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������Ƶ’s Multispecialty Clinic offers students the opportunity to utilize advanced technology while working with patients. Students and faculty from the Chicago College of Optometry (CCO) are reaping the advantages of incorporating the M2000 Driving Simulator, available at the Eye Institute in Downers Grove for advanced patient care. 

“A few of the benefits of having this type of driving simulator technology is that it allows for patients to practice practical driving skills in a safe, immersive environment. Patients practice over time and build up their skills where they might be deficient or need more work, and gain confidence as they become better with the skills,” said Parres Wright, O.D., FAAO, Clinic Care Lead, Chicago College of Optometry (CCO). Dr. Wright also said the driving simulator technology assists patients who have a variety of visual impairments such as areas in their vision that are blurry or missing, newly decreased vision, and patients who can meet daytime driving requirements. In addition, the driving simulator is useful for patients who struggle with memory, physical therapy patients who need to have their reaction time checked, and special needs patients, she shared. 

The driving simulator offers driving scenarios such as rural and highway, daytime and nighttime, weather conditions like fog, obstacles, and distracted driving situations such as the cell phone ringing, Dr. Wright described. “We look at different aspects like braking rate and reaction time,” she emphasized. There are also options to change the car used in the scenarios, as the vantage point is different depending on the type of car, such as a sports car or an SUV. 

Dr. Wright highlighted a sample of a city driving scenario and described some of the situations patients could face such as merging onto the highway to go to the city, stopping at intersections, dealing with pedestrians crossing, stopping frequently, and stoplights. The M2000 Driving Simulator also provides data points on a report such as the amount of time it took the patient to step on the brake, braking rate, excessive braking, if there was enough time to stop, and how well the patient navigated intersections, Dr. Wright stated.

The opportunity to work with the driving simulator is also beneficial for students as they embark upon becoming future optometrists. “The students get to see cutting edge technology when it comes to low vision rehabilitation and overall rehabilitation of patients, which I think is excellent. They get hands on experience in seeing some of the challenges and situations that patients might be coming in for, why having something like a driving simulator might be great for patients, and to know that this kind of technology exists for patients that they may need to refer in the future,” Dr. Wright shared.

Optometry student George Bagay (CCO ’25) discussed, “As a future optometrist, understanding how vision affects daily tasks, especially driving, is crucial. The M2000 simulator reinforces the importance of comprehensive visual and motor assessments beyond standard eye exams. It also helped me develop a better sense of communicating specific goals and objectives that were met at each session. Explaining findings to patients in a way they can understand is essential for patient counseling and education on driving safety.”

Through this experience, George gained a deeper appreciation for the challenges some patients face. “One of the biggest takeaways was seeing how driving obstacles that to me are monotonous or simply annoying, can have a profound impact on the driving ability of those who live with visual impairment. The experience emphasized a safe learning environment for the patient that allows for early intervention to prevent accidents and maintain patients’ independence. It also reinforced the idea that optometry extends beyond prescribing glasses, through assessing functional vision and its impact on the quality of life,” George said. 

He also emphasized the role of the simulator in helping patients understand their visual strengths and limitations. “I hope patients gain a better understanding of their visual capabilities and limitations. The simulator can help them recognize areas where they may need to improve reaction time, visual scanning, or contrast sensitivity. It encourages responsible decision-making about their ability to drive safely, ultimately protecting themselves and others on the road,” he shared.

Dr. Wright continued, “I would hope that patients would take away a sense of hope that there may be a possibility that they can regain some skills, do the testing, go through the training, and pursue driving if they're able. The M2000 Driving Simulator is an added value for our patients that we have in the clinic.”