The purpose of this study was to determine the vision requirements for licensing and registration examiners (LREs) of motor vehicle drivers in the state of California. A comprehensive investigation was conducted that included a literature review, consideration of the Americans with Disabilities Act, analysis of materials with a subject matter expert panel, an overview of visual function tests, a formal job analysis, job audits and site visits to licensing offices, analysis of accidents and critical incidents, performance of simulation studies, and a review and evaluation of all materials collected during the study. Based on this analysis, three visual functions (best-corrected visual acuity, peripheral visual field extent, and color vision) were determined to be important for performing the essential job functions of an LRE. It was recommended that LREs demonstrate a best-corrected visual acuity of at least 20/20 in each eye, a peripheral visual field of at least 100 degrees diameter of horizontal and vertical extent in each eye (with no evidence of scotomas or pathologic areas of nonseeing within the visual field), and color vision capabilities that permit a passing score on the Farnsworth Panel D-15 color vision test. The findings of this investigation provide a strong basis for specifying and justifying vision requirements for performing essential job functions for an LRE in the state of California. (Author/publisher)
Abstract