Why Might I Need A Driving Vision Assessment?

​

You may be referred for further vision testing if you have:

• experienced a stroke or brain injury;

• been diagnosed with a visual field defect such as hemianopia or quadrantanopia;

• noticed a loss of peripheral vision;

• developed double vision;

• experienced changes to eye movements or visual scanning;

• been asked by your doctor, specialist or Transport for NSW to have further visual assessment.

​

A standard eyesight test looks primarily at how clearly you can see. A specialised driving vision assessment looks more broadly at the visual skills that may be important for safely navigating the driving environment.

​

What Does the Assessment Include?

​

The exact testing performed will depend on your visual history and the reason for referral.

 

Your assessment may include:

• Visual Acuity

  • We assess how clearly you can see at distance and near, with your current glasses or contact lenses if required.

• Eye Alignment & Movement

  • We assess how well the eyes are aligned and whether they can move accurately and comfortably in different directions.

• Binocular Vision

  • We assess how effectively the two eyes work together and whether any double vision or eye coordination difficulties are present.

• Visual Field Testing

  • Visual field testing measures how much of the surrounding visual environment you can detect without looking directly towards it.

  • Depending on your circumstances, testing may include monocular and/or binocular visual fields.

• Visual Scanning

  • We assess how efficiently you move your eyes and actively scan your surroundings, particularly when a visual field defect is present.

 

Understanding Visual Field Loss

​

Visual field loss can occur following damage to the eye, visual pathways or brain.

​

Examples include:

• Hemianopia – loss of approximately half of the visual field;

• Quadrantanopia – loss of approximately one quarter of the visual field;

• Other visual field defects – smaller or irregular areas of reduced peripheral vision.

 

A visual field defect does not automatically determine whether a person can or cannot drive. The pattern and extent of the field loss, the type of licence held and other medical and functional factors all need to be considered against the relevant driving standards.