A new system for assessing visual disability using a digital visor

Background: Considering the lack of universally accepted visual requirements for driving and for defining various grades of visual disability, the aim of this study is to propose a new method that provides a numerical score resulting from a combined assessment of the visual field and visual acuity loss obtained using a digital technology visor. Methods: This study presents a new system for calculating the percentage of visual disability by combining binocular visual acuity and binocular visual field assessments. A new Global Vision Evaluation System digital technology visor uses standardized, reproducible criteria to produce well-defined, numerically expressed test results. Through a specific algorithm, the device produces a numerical value expressing the percentage of visual disability. Results: Eighty-six subjects with various types of visual impairment underwent visual acuity and visual field test examinations carried out employing both traditional methods and the new digital visor. The two methods provided homogeneously similar results regarding the positioning of the subjects on the visual disability scale. Conclusions: The new digital visor seems to be a valid method to ensure that visual disability assessments are more homogeneous and reliable, and that, consequently, the resources available for this purpose are more fairly distributed.