March 9, 2006Driving with the Bioptic Telescope1 Presented By Dr. Dennis Kelleher California Department of Education

March 9, 2006Driving with the Bioptic Telescope2 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

March 9, 2006Driving with the Bioptic Telescope3 Bioptic Telescope Assortment

March 9, 2006Driving with the Bioptic Telescope4 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

March 9, 2006Driving with the Bioptic Telescope5 Vision Factors to Consider Static Visual Acuity Dynamic Visual Acuity Visual Fields Stable Eye Pathology Color Perception Depth Perception & Binocularity Contrast Sensitivity & Glare Recovery

March 9, 2006Driving with the Bioptic Telescope6 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

March 9, 2006Driving with the Bioptic Telescope7 Vehicle Code (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.

March 9, 2006Driving with the Bioptic Telescope8 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.

March 9, 2006Driving with the Bioptic Telescope9 Non-Visual Safety Margin Factors Emotional Status Reaction Time & Mental Alertness Substance Abuse Inexperience & Over-Exposure Age Other Impairments A Need to Drive

March 9, 2006Driving with the Bioptic Telescope10 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

March 9, 2006Driving with the Bioptic Telescope11 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

March 9, 2006Driving with the Bioptic Telescope12 Driving Tasks Steering, Shifting & Turning Speed Control & Braking Backing Up and Parking Depth Perception Use of Mirrors Know Driving Laws & Use Courtesy

March 9, 2006Driving with the Bioptic Telescope13 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

March 9, 2006Driving with the Bioptic Telescope14 Effective Bioptic Use Spotting Device Vary Amount of Bioptic Use Maximizing Eye Movement Scanning Driving Environment

March 9, 2006Driving with the Bioptic Telescope15 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

March 9, 2006Driving with the Bioptic Telescope16 Restrictions Geographic Area Hours Specific Roads Special Vehicle & Equipment Driving to specific destinations No Restrictions

March 9, 2006Driving with the Bioptic Telescope17 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

March 9, 2006Driving with the Bioptic Telescope18 RESOURCES Association for Driver Rehabilitation Specialists PO Box 49, Edgerton, WI (t) (fax) ; BiOptic Driving Network

March 9, 2006Driving with the Bioptic Telescope19 FOR MORE INFORMATION Dr. Dennis Kelleher Special Education Division California Department of Education 515 L Street Suite 270 Sacramento, CA voice FAX