving with the Bioptic Telescope FOR MORE INFORMATION Dr. Dennis Kelleher Special Education Division California Department of Education 515 L Street Suite 270 Sacramento, CA 95814 916-327-0842 voice 916-445-4550 FAX dkellehe@cde.ca.gov November 23, 2018 Driving with the Bioptic Telescope