[Fitness to drive and chronic eye diseases]

For the participation of people with chronic eye problems in social life, the preservation of mobility is an important prerequisite. In the case of chronic illnesses they should also be given the opportunity, in accordance with the Patients Rights Act, to be able to make decisions in good time and independently on the further course of action to be taken in the event of a loss of mobility as a result of the inability to drive. In the case of a chronic progressive loss of visual acuity or loss of field of vision, the ophthalmologist should therefore initiate information and education of the patient at an early stage with respect to a possible impending inability to drive. The place, date and duration of the consultation must be documented. At the patient's request, a written evaluation report must be prepared by the examining ophthalmologist. In the daily medical routine of the clinic and practice, a distinction should be made between the medical consultation of a chronically ill eye patient on problems of driving safety and fitness to drive and the concerns regarding an assessment to determine fitness to drive in accordance with § 12, Annex 6 of the driving licence regulations.