State of New Mexico Introduces Web-Based Vision Tests

    ALBUQUERQUE, N.M., March 28 Instead of waiting in line at
the DMV, motorists can now go online, in a field office.  The New Mexico Motor
Vehicle Division today announced the successful launch of a web-based vision
test pilot program for motorists.  The Southwestern state has become the first
in the nation to provide online vision testing for its residents.
    This new testing system, developed by VisionRx, a New York company, could
ease the hassle for the more than 50 million Americans nationwide who receive
or renew drivers licenses every year.
    Gorden Eden, director of New Mexico's Motor Vehicle Division, said, "The
state of New Mexico is pioneering, in partnership with VisionRx, a system that
promotes vehicular safety.  This system provides us with the ability to do
comprehensive eye testing that we were never able to do before."
    The VisionRx system, in addition to testing for visual acuity (distance
vision), which New Mexico is now testing, also tests visual field (peripheral
vision), color vision and contrast sensitivity (night vision) -- three
important tests providing vital information about driving ability.
    "Motor Vehicle Divisions nationwide are concerned about safety, especially
with aging drivers," Eden said.  "This system will give us a means to promote
safer driving."
    The VisionRx system is a clinical grade, web-based, eye testing software
program specifically tailored for DMV's.  The program completely randomizes
test sequences and eliminates opportunities to cheat.
    "It is simple and very easy to use.  The system provided instantaneous
results and that's really important for me not only as a motor vehicle
division director but as a person who wears corrective lenses," said Eden.
"To get immediate results and feedback was very exciting."
    Today's motor vehicle administration centers are highly complex business
hubs.  These centers annually handle millions of intricate title, insurance
and vehicle registration issues -- not to mention the millions of additional
license applications, renewals and data changes.
    As a result, many are stretched to the limits of their capacity.  Due to
crowded offices and old equipment, DMV field offices have extended
license-renewal periods for as long as 12 years, and use mail-in, and online
license renewals without a vision test.
    State legislators have looked to their motor vehicle administrators to
find new and better ways to do more for their constituents.  New Mexico has
found a solution with the VisionRx system.
    VisionRx, a vision test software company based in Elmsford, New York,
specializes in developing clinical grade vision tests to doctors, DMVs,
schools and industry.  The company's extensive suite of standard and custom
eye tests may be delivered on disc, downloaded from the Internet or used
online.  VisionRx is located at 200 Clearbrook Road, Elmsford, New York,
10523.  Their telephone website address is http://www.VisionRx.com.