Blog vol 3. 46. The backstory to the government’s change of heart on bioptics
In the fall of 2020, the Ontario government changed the law to allow the use of bioptic telescopes for driving.
I received an email last month that outlined the history of that change, very interesting...
The writer of the email had driven in Ontario with bioptics from 1990 until 2018. The law was not explicitly against using telescopes until 2005 when the Ontario government decided to ban the use of bioptics, so now this driver of 15 years was not legally allowed to drive. In 2018, after 28 years of driving in Ontario with a clean driving record, an optometrist reported them to the Ministry of Transportation and had their license suspended.
Thankfully this person had some pluck and determination and appealed the decision and, finally, after a 2 ½ year-long struggle, won their case because the suspension of their license violated the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. By October 2020, the Government had changed the law to include bioptics, and their license was restored.
The person’s argument with the authorities was a sparkling driving record, diligence in working at and taking very seriously the difficult task of bioptic driving, and the widespread use of bioptics in so many States in America.
They won their case for themselves and for other people.
At Burlington Eyecare 33 people have been fitted with bioptic telescopes since the 2020 decision. Success in getting a driver’s license is dependent on a few factors: primarily motivation level, previous driving experience, and age.
The Ontario Government is working with driving assessment centres to develop a strategy for dealing with bioptic drivers and, frankly, the process has been frustrating. At this point, it is more clear what the government requires which will hopefully prepare people for getting their license.
Education is also key, of eyecare professionals, of ministry of transportation employees, of law enforcement officers, of visually impaired people, etc…. We have lots of work to do.
Thank you to the person who sent me the email for the story of the bioptic change of heart of the Ontario government and for the groundbreaking work in challenging the status quo. We look forward to helping many more in Ontario experience the reality of driving with a visual impairment.
‘til next week,
the good doctor
