32 Miss. Code. R. 22-3.21.2

Current through December 10, 2024

Section 32-22-3.21.2 - Bioptic Driving

The 1998 Mississippi Legislature passed into law a bill that allows a visually impaired person using a bioptic telescopic lens to be eligible for a Mississippi drivers license, if said individual can pass the standard driving test and is otherwise qualified as required by law. (Mississippi Code of 1972, as Amended, § 63-1-11) "Bioptic driving," means operating an automobile with the assistance of specialized, telescopic/bioptic eyewear.

Services that vocational rehabilitation for the blind (VRB) eligible clients may receive related to bioptic lens driving include, but are not limited to: optometric services for the evaluation, prescribing and fitting of the lens; training by an optometric low-vision specialist in using the lens; and instruction in driving an automobile while using the lens. (NOTE: All vocational rehabilitation / vocational rehabilitation for the blind services must be required in order to achieve a specific employment outcome.)

The process to reach licensure with bioptics requires several steps designed to insure safe driving. A candidate for bioptic lens driving should be provided with the Bioptic/Telescopic Lens Application Form, available from the Mississippi Department of Public Safety, Highway Patrol Driver Services Bureau. The form comes with a packet of information that delineates the process and requirements a person must undertake to be able to obtain a drivers license using a bioptic lens. Application packets may be obtained by contacting the Driver Services Bureau at (601) 987-1200 or (601) 987-1206.

The process consists of the following steps.

1. A candidate for bioptic driving must first be evaluated by a qualified optometric low-vision specialist who can determine if the individual meets the vision guidelines established by the Mississippi Department of Public Safety. An individual meeting these guidelines would then be evaluated and fitted with the lens by the low vision specialist. For information on the nearest optometric specialist who is qualified to prescribe the bioptic lens, contact the Mississippi Optometric Association at 601-956-7412.

2. Subsequent to the fitting of the lens, the individual must participate in training in the use of the lens. The low vision specialist will provide this training.

3. Once an individual has proven proficient in the use of the bioptic/telescopic lens (as determined by the low vision specialist), the individual must obtain a driving permit from the Mississippi Highway Patrol, Driver Services Bureau.

4. Once a driving permit has been obtained, the individual must undergo training in driving an automobile while using the lens. Driving instruction may only be provided by an entity approved by the Mississippi Highway Patrol, Driver Services Bureau. For a list of approved drivers training resources, contact the Driver Services Bureau at the number listed above.

5. When the driving training instructor judges that the client has the necessary and adequate driving skills with the bioptic lens, the individual is referred to the Highway Patrols Driver Services Bureau headquarters in Jackson, Mississippi. The Bureau will review the applicants information and determine if he/she has met the requirements necessary to take the driving test. If so, the person will be scheduled to take the test at a place and time to be determined by the Highway Patrol Office.

The codes necessary to authorize for the above services can be found in the MDRS Fee Schedule. Typical services include evaluation for the lens, fitting of the lens, the lens itself, and training in the use of the lens. Payment for driving instruction will be charged to Training: Adjustment, Personal/Vocational at the usual and customary fee charged by the vendor.

32 Miss. Code. R. 22-3.21.2