Professional Actuation of the Technologist in Optometry and Optics for Visual Evaluation to Terrestrial Drivers

Abstract

The driver's license is an official document that certifies that the holder is authorized to drive motor vehicles. Visual screening for land drivers is carried out by technologists in optometry and optics, and it is part of the current training plan. The objective was to present the theoretical foundations for visual assessment of land drivers. A narrative review was conducted, for which methods such as bibliographic review of printed and digital literature were used, applying theoretical and empirical historical-logical methods, analysis and synthesis, induction-deduction, and systematization. The different technological procedures used in visual examinations for drivers and the inclusion of other tests were outlined, forming a comprehensive battery of visual studies, which remains a useful tool to evaluate both professional and non-professional drivers who have a high and ongoing demand on visual function. Furthermore, the usefulness of this type of exams can be assessed within a broader framework than just obtaining a driver's license, as it is an eye examination that provides the opportunity for early detection of visual conditions that can lead to more serious consequences, such as certain eye diseases that cause impairments affecting the ability to drive. The systematization of theoretical foundations for visual assessment in drivers has led to the identification of irregularities in these technological procedures.