2010 BC Guide in Determining Fitness to Drive

ConditionType of drivingimpairment andassessmentapproachPrimaryfunctionalabilityaffectedAssessment toolsVision impairmentPersistentimpairment:FunctionalassessmentSensory -VisionDriver’s MedicalExamination ReportICBC vision screeningExamination of visualfunctions (EVF) (seesample form in 21.18)Visual field test (VFT)(see sample form in21.19)ICBC road testFunctional assessment byan occupational therapistor driver rehabilitationspecialist21.7 CompensationThe loss of certain visual functions can be compensated for adequately, particularly in the case oflong-standing or congenital impairments. When a person becomes visually impaired, thecapacity to drive safely varies with their ability to compensate. As a result, there are people withvisual deficits who do not meet the vision standards for driving but who are able to drive safely.Corrective lensesMost individuals can compensate for a typical loss of visual acuity from myopia, hyperopia,astigmatism, or presbyopia by wearing eyeglasses or contact lenses.Telescopic lenses/other low vision aidsTelescopic (bioptic) lenses are sometimes used to assist individuals with low vision. Atelescopic lens typically is mounted at the top half of a regular spectacle lens, and provides thedriver with a magnified view of objects (e.g., text or detail of traffic signs that otherwise could beseen only at distances too short for a safe or timely stop). For the most part, the driver views theroad through the spectacle lens, looking intermittently through the telescopic lens to read roadsigns, determine the status of traffic lights, or scan ahead for road hazards.264