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

2. 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

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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. Driving with the Bioptic Telescope
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.
November 23, 2018
Driving with the Bioptic Telescope

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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

13. 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

14. Driving with the Bioptic Telescope
Effective Bioptic Use
Spotting Device
Vary Amount of Bioptic Use
Maximizing Eye Movement
Scanning Driving Environment
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Driving with the Bioptic Telescope

15. 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

16. 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

17. 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

18. Driving with the Bioptic Telescope
RESOURCES
Association for Driver Rehabilitation Specialists
PO Box 49, Edgerton, WI (t)
(fax) ;
BiOptic Driving Network
November 23, 2018
Driving with the Bioptic Telescope

19. 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
voice
FAX
November 23, 2018
Driving with the Bioptic Telescope