The
Northern Ohio
Bioptic Driving,
Training and Evaluation Program
What is bioptic driving?
Ohio is one of many states that has a program to allow visually impaired
individuals to pursue driving privileges with the aid of a bioptic telescope.
What is a bioptic telescope?
A bioptic telescope is a specialized pair of glasses with two (bi-) lens systems
(optics). The carrier lens is a regular spectacle lens which supports the
telescope.
How does a bioptic telescope help an individual to drive?
The telescope helps the driver to see detail. It permits the driver to see
signs, traffic signals and other important detail at a distance. The
telescope allows the driver to see only a small area at a time. For this
reason, the driver will view through the telescope only briefly, perhaps 1-2
seconds. Most telescopes are mounted in the (top) portion of the lens.
To use the telescope, the driver will briefly drop his head, elevate his gaze
and view through the telescope.
Do you need special training to use a bioptic telescope?
YES! A specialized training program helps the driving candidate to learn
to use the telescope and to develop in-car driving skills. Candidates must
pass both a written test as well as an in-car driving test for bioptic drivers.
Can any visually impaired individual pursue an Ohio bioptic license?
NO! To be a candidate for the program, you must have good peripheral
vision (45 degrees nasally and 70 degrees temporally). You must be able to
achieve the standard visual acuity criteria for driving through the telescope.
Your vision must be stable.
How do I proceed if I want to become a bioptic driver?
To obtain more information, contact Dr. Cheryl Reed by email at
creed@udsakron.org.
