License Renewal
It came: my dreaded driver’s license renewal notice. I knew my vision was getting worse and that I would likely have to retake all of the licensing tests. In Illinois, where I live, there are strict guidelines in place when it comes to vision loss and driving. Once our eyes reach a certain level, we are required to renew each year and bioptic lenses may be required. For reference, my state’s specific vision requirements are:
1) Visual Acuity: at least 20/40 in the better eye (this is with or without corrective lenses). Otherwise, at least 20/100 in the better eye, or 20/40 through a bioptic telescope (with restrictions).With20/70 in the better eye: restricted license (daylight only).
2) Visual Field: with two eyes, 140-degree field of vision required. Monocular vision requires 70-degree temporally and 35-degree nasally.
With these restrictions in mind, I made an appointment with my ophthalmologist at the Veteran’s Hospital in order to see how much my vision had changed. In the meantime, I requested special paperwork from the DMV for my doctor to fill out at my appointment.
The Appointment
To put it simply, I was nervous. I tried to distract myself with music through my earbuds, but mostly had to entertain my own anxious thoughts while waiting to be called back. Once the testing began, my heart dropped as I realized just how much my vision had changed. I tried to look using my right eye but could barely read anything below the chart’s third row.
Several years ago I had a vision mapping done, which I highly recommend to anyone with low vision. Your doctor will help you pinpoint the spot where your vision is best, then supply you with exercises meant to train your eye to use that spot to see. My vision mapping revealed that my right eye was weakening, so my doctor gave me many specific training exercises that helped my left eye maintain its vision.
Now, at my new appointment, the doctor’s assistant helped me discover that my left eye had taken over dominance and was overcompensating for the diminishing vision loss of my right eye. All my optimism fled as I realized that my driving days were probably over. My left eye read at the 20/100 level, but my right eye read at 20/200 and was now considered legally blind.
Detailed Results and Good News with a Stipulation
My doctor retested my eyes with and without my glasses, and then offered me a 3-times power bioptic. It did not help my right eye but gave me a 20/40 vision in my left eye, renewing my hopes of being able to drive. My doctor used a new technology called digital retinal photography to take clear pictures of my eyes against a special screen. These images are immediately available for review and show the inside of each eye so you can understand the detailed conditions.
I couldn’t keep in my smile as my doctor announced that I would be able to continue driving, after all. I would have to have bioptics specially made, but I was just happy to learn that there was a solution. The low vision office ordered my bioptics and sent me home. The Veteran’s Hospital then called, warning me not to drive again until the bioptics came in. I immediately started stressing about how I was going to get to and from work. Additionally, I was told I would have to undergo even more testing at the Hines Blind Center. So many hurdles stood between me and my goal, but I was determined not to give up.
Transportation Issues
At the Hines Blind Center the following week, I underwent testing including charts, visual peripheral acuity, and optics. Unfortunately, I was then told that it could take up to two months for my bioptics to arrive. Meanwhile, I was going to have to rely on others to help me get anywhere I needed to go.
Several years ago, vision issues cost me my ability to drive for two years. That time away from driving strengthened me, though, because this time around I knew exactly what to do. I placed a circular on the bulletin board of my living community, visited the senior center for information about potential drivers, looked in the newspaper, and contacted Pace Paratransit services, which operates door-to-door as well as with trains and buses. In addition, I discovered that some local taxi services offer a reduced rate for those with low vision.
My Results, For Now
For me, the community circular did the trick. I am very happy with my driver and the fee we agreed upon for the days I need help. Other times, I happily cruise around on my electric bicycle, made by Pedego out of California. It can go about 20 mph and enables me to get myself to and from work on good days. I primarily use the community center bus for getting to grocery stores and shopping centers.
As you can see, you must approach this from many directions at the same time. Having a handle on your transportation options is essential for maintaining your independence. Do not give up on trips and activities just because you suffer from vision loss. It is a learning process, so find a community of others with which you can share information like this.
I am still waiting for my optics, but you will be among the first I tell about how they work. I will also share all of my final steps in the process, in case you wind up in a similar situation.