Bioptic Driving Requirements:
1. Visual Acuity of at least 20/200 in at least one eye2. Visual field of at least 70 degrees horizontal, or if vision in only one eye at least 40 degrees temporal and 30 degrees horizontal.
3. Visual acuity of at least 20/70 in one or both eyes with the bioptic telescopic lenses and without the use of field expanders.
NC Restrictions for Driving with a Bioptic:
1. Not eligible for any endorsements2. Can drive one-half hour after sunrise and one-half hour before sunset (daytime only).
3. Driving after sunset and before sunrise (night driving) is permitted if the person demonstrates a visual acuity of at least 20/40 with the bioptic telescopic lenses and without the use of field expanders and provides a report of examination by the low vision doctor indicating that their vision is sufficient for night driving. The low vision doctor may require a night driving evaluation with the occupational therapist prior to endorsing night driving.
NC Vision Requirements for All Drivers:
To obtain or to renew a permit or license, applicants must take and pass a vision screening test.
Drivers who cannot meet the 20/40 acuity standard are referred to an eye-care specialist.
Drivers whose vision is correctable to 20/50 or better are restricted to wearing corrective lenses when driving.
If vision is correctable to 20/50 or better, but could deteriorate soon as a result of a progressive disease, a follow-up report from an eye-care specialist will be required every 1 to 2 years, upon the recommendation of the Medical Advisors and eye-care specialist.
Drivers whose vision is correctable to 20/70 are restricted to wearing corrective lenses, driving on roads with a speed limit of no more than 45 mi/h, and no driving on interstate highways. They may be required to submit an annual report from their eye-care specialist.
Drivers whose vision is correctable to 20/100 are restricted to all of the above restrictions, plus daylight driving only. They may be required to submit a report from their eye-care specialist at 6-month or 1-year intervals.
Applicants whose vision is not correctable to at least 20/100 may not drive.
In North Carolina, telescopic lenses may not be used to meet the standard, but are allowed to be used for driving if an applicant can meet the standard without the telescopic lens. The telescopic lens must be prescribed by a licensed ophthalmologist or optometrist, who will ensure that the applicant can look around the telescopic lens and view the full traffic pattern.
The visual field requirement in North Carolina is 60 degrees in one eye, or 30 degrees on each side of the central point of fixation. Persons with homonymous hemianopsia (cannot see out of the left side of either eye or the right side of either eye) may not drive.