Optometrists are required to report any person who, in the optometrist’s opinion, has or appears to have a medical condition, functional impairment, or visual impairment that may make it dangerous for the person to drive.
It is mandatory for optometrists to report certain high-risk visual impairments:
- A best corrected visual acuity that is below 20/50 with both eyes open and examined together.
- A visual field that is less than 120 continuous degrees along the horizontal meridian, or less than 15 continuous degrees above and below fixation, or less than 60 degrees to either side of the vertical midline, including hemianopia.
- Diplopia that is within 40 degrees of fixation point (in all directions) of primary position, that cannot be corrected using prism lenses or patching.
The required clinical information (OPR 4.2) includes the results and analysis of visual field assessment when indicated by patient signs, symptoms, or history. Providing unnecessary diagnostic services remains professional misconduct under the Optometry Act.
More information on the Medical Review Section is available through the Ministry of Transportation of Ontario.