Because I was consistantly told I would never have this opportunity because of my eye condition, I yearned for it even more. After visiting the UAB Center for Low Vision Rehab when I was 13, I was told that I, in fact, could drive a car! The process was extremely long and frustrating, including hours of occupational therapy and scary driving practice on major highways with handy bioptic glasses! My parents (and secretly my OT) were probably terrified whenever we set out for road practice. However, on May 9, 2009 (after only one faileed attempt!) I passed my drivers test and held a glorious paper license in my hand!!!!
Bioptic driving gave me the independence I thought I would never have! The process is a combo of a patients own vision and the use of a telescope for spotting distant objects, street signs, and traffic lights. Patients travel using their carrier lens 95% of the time, and the bioptic telescope is only quickly glanced into when details are necessary. While training, patients may be taught drills where they have to practice dipping in and out of the bioptic at a rapid pace.
Many factors come into play when determining if a visually impaired person (as I like to call 'em V.I.P.'s) are capable of becoming bioptic drivers.
Bioptic driving rules and laws vary in detail from state to state. Alabama's bioptic driving laws are as follows
Bioptic drivers in AL must:
1- have best-corrected vision of at least 20/200 in each eye
2- see at least 20/60 through no more than a 4X telescope
3- have at least 110 degrees of visual field horizontally and 80 degrees of visual field vertically
4- have adequate color vision to recognize traffic signals
5- receive training in the use of the bioptic
6- receive driving training including the use of the bioptic
7- be signed off on by a CDRS (certified driving rehabilitation specialist) that they have had adequate driving training and practice and are prepared to take the on-road examination
7- pass the same road test required of all AL drivers
1- have best-corrected vision of at least 20/200 in each eye
2- see at least 20/60 through no more than a 4X telescope
3- have at least 110 degrees of visual field horizontally and 80 degrees of visual field vertically
4- have adequate color vision to recognize traffic signals
5- receive training in the use of the bioptic
6- receive driving training including the use of the bioptic
7- be signed off on by a CDRS (certified driving rehabilitation specialist) that they have had adequate driving training and practice and are prepared to take the on-road examination
7- pass the same road test required of all AL drivers
WOAH! All these rules and regulations may seem intense- and they are......but they ensure the safety of bioptic drivers, for sure ( as well as the other drivers on the highway )!
For more info on the fabulousness and freedom of driving with a bioptic check out http://www.biopticdrivingusa.com. I'm off to bed! Feel free to comment with any questions you may have.
THANKS TO DR. DAWN DECARLO FOR HER HELP WITH THIS ENTRY!!!
