How Well Do You Really Need to See to Drive?

On Tech & Vision With Dr. Cal Roberts

This podcast is about big ideas on how technology is making life better for people with vision loss.

Today, self-driving cars are all the buzz when it comes to cutting edge driving technology that could help people with vision impairmentdrive. But there are other, simpler technologies that are already helping people who are blind or visually impaired navigate behind the wheel - some of which draw on technology that’s been around for hundreds of years!

In this episode, Dr. Cal talks with Dr. Henry Greene, co-founder and president of Ocutech about their bioptic driving telescopes. These simple devices fit on top of a pair of conventional eyeglasses, and provide a wider field of vision for drivers with vision impairments. This has been shown to increase driver safety and confidence.

The episode also features an interview with Dr. Bill Seiple, Lighthouse Guild’s Chief Research Officer. He discusses how other technological advancements that are already in widespread use among all consumers - like GPS - are making it so everyone has to use their vision less while behind the wheel.

Ultimately, the ability to pilot a car without relying on our vision isn’t there yet. But with these and other technologies discussed in this episode, the day where none of us need to see to drive may be just around the corner!

The Big Takeaways

• Ancient Tech, Modern Design: Dr. Greene and his team succeeded in adapting telescopic technology that’s existed since Galileo’s time into a bioptic device that fits on top of a conventional pair of eyeglasses. Coupled with other innovations like an auto-focusing device, these bioptic driving assists can vision impaired drivers to see faraway objects with the clarity required for highway driving.
• Can Something You Use Only 1% of the Time Make You Safer? Ocutech’s bioptic driving telescopes aren’t designed to be used all the time while driving. In fact, Dr. Greene estimates that his patients only use them between one and two percent of the time. This means that while they’re a useful tool for very specific tasks on the road, drivers still need to be competent behind the wheel without bioptics. Per Dr. Seiple, research has shown that drivers with vision impairment tend to be intentional about where and when they drive, adding another layer of safety.
• GPS Makes Everything Easier: Thanks to 5G technology that can place a user anywhere on Earth within a few feet, GPS is making it so that everyone has to use their vision less when they’re on the road .
• Is Driving a Visual Thing? As Dr. Seiple points out, visual acuity isn’t of greatest importance behind the wheel. More important is attentiveness, knowing where you’re going, and reaction time once something crosses your way, regardless of how sharply you can see it. This suggests that while cars may soon be able to pilot themselves, getting from one place to another may always require the competent guidance of a human.

Tweetables

• “GPS doesn't tell you that there's a box on the road or a policeman or a pedestrian or an animal or a deviation for construction. GPS won't tell you that stuff. And that's the stuff that you need to be able to anticipate problems and take the appropriate action while you're driving.” — Dr. Henry Greene, Ocutech Co-Founder & President
• “So, in tongue and cheek, you can say that I don't think driving is a visual thing. Turns out field is much more important than acuity for driving safety.” — Dr. Bill Seiple, Lighthouse Guild Chief Research Officer
• “These bioptics, they are a game changer for people with low vision… All my life I've actually had to get a ride or wait for someone. And I'm very, very, very independent. I don't like to wait for people..” — Crystal Davis, Ocutech Employee & Bioptic Telescope User

Contact Us:

• Contact us at [e-mail] with your innovative new technology ideas for people with vision loss.

Pertinent Links

• Lighthouse Guild
• Ocutech