Skip to main content

Call Us For A Free Low Vision Phone Consultation 702-299-6032

Menu
Directions
Insurance
Home » Our Services » Low Vision » Driving With Bioptic Telescopes For Low Vision

Driving With Bioptic Telescopes For Low Vision

What Is A Bioptic Telescope?

A bioptic telescope is a small device mounted on a spectacle lens above the normal visual axis of the user. It is usually angled slightly upwards. With bioptics, the wearer uses his normal eyeglasses for most activities. The patient employs the biopic telescope when needed by lowering the chin and focusing through the telescope to see a magnified image. This movement from the original view to the magnified view is known as ‘transition’.

This device is most suitable for someone who has mild to moderate low vision. For example, someone who has trouble with central vision but has good peripheral vision, as is common with patients that have macular degeneration, stargardt Disease and retinitis pigmentosa. 

Who Can Drive With Bioptic telescopes?

mandriving2In most states, people who have a mild to moderate issues with their central vision and have a good peripheral vision can be considered for driving using bioptic telescopes by the DMV.

Since a person will not use bioptic telescopes the whole time he is driving, he first needs to be a good driver without the telescopes. 

In order to be declared a safe bioptic driver, several tests are conducted both behind the wheel and outside the car with the bioptic telescopes on. At YESnick Low Vision in Las Vegas, our low vision optometrist, Low Vision Therapist, and driving instructor will work with the patient involved to help them get the right prescription, use the bioptics, and pass their drivers test.

How To Drive With Bioptic Telescopes

While driving, the bioptic telescope is used for around 3 percent of the time and uses the regular spectacles for more than 95 percent of the time.

You may think of it as using the rear-view mirror, where we look through it only when needed. The driver uses the bioptic telescopes only when needed, to assess traffic and objects at a distance such as stop lights and street signs.

Techniques To Master

To be a safe bioptic driver, you need to excel in the following techniques:

Scanning

Using this technique, the driver scans traffic conditions at a distance of around a hundred yards or more, using the bioptic telescopes, helping the driver see things that may be difficult to see using their regular prescription eyeglasses.

Spotting

This is another tricky technique to master. In this, the driver needs to use his eyeglasses and locate an object, then with a quick transition, use his bioptic lenses to identify the object, and then quickly returns to the original lenses. This entire process needs to be done very quickly and should be reflexive; thus, this takes time and practice to master.

Factors That Influence Visibility

The following are the factors that may impact visibility while driving:

  1. Object Vision - Not all objects need to be exactly identified. In most cases, it would suffice to know that an object is present and that it needs to be avoided. The bioptic driver may face the challenge of deciding which object to look at in the telescope and which one to avoid.
  2. Visual Clutter - Similar to the above point, there are a lot of objects on the road - some stationary, some mobile. Again, the driver needs to pick objects of importance from the field of view. If he or she can differentiate between different types of objects like trees, poles, signposts, and moving vehicles and pedestrians, it would make him a safe driver.
  3. Driving Speed - While all the above scanning and spotting may be feasible at average speeds, it would become difficult at higher speeds when everything needs to be done at a lightning pace. Moreover, movement through the telescope would look more pronounced, making it more difficult. Therefore, a bioptic driver is safer on roads with lower speed limits.

Why Choose YESnick Low Vision To Help You Get Back On The Road?

We are proud to be a world wide leading low vision driving practice. Our low vision optometrist and low vision therapist have extensive experience working with patients to help them regain their license using bioptic telescopes. As part of our effort for low vision drivers' training YESnick Low Vision operates a high technology driving school with virtual simulators to help patients adjust to their bioptic telescopes. The patient can drive in different weather and road conditions which help bring a level of confidence before taking the road test at the DMV.

Click here to learn more about driving with low vision. 

 

Book an Appointment


Reviews
Yesnick Vision Center is thee best place for all your optical needs! I only wished I discovered his practice sooner since moving from NorCal. Before Dr. Yesnick I’ve had a 30+ year relationship with my previous Optometrist and I am confident that I’ve finally found my next Optometrist for the next 30+ years. Dr. Yesnick and his staff are absolutely a class act. Knowledgeable, Professional, and Personable. The optical equipment they have is state of the art, the office/facility very clean and well organized. Best part is that they have a HUGE selection of eyeglass frames to choose from.
8 hours ago
- Steve S.
Sometimes God places angels right here on Earth. Sight is sometimes taken for granted but if you lose it, it changes your life. I would like to thank the staff for their professionalism with my husband and my son. A pure miracle when all hope was lost. I am so grateful for the doctors and the staff and their commitment to help people see again. I look forward to working together to change lives. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!! I would recommend this facility to anyone struggling with low vision.
15 hours ago
- Roxanne N.
Always a delightful experience when we come to this office. I bring the entire family for appointments and they never have an issue with it and always accept us with a smile. Doc is amazing with my children and is very through in doing his exams. Wouldn't go any place else.
7 days ago
- Michiko H.
Amazing service, start to finish! Best eye exam/service I’ve ever had! Professional start to finish, thorough, a detailed, all my needs met, and question's answered. Recommend to everyone
1 week ago
- Tj
Had excellent service from check-in on out. David and Christopher were very efficient in answering all of my questions. Thank you guys for your awesome service.
1 week ago
- charissa W.
Excellent & friendly service. Reasonable prices
1 week ago
- Robert T.
I have been a patient at Yesnick for many years! The staff are wonderful and I feel appreciated as a patient.
2 weeks ago
- Yvonne R.