Alabama Administrative Code › Title 760 - ALABAMA LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY › Chapter 760-X-20 - MEDICAL STANDARDS FOR DRIVER LICENSING › Appendix A - BASIC BIOPTIC TRAINING

Current through Register Vol. 42, No. 9, June 28, 2024
Purpose:
This document provides a brief narrative
				of the suggested minimum requirements for bioptic training that an individual
				must master prior to proceeding to a formal driver-training program.
General:
A bioptic is two lenses with separate
				functions combined into one. The parts are referred to as the carrier lens and
				the telescope. The carrier is used for scanning and the telescope located near
				the top of the carrier lens is used for spotting. A trioptic has the above
				carrier and telescope lens components with the addition of bifocal added in the
				lower portion of the lens for focusing at near. Successful training of an
				individual in the proper use of bioptics requires the user to demonstrate an
				understanding to the basic tenant that the telescopic portion of the lens is
				used for periodic, brief spotting and the carrier portion for all other visual
				tasks.
Bioptic training should be progressive, working from easier
				tasks to more difficult tasks. The emphasis should be on scanning,
				identification, tracking and visual memory. The user should demonstrate their
				skills while stationary and while moving as happens when traveling by
				automobile.
I. Basic care of the bioptic lens
A. Maintaining the lenses in best operating condition by proper
				cleaning techniques.
II. Basic mobility and bioptic use
A. Demonstrate good walking mobility while looking through the
				carrier portion of the lens.
B. Demonstrate basic understanding of the bioptic
				function.
1. Demonstrate the ability to spot through the telescope by
				aligning it with the target and spotting through it.
2. Demonstrate the ability to return gaze from the telescope to
				the carrier lens in a smooth and efficient fashion.
III. Scanning - carrier lens
A. Demonstrate good horizontal and vertical scanning techniques
				through the carrier lens.
IV. Advanced target practice - scan with the carrier lens, spot
				and identify targets with the telescope.
A. Scan, spot and identify the characteristics of stationary
				targets of varying size and distance from a stationary position.
1. Practice should incorporate stationary targets associated
				with driving including traffic signals, street signs, highway markers,
				etc.
B. Scan, spot, identify and track moving targets of varying
				size and distance from a stationary position.
1. Practice should incorporate moving targets associated with
				driving including automobiles, bicycles, motorcycles, pedestrians, etc.
C. Scan, spot and identify stationary targets of varying size
				and distance while moving (as a passenger in a car, bus or other vehicle, for
				example.)
1. Practice should incorporate stationary targets associated
				with driving including traffic signals, street signs, highway markers,
				etc.
D. Scan, spot and track moving targets of varying size and
				distance while moving as a passenger in a car, bus or other vehicle.
1. Practice should incorporate moving targets associated with
				driving including automobiles, bicycles, motorcycles, pedestrians,
				etc.
Author:
Lt. Terry Chapman; Jack Curtis
Statutory Authority:
Code of Ala.
				  1975
, §§
										32-2-9;
				  32-6-13,
				  as amended.