Driving performance among bioptic telescope users with low vision two years after obtaining their driver's license: a quasi-experimental study

Assist Technol. 2012 Fall;24(3):184-95. doi: 10.1080/10400435.2012.659955.

Abstract

This study sought to compare road safety of new drivers with low vision who have followed a specific pilot bioptic training program with other groups of drivers all matched for age and driving experience. A quasi-experimental design was used two years after drivers obtained their license. Drivers were classified in the experimental group (n = 10, they followed a pilot bioptic training program and had license restrictions: weight of the car, requirement of a yearly medical exams, requirement to wear glasses/contacts, use of a bioptic telescope), the comparison group (n = 17, similar license restrictions except the use of a bioptic telescope) and the regional population (n = 1,690, no license restriction). The number of new drivers involved in at least one accident and who committed at least one offense is not greater for users of a bioptic telescope than for drivers of in the other groups. The results of this study indicate that driving with a bioptic telescope does not increase the risk of accidents and offenses, with more scientific evidence than in previous studies, among drivers aged between 25 and 35 who have a congenital visual impairment and who have completed an eight-week pilot bioptic training program.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Accidents, Traffic
  • Adult
  • Automobile Driving*
  • Eyeglasses*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Lenses*
  • Male
  • Vision, Low / congenital
  • Vision, Low / rehabilitation*