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Membership - help us by joining us
We are a
registered non-profit organization founded in 2001 to serve the
needs and interests of those with stable low vision who may be able to drive
with a miniaturized telescope mounted in the [usually] upper half of a pair of
spectacles, a so-called BiOptic Telescope System [BTS]. Such people may include those with albinism, nystagmus, cataracts,
and corneal diseases, as well as macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and
other conditions that affect the central macular area. We are particularly
active in the United States of America, Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and
other EU nations.
Our mission includes the following:
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Fostering communication among all concerned with
BTS / low vision, and those interested in BiOptic driving.
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Encouraging critical / frank discussion, and review of
research / experience in both formal and informal settings.
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Challenging
ineligibility to drive that is based on weak or
absence of optometric science; including legally
if necessary. See AAO & AOA polices above.
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Increasing
the attention paid to, and acceptability of, BiOptic driving
within the vision research community.
We seek to provide technical and experiential information
about driving with a BTS, but not personal medical advice. We also seek to provide help
by exchange of information and ideas, guidance and counseling.
We not only seek to serve those affected by
non-existent, or outdated
laws/policies concerning driving licensure, but also to provide useful
information to persons with a professional or personal interest. These
include ophthalmologists, optometrists, educators, researchers, and other
relevant private and public institutional personnel.
Please
help us by joining us as a member. Benefits of joining BDN include:
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Exclusive access to our on-line
Members Webboard forums,
where you may receive individual replies direct from BDN on your questions
and concerns about vision & driving;
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Further information & news about BiOptic and
low vision driving in your location;
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Opportunities for on-line contact with other individuals &
organizations interested in this subject, both publicly, and privately;
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Telephone Helplines in Europe and the US, available 24/7/365
- see our
contact page;
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Regional meetings & updates;
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Advance
notice about events, & advocacy opportunities.
Membership for 1
year costs: £100.00. You may pay in the currency you
prefer, between US $, €, or £, knowing the amount is fixed in advance and
converted to your currency by WorldPay. Discounts on this fee are available for
multiple years or life membership. Please
contact
us for details. Unfortunately no other discounts are possible.
Your membership fee
will be processed by WorldPay, who specialize in the secure capture and
processing of online transactions. All processing of your payment is automatic.
The debit/credit card form that follows is secure and allows you to choose your
preferred currency: US $, €, or £. Confirmation of your membership & payment is
sent by email, immediately afterwards.
Q: Why is membership
£100? A: Because although we keep our running costs very low, we are a
specialist interest organization not focused on "the mass market" and receive no
commercial or other income, save for modest sponsorship in connection with our
conferences. We have no paid employees; and alas after gaining the privilege of
driving few used to renew their connection with BDN. Lobbying for
objective driving legislation is expensive!
Refunds:
After making payment, you have the right
to cancel within seven days. You will then have your money
returned automatically. After 7 days it is no longer possible to
cancel your membership. Our contact details are
here.
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