Impact of Bioptic Telescopes on Driving Performance in Low Vision Patients

Abstract

Objective:
To evaluate the impact of bioptic telescopes on driving performance, safety, and quality of life in individuals with low vision.
Methods:
A review of literature on bioptic telescope use in driving, including studies on visual acuity improvement, training programs, and crash risk assessment.
Results:
Bioptic telescopes enhance distance recognition, allowing drivers to identify road signs and traffic signals more effectively. While challenges such as restricted field of view, reaction time adaptation, and situational awareness exist, structured training programs mitigate these issues. Research indicates that trained bioptic drivers do not exhibit a significantly higher crash risk compared to visually normal drivers.
Conclusion:
Bioptic driving programs incorporating pre-driving training, simulators, and supervised on-road practice contribute to safe driving performance. The ability to drive improves independence, psychological well-being, and social participation for individuals with low vision. However, regulatory inconsistencies, learning curve challenges, and field restriction remain concerns. Future research should focus on optimizing bioptic telescope designs, integrating augmented reality features, and conducting longitudinal studies on real-world driving performance.

DOI - https://doi.org/10.65525/SVUP.99788199956063.2026.107-115