What is the Bioptic Driving Program?
The Bioptic Driving Program assists eligible individuals in obtaining a bioptic driver’s license, primarily to facilitate transportation to work. The Bioptic Driving is a method that uses both the driver’s general vision and intermittent vision through a small telescopic system to improve the sharpness of the driver’s vision.
Bioptic Driving Flyer
How do I know if I am Eligible?
Each individual is unique, and there are multiple issues involved with safe driving besides vision. The decision to drive is a very personal one that must be made collaboratively between the individual, the vocational rehabilitation counselor, the eye doctor, bioptic instructor, and the Kentucky State police license examiner. For specific requirement details, visit Kentucky Minimum Statutory Requirements for Bioptic Driving (KRS 186.578).
The Kentucky Bioptic Driving program consists of the following steps:
- Meet with a VR or IL Counselor to apply for services and determine eligibility.
- Complete Initial Bioptic Visual Examination
- If visual criteria is met, Counseler will then proceed to refer to the Bioptic Program.
- Meet with Bioptic Instructor for Bioptic Program Evaluation.
- If recommended for training, the individual will then obtain their Bioptic device, and be referred to O&M Specialist for training with the device.
- Following completion, the individual is ready to proceed with behind-the-wheel (BTW) training with Bioptic Instructor.
- Once completing all recommended BTW training, the Bioptic Instructor will accompany the individual for the road skills test with Kentucky State Police.
Contact
For more information about the Bioptic Driving Program, please call 800-346-2115.
Please Note: Order of Priority
Training will be provided in the following order:
- Potential trainees in jeopardy of losing employment
- Potential trainees that have completed their VR training and are ready for employment
- Potential trainees that are having difficulty getting to and from place of training/education
- All other potential trainees
The Kentucky Bioptic Driving Regulation, 782 KAR 1:070 (5) requires the Program to evaluate the individual to determine if they are a candidate for training. This process must occur before being referred to any private training program. Individuals who are not currently receiving vocational rehabilitation /independent living services or are on the lower priority list and wanting to go to other training programs, will be provided a list of approved "Certified Driver's Training Programs". These programs offer training on a fee-for-service basis. If it is determined the individual is a candidate for training, a copy of the evaluation will be forwarded to the training program selected.
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