BIOPTIC DRIVERS AUSTRALIA

Driving for nearly 40 years, I held a full unrestricted licence until 2019 when I had to get my licence renewed and this was the first time I was unable to pass the eye test at the registry. I came across Bioptics when researching driving aids. With a report from my ophthalmologist I was able to renew my licence but with a restriction on driving within a set distance from my home in Sydney.

My journey started in 2014 when I found out about bioptic driving from a Facebook group with my eye sight condition. I then found Dr Sharon Oberstein. By this time I already had my bioptic and other adaptive eye sight tools for driving for over one year - she just needed to show me how to use it to drive. Driving is a privilege and I pinch myself everyday that I and others have this wonderful opportunity.

Robert Eaves in South Australia was assisted by Williams Occupational Therapy. Click on Read More to read Rob's story. In this video we see Rob receiving instruction. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-l2wy0nnC8E)

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Tommy Roberts of New Zealand gets his drivers licence with bioptics at age 25.

Please see article at this link and video of Tommy's story:

Source: https://www.stuff.co.nz/life-style/well-good/inspire-me/95214850/man-who-was-nearly-blind-as-a-baby-gets-licence-at-25

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I began losing my vision in 1991 due to ocular histoplasmosis.  I went through several procedures, including experimental drug treatments and sub-retinal surgery.  My doctor came in and told me there was nothing else that could be done to improve my vision.  I asked, “Where do I go from here?”  

Source: www.biopticdrivingusa.com

If you are reading this message, you are not blind! You might be legally blind, but that's not the same thing. You can do something and the Ocutech is a very important tool. When my folks needed help with everything elders need, the Ocutech made it possible for me to help them. The Ocutech allowed me to keep working and now to help others. I hope it can help you too.

Source: www.biopticdrivingusa.com

Through Dr. Windsor, Vocational Rehab, and Crossroads Rehabilitation, I completed the bioptic driving training.  I was a timid driver when my vision was 20/20 and I am still a timid driver.  I tell people that you will never see me on the interstate—I can’t see that fast. You will see me on the streets of Lafayette.  I can now go to the grocery by myself!!  I can now meet a friend for lunch by myself!!  I can now take myself to work and home again. . . by myself!!

Source: www.biopticdrivingusa.com

At the age of seven I was diagnosed with Bests disease. We knew my mother had the same disease; she had been legally blind from her teenage years and had to quit school after the seventh grade. The retinal specialist referred me to the Low Vision Center in Ft. Wayne. Doctor Laura Windsor introduced me to CCTV and other low vision aids. She also helped me enter into the bioptic driving program. After not driving for about a full year I regained an Indiana driver’s license and my life began to change.

Source: www.biopticdrivingusa.com