Bioptic Driving

Did you know there are new rules in Ontario for driving with a visual impairment?

Driving is one of the most important mean to exercice freedom of mobility

Did you miss the Webinar focusing on the topic of the new rules related to Bioptic Driving in Ontario hosted by Dr. Ana Juricic ?

Watch the recording here !

Webinar Recording hosted by Dr. Ana Juricic-

This informative session was packed with invaluable insights and the latest updates on the changes to driving rules in Ontario, specifically designed for individuals who do not meet the minimum 20/50 vision requirements.

 If you or a loved one is not able to drive due to a vision impairment, share this information with them.

Bioptic Driving Program 

The Ministry of Transportation in Ontario recently changed the rules for individuals who may not meet the 20/50 vision requirement in their better eye for the “G class” driver’s licence with traditional glasses or contact lenses.

• The new rules would allow an individual who has unrestricted fields of at least :
  120 degrees horizontally and meets the 20/50 or better vision with a telescope to apply for a special vision waiver allowing bioptic driving.

• The maximum telescope power that will be allowed by the Ministry of Transportation is a 4X.
  
  

• The entire process does take several months. For eligible individuals, a portion of the bioptics can be funded under the Assistive Devices Program (ADP) under the Ministry of Health Program.

The new BIOPTIC DRIVING standard requires

 ►Assessment of visual fields with an automated test

► Vision acuity with and without use of a spectacle mounted telescope or bioptic pair of glasses.

If an individual meets the vision requirements as set by the Ministry of Transportation, the next step would be to order and fit the bioptic, followed by specialized in office and at home training.

Once this step has been achieved, a temporary driver’s license is issued that would allow for driver training with the bioptic

Once an individual passes their driver’s assessment, a permanent license is issued by the Ministry of Transportation allowing for bioptic driving.

Summary of Eligibility Criteria

The Bioptic Telescopic System (BTS) is a tool supporting the development of compensatory skills to carry out the following tasks to a greater distance.

• See the details
• Recognize and detect signs and various risks
• Improve the reaction time

The individual will quickly glance through the bioptic telescope, which will provide details such as street signs, traffic lights, and distant objects.

Drivers using bioptics look through their regular eyeglass lenses most of the time, and only see through the telescope for short periods of time similar to the use of the car’s rear and side-view mirrors

If you or a loved one is not able to drive due to a vision impairment, please contact our office and we would be happy to discuss the Bioptic program further and arrange a low vision assessment  to determine if you meet the requirements for bioptics driving.