To operate a motor vehicle in the province of Ontario, all licensed drivers are required to maintain a minimal health status which includes ocular health.
All drivers must have a minimum visual acuity, not experience double vision in primary gaze and have a minimum area of continuous vision. All medical doctors including Optometrists are required to report any individual over the age of 16 to the Ministry of Transport (MOT) if they fail to maintain vision standards.
The MOT tasks DriveTest to perform the required testing but if an individual does not meet the minimum requirements for their class of license they will provide a form to be completed by a physician, optometrist or nurse practitioner. These forms and any assessment to complete the form is not covered under OHIP.
For license renewal the MOT also permits individuals to provide a report from their optometrist rather than do the testing at DriveTest but again the report is not covered under OHIP.
For individuals with conditions that reduce the visual field (ie advanced glaucoma, tumors, visual strokes etc) there is the Medical review for Ontario drivers which allows for a vision waiver. This waiver must be completed annually prior to license renewal and all testing associated with the waiver is not covered under OHIP.
