Title: The Clinical Low Vision Examination – Thomas I. Porter, O.D., F.A.A.O.
Abstract: In this talk, we will compare and contrast the familiar “ocular health” type eye examination that most of us have experienced with a “clinical low vision examination”. The purpose of a low vision examination is to improve functional visual skills rather than diagnosing and treating a pathology or condition. Functional skills can often be improved by manipulating such variables as contrast appreciation, glare control, specialty low vision aids, and rehabilitation training. Each step in the low vision exam will be discussed and several patient cases will be used for illustration.
Title: Bioptic Telescopes: “The Evaluation, Prescribing and Fitting” – Thomas I. Porter, O.D., F.A.A.O.
Abstract: Bioptic telescopes are the primary low vision aids that allow magnification for distant object in a “hands free” manner. Thus, bioptics are the most frequently used devices to help those with limited vision maintain and improve visual skills necessary for driving. We will cover various types of bioptic telescopes as well as special considerations and challenges in their fitting.
Title: Pre-Driver Readiness – Chuck Huss, COMS, Driver Rehabilitation Specialist
Abstract: For many low vision individuals, who never expected the opportunity to explore the driving privilege, knowing how to best prepare oneself for the dynamics of this task is not always clearly known. This presentation will highlight both basic (pedestrian related) as well as advanced (passenger-in-car) pre-driver readiness skills, that facilitate the likelihood of success before one enters formalized behind-the-wheel bioptic driver training. This presentation will also highlight ways that parents, low vision therapists and driver rehabilitation specialists alike can help young, novice driver candidates improve their advanced (passenger-in-car) commentary driving skills.
Title: Bioptic Driving Updates – Chuck Huss, COMS, Driver Rehabilitation Specialist
Abstract: Allowing persons with mild to moderate levels of central vision loss the opportunity to explore the driving privileges with the use of prescription bioptic lens systems continues to grow and gain acceptance across the United States and Canada. This presentation will highlight some of these recent related changes or amendments in recent state and provincial screening, training and licensing policies for prospective bioptic drivers.
Title: Learning to Drive with Vision Impairments – Derrick Scott, CDRS, LDIl, Apex Driving School
Abstract: Studies suggest that visual input determines 90 – 95 % of a driver’s action-induced decisions. Vision impairments associated with common eye diseases, injury, or a congenital condition can significantly impact a driver’s performance. During this presentation, we’ll discuss how vision impairments impact the driving task and possible compensatory strategies to reduce driver exposure to risk. KEYWORDS: Vision, Driving, Training, Vision Aids, and Bioptics.
Title: Who, What, When, Where, How: Getting a Driver License in Oregon as a Bioptic-Lens-assisted Driver – Karen O’Fearna, Program Coordinator, Limited Vision Condition Program (Bioptic lens adaptive Device Drivers), Oregon Driver and Motor Vehicle Services (DMV)
Abstract: In this presentation and discussion, we will explore the process of and requirements for obtaining a driver license in Oregon as a bioptic lens-assisted driver, whether previously licensed or as an aspiring driver. We will briefly review the Limited Vision Condition (Bioptic Lens Adaptive Device Drivers) program’s purpose, authorities, and administrative laws; and then more substantially review program eligibility and other requirements, applicant processes, approximate timeframes, associated costs, finding training, license restrictions, post-licensure recertification, and online resources.
Title: Driving with Bioptics in California from a Professional and Personal Perspective – Dennis Kelleher, Ed.D.
Abstract: This presentation will begin by considering the approximate number of persons licensed to drive in California and then comparing this with the approximate number of persons licensed using Bioptics.The requirements each time a license is issued or renewed using Bioptics
include; submission of Form DL 62 Report of Vision Examination that must be
completed by an Optometrist or Ophthalmologist required by California Vehicle
Code section 12805(b); Rules of the road written test; A driving road test with a
DMV (DLE) Driver License Examiner. We will display the DMV Driver License
Examiner evaluation checklist used during the road test that includes, speed
control, braking, steering, turning, use of mirrors, backing and parking. The DLE
will also observe how the driver uses depth perception, spatial awareness, road
memory and makes accurate and rapid decisions. Bioptic drivers cannot renew
their license by mail.
Someone who is legally blind and has only 20/200 best corrected visual acuity
using standard lenses is prohibited by California Law to be issued a driver’s
license. (You cannot use the bioptic to meet the 20/200 minimum vision
standard). Once you have acuity better than 20/200, i.e. 20/180, 20/160, etc. and
therefore is NOT Legally Blind using regular lenses, You may use the bioptic to
meet the 20/40 visual acuity screening standard.
We will discuss restrictions that may be applied to any license by a DLE include,
but are not limited to, geographic area, daylight hours, specific vehicle equipment
etc.
Other factors that may be considered are night driving, distracted driving,
inclement weather, reaction time, mental alertness, need to drive, the importance
of trip pre planning and preparation and defensive driving tips.
We will explain and discuss the positive impact of many safety features that are
now incorporated in many new vehicles that increase the safety margin for all
drivers including those with low vision using bioptics. These include, but are not
limited to: Airbags, Anti-Lock Brakes, Backup Camera, Electronic Stability
Control, Adaptive Cruise Control, Automatic Emergency Braking, Blind Spot
Detection, Collision Warning, Cross Traffic Alert, Forward and Rear Collision
Warning and Automatic Parking
We will discuss Autonomous (Self Driving) Vehicle regulations developed by DMV
and the three levels of self-driving including fully autonomous vehicles that
requires no human intervention to drive safely in all conditions, a partial self-
driving vehicle that requires human intervention in some specific conditions but
not in others to drive safely and a very limited self-driving vehicle that requires
substantial human intervention almost constantly but includes one or two
automated safety features such as lane keeping ability or emergency braking.
Lastly, we will consider a recent advance in medical science known as CRISPR
(Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats) that involves gene
editing and holds great promise for ameliorating many types of genetic defects,
one of which is albinism. We will give examples of several genetic defects that
have already been greatly helped by CRISPR including Sickle Cell Disease and
Severe Parkinson’s Disease.