2010 BC Guide in Determining Fitness to Drive

21.14 Private and commercial drivers with diplopiaApplicationAssessment guidelinesFitness guidelinesOSMV determinationguidelinesConditionsRestrictionsRe-assessmentguidelinesPolicy rationaleThese guidelines apply to driver fitness determinations for private andcommercial drivers who have diplopia within the central 40 degrees ofprimary gaze (i.e. 20 degrees to the left, right, above, and belowfixation).If further information is required, OSMV will request an Examinationof Visual Functions (EVF).OSMV may request an ICBC road test if the diplopia is a newcondition and the treating ophthalmologist or optometrist indicates anyconcern about the individual’s ability to compensate for the condition.Individuals may drive if: the diplopia can be corrected using an eye patch or prism lenses tomeet the guideline above, and the treating ophthalmologist or optometrist indicates that adequateadjustment has occurred.OSMV may find individuals fit to drive if: the diplopia can be corrected using an eye patch or prism lenses sothat they no longer have diplopia within the central 40 degrees ofprimary gaze, and the treating ophthalmologist or optometrist, or a road test, indicatesthat adequate adjustment has occurred.No conditions are required.OSMV will impose the following restriction on an individual whorequires prism lenses in order to meet the fitness guidelines:# 21 Corrective lenses requiredOSMV will impose the following restriction on an individual whorequires an eye patch in order to meet the fitness guidelines:# 51 Must patch one eye while drivingIf the diplopia is the result of a progressive condition, OSMV will reassessas recommended by the treating physician or in accordance withthe re-assessment guidelines for that medical condition. Otherwise, nore-assessment, other than routine commercial or age-related reassessment,is required.Consensus medical opinion in Canada indicates that an individual whohas diplopia within the central 40 degrees of primary gaze is unfit todrive. Where an individual can compensate for this impairment withthe use of an eye patch or prism lenses, they may be fit to drive.276