Driving with Low Vision
About Bioptic Driving
Source: Charles P. Huss, COMS, Coordinator, Low Vision Driver Services, West Virginia Rehabilitation Center; Consultant, Bioptic Driving, West Virginia Division of Rehabilitation Services. Used with permission. During the past 40 years, bioptic lens systems have allowed thousands of Americans whose vision falls below the standard legal visual acuity limits (20/40-20/60) to drive an automobile. At present, most (but not all) U.S. states permit persons with mild to moderate levels of central vision loss (but with intact peripheral, or side, vision) to apply for driving privileges when using a bioptic lens system. Approximately half the states that permit bioptic driving require participation in, and satisfactory completion of, formalized low vision driver education training as a requirement for driver licensure. This training includes a minimum of 20-30 hours of behind-the-wheel instruction for most candidates. (Please note: Bioptic driving regulations and restrictions vary from state to state. BiopticDrivingUSA provides information about state-by-state laws governing bioptic driving and frequently asked questions about bioptic driving rules and regulations.)What Is a Bioptic Lens System?

on eyeglass lenses
How Are Bioptics Used When Driving?
Drivers who use bioptic lens systems look through the main eyeglass lenses (also called “carrier” lenses) for general driving purposes 90-95% of the total driving time. To use the bioptic telescope, the driver dips down into the miniature telescopic lens unit(s) briefly and intermittently using a simple synchronized head and eye vertical drop technique to see detail, color, or road activity more clearly, as illustrated below:![]() |
![]() |
Figure 1: Looking through the “carrier” lens of a bioptic lens system. | Figure 2: Looking through the “telescopic” portion of a bioptic lens system. |
Resources for Safe Driving and Driving Alternatives
- Learn more about driving alternatives, including Uber, at the Visually Impaired: Now What? blog.
- Learn more about safe driving research at the VisionAware blog.
- The American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators has published the Driver Fitness Medical Guidelines, which is available as a free download. It includes a discussion on vision and visual acuity.
- The US Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Older Drivers Education website provides information on the Older Driver Program, advice for family and friends who are concerned about an older driver, and adapting motor vehicles for older drivers.
- Occupational therapists and certified driving rehabilitation specialists may also be able to assess your skills and train you to be a better driver.