“There is a simplicity that exists on the far side of complexity, and there is a communication of sentiment and attitude not to be discovered by careful exegesis of a text”  

- Patrick Buchanan

Complex Cases in Bioptic Driving

Driving is a complex process that involves not just sensory inputs like vision and hearing but the ability to carry out precise motor processes in response to an ever-changing driving environment. The patient’s cognitive ability, physical agility and emotional maturity are crucial in being able to overcome their visual impairment.

The ability to compensate can vary greatly between patients. A patient with a central blind spot may scan back and forth quickly overcoming the loss while another may be poor at scanning causing the central blind spot to become a more significant problem. 

Not only do visual problems vary by type of conditions, but even within the same condition we can see differences in the degree of vision loss. Candidates may also have equal visual acuity but one patient may be a good candidate while another may not be due to the patients ability to compensate. Each patient must be looked at individually in deciding on the option of driving with or without bioptics.

The links below will lead you to further discussion of more complex cases.

 Patient Related Issues:

• Senior Drivers  (Driving over age 75)
• The Slowly Progressive Patient
• The Patient with Potential to Change Quickly
  
• Patients with Lower Residual Vision
• First Time Driver Later in Life
• Younger Patient Issues
• The Monocular Patient 
• Achromatopsia / Cone Dystrophy Patients

The Low Vision Centers of Indiana

Richard L. Windsor O.D., F.A.A.O., D.P.N.A.P.
Craig Allen Ford O.D., F.A.A.O.
Laura Kathleen Windsor. O.D., F.A.A.O.