Alabama Administrative Code › Title 760 - ALABAMA LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY › Chapter 760-X-20 - MEDICAL STANDARDS FOR DRIVER LICENSING › Section 760-X-20-.21 - Licensing Requirements For Bioptic Lens Users

Current through Register Vol. 42, No. 9, June 28, 2024
Individuals with suboptimal visual acuity pose a special
				challenge for assessment and licensing by the Alabama Department of Public
				Safety (DPS). In its present form, the driver license evaluation and testing
				process is not sufficient to adequately evaluate a person who requires a
				bioptic lens to enhance central visual acuity. These applicants will require a
				certifying exam by an ophthalmologist or optometrist, basic bioptic training, a
				thorough pretest evaluation to determine if any other cognitive impairment or
				physical disabilities exist, and then a rigorous road test evaluation. A
				Certified Driving Rehabilitation Specialist (CDRS) must perform these last two
				functions.
The following is an outline of the criteria pertinent to the
				licensing of drivers who require bioptic assistance for improvement of visual
				acuity. Many other states have bioptic programs, which have been implemented
				with varying degrees of success. Much of what follows has been adopted from
				other states as well as the current published research.
(1) Visual Acuity (VA) Must be at least
			 20/200 in each eye using the carrier lens. When using the bioptic the VA must
			 be at least 20/60. The rationale for choosing 20/60 is that this is the current
			 VA standard in Alabama. Power of the bioptic should not exceed 4X. These
			 measurements will be initially assessed by the person's ophthalmologist or
			 optometrist and then will be verified by the CDRS.
(2) Visual Field Requirement Visual field
			 should extend at least to 110 degrees across the horizontal field and to at
			 least 80 degrees across the vertical field. (Note: Visual fields are to be
			 measured with carrier lens or its equivalent. A bioptic will artificially limit
			 the superior extent of the vertical visual field.) An individual who requires
			 bioptics has compromised central vision and, therefore, it is important that
			 the peripheral vision be adequate. The assessment of visual field should be
			 performed by the person's ophthalmologist or optometrist, subject to
			 confirmation by the CDRS.
(3) Other
			 Functional Criteria The applicant shall be free of cognitive impairment as
			 determined by the Mini mental Status Exam (MMSE) of greater or equal to 24 as
			 administered by the CDRS. No significant impairment in the movement of the
			 eyes, head, or neck should be present as determined by the CDRS. The applicant
			 must successfully pass the DPS standard written licensing exam.
(4) Written Exam for Licensing This will be
			 the standard exam administered by the DPS for driver's license certification in
			 the State of Alabama with the exception that accommodations for vision
			 impairment (large print or assistant) will be allowed.
(5) Bioptic Training Once the above minimum
			 criteria have been met, the applicant must produce proof of adequate training
			 completed in a satisfactory manner in the proper use of the bioptic in everyday
			 life. A certificate of completion of said training must be presented to the
			 CDRS before driving specific training begins. This training must be performed
			 by a qualified professional skilled in the use of bioptic lenses. A Master List
			 of qualified professionals will be made available.
(6) Driver Training for the New Bioptic
			 Driver Training will consist of in clinic and on road training by a certified
			 driving rehabilitation specialist (CDRS). For first drivers, training will be
			 longer than for experienced drivers.
(7) Bioptic Driving Training Program Training
			 involves specific issues in the proper use of the bioptic while driving,
			 application of the rules of the road, and all other aspects of general driving
			 principles, as they specifically relate to using a bioptic. Preliminary
			 training will occur in the clinic on basic techniques prior to on road
			 teaching.
(8) Duration of Bioptic
			 Driver Training There will be sufficient time devoted to allow for thorough
			 evaluation and training to demonstrate driving competence to the
			 CDRS.
(9) Driver Permit A permit to
			 drive or a waiver letter allowing a bioptic driver to drive while accompanied
			 by a CDRS will be required from the Department of Public Safety prior to
			 initiation of bioptic driver training. The written examination for an
			 operator's driver license must be passed before this permit is issued. This
			 permit/waiver will not be granted until the person provides a form issued by
			 DPS and signed and completed by the person as well as a CDRS stating the person
			 meets the requirements of Sections 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 above as well as any other
			 criteria established by this rule. This will apply to new drivers as well as
			 previously licensed drivers.
(10)
			 Drivers Previously Licensed for Bioptic Driving in Other States If these
			 applicants meet the visual and other functional requirements for bioptic
			 driving in Alabama and pass the written test, then they will be eligible for a
			 permit/waiver. The applicant then must be evaluated by a CDRS to verify that on
			 road bioptic driving skills are intact. Training may not be necessary unless
			 the evaluation reveals skills are substandard, at which time the full training
			 program will be required. These individuals may qualify using their previous
			 out of state license for up to 30 days.
(11) Bioptic Training Completion The CDRS
			 will submit a report to the DPS indicating whether bioptic driver training was
			 completed successfully or not and whether or not the driver meets standards. If
			 the driver meets standards, DPS shall administer the State's standard on road
			 evaluation. The driver must successfully pass the State's standard on road
			 evaluation before being licensed to drive.
(12) Subsequent Evaluation Minimum
			 requirements for Visual Acuity and Visual Field must be certified annually
			 after initial bioptic licensure by an ophthalmologist or optometrist. An annual
			 review of the driving record should occur. If an at fault motor vehicle
			 collision (as indicated on the Accident Report) occurs, the individual must be
			 evaluated by a CDRS to ensure that basic on road skills for bioptic driving are
			 still intact prior to resuming operation of a motor vehicle.
(13) Restrictions on Bioptic Licensure
			 Drivers with bioptic licensure will only be licensed for day driving. This
			 restriction to daytime driving shall be removed if the license driver:
(a) Drives for twenty four (24) months
			 without any at fault accidents and without any license suspensions;
(b) Successfully completes additional
			 evaluation and training specifically designed for night driving from a CDRS;
			 and
(c) Passes a comprehensive
			 night driving examination administered by a CDRS.
The driver must submit written documentation from a CDRS
				stating they meet the qualifications for removal of the day driving only
				restriction.