About

Bradley E. Dougherty, OD, PhD, is an Associate Professor at The Ohio State University College of Optometry. His research interests include driving with central vision impairment, evaluation of new technologies for low vision rehabilitation, visual assessment, and analysis of patient-reported outcome measures to assess the impact of low vision. Dr. Dougherty serves as a clinical attending in the Low Vision Rehabilitation Service at Ohio State. He received a B.S. in Biological Sciences from Ohio University and earned his OD, MS, and PhD degrees in Vision Science from The Ohio State University. He is a fellow of the American Academy of Optometry and has been twice awarded the William C. Ezell Fellowship from the American Academy of Optometry Foundation. His research has been supported by the National Institutes of Health, Research to Prevent Blindness, and the Ohio Lions Eye Research Foundation.

Research topics

• Computer Science
• Ophthalmology
• Medicine
• Audiology
• Psychology
• Surgery
• Optometry
• Medical emergency
• Gerontology
• Physics
• Environmental health
• Pathology
• Computer vision
• Psychiatry
• Simulation
• Internal medicine
• Optics

Selected publications

• Bioptic driving: Historical milestones, current landscape, and future directions

  Optometry and Vision Science · 2026-03-01

  articleOpen accessSenior author

  A bioptic telescope is a small telescope mounted in the upper portion of a pair of eyeglasses that, when used for driving, allows a driver with central vision loss to briefly spot through the telescope to gain a magnified view of the roadway scene ahead. This paper summarizes the various ways bioptic driving has been studied, provides an update on bioptic driving research, and suggests future areas of work related to bioptic drivers. As the number of jurisdictions permitting bioptic driving increases, this review provides context regarding the history of bioptic driving, characteristics of bioptic drivers, and the safety of these drivers with vision impairment. Recent research has incorporated naturalistic recording methods that allow for study of specific safety events, the measurement of collision and near collision behavior on open roads, and adjustment for driving exposure in ways not previously possible. Still, studies of bioptic driving safety have been limited to North America, and small sample sizes and inadequate control groups remain challenges to interpretation, and more work should be done to determine what characteristics of bioptic drivers and other factors are related to safety. Suggestions for future research include study of the effects of newer advanced driver assistance systems on bioptic driving and development of evidence-based training programs.

  PublisherDOI

• Axial Growth and Myopia Progression After Discontinuing Soft Multifocal Contact Lens Wear

  JAMA Ophthalmology · 2025-01-16 · 5 citations

  letterOpen access

  Importance: For myopia control to be beneficial, it would be important that the benefit of treatment (slowed eye growth) is not lost because of faster than normal growth (rebound) after discontinuing treatment. Objective: To determine whether there is a loss of treatment effect (rebound) after discontinuing soft multifocal contact lenses in children with myopia. Design, Setting, and Participants: The Bifocal Lenses in Nearsighted Kids 2 (BLINK2) cohort study involved children with myopia (aged 11-17 years at BLINK2 baseline) who completed the BLINK Study randomized clinical trial. Enrollment was from September 2019 through January 2021; follow-up was completed in January 2024. In the BLINK2 Study, all children wore high-add (+2.50 diopter [D]) multifocal soft contact lenses for 2 years and single-vision soft contact lenses during the third year to determine if rebound occurred. Exposure: High-add multifocal soft contact lenses and single-vision soft contact lenses. Main Outcomes and Measures: Eye length (optical biometry) and refractive error (cycloplegic autorefraction) were measured annually. Results: Of 248 participants enrolled in BLINK2, 235 completed the study. The median age at the baseline visit was 15 years (range, 11-17 years); 146 participants (59%) were female, and 102 (41%) were male. At baseline for BLINK2, mean (SD) axial length and spherical equivalent refractive error were 25.2 (0.9) mm and -3.40 (1.40) D, respectively. After participants switched from multifocal to single-vision contact lenses, axial elongation increased by 0.03 mm per year (95% CI, 0.01 to 0.05) regardless of their original BLINK treatment assignment (P = .81). There was also an increase in myopia progression after switching to single-vision lenses of -0.17 D per year (95% CI, -0.22 to -0.12) that did not depend on the original BLINK treatment assignment (P = .57). There continued to be a difference in axial length and refractive error throughout BLINK2 based on the BLINK Study treatment assignment with the original high-add group having shorter eyes and less myopia than the original medium-add (+1.50 D) and single-vision groups. Conclusions and Relevance: The BLINK2 Study found no evidence of a loss of treatment effect after discontinuing multifocal contact lenses in older teenagers. These data suggest eye growth and myopia progression returned to faster but age-expected rates and support continuing multifocal lenses until cessation of elongation and progression.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Hard braking events in bioptic drivers with central vision impairment

  Ophthalmic and Physiological Optics · 2025-03-27 · 2 citations

  articleOpen accessSenior author

  PURPOSE: Some individuals with central vision impairment can obtain or maintain driving privileges using bioptic telescopes. Previous work has often demonstrated an increased collision risk for bioptic drivers, but some on-road studies find similar safety to that of normally sighted drivers. The purpose of this study was to compare exposure-controlled hard braking and speeding events measured with naturalistic recording in visually impaired bioptic drivers and normally sighted control drivers. METHODS: Visual acuity was measured for each eye individually and through the bioptic when indicated. Contrast sensitivity was measured binocularly with the Mars chart. Binocular integrated visual fields were constructed from monocular 24-2C SITA Faster plots. A commercially available GPS recorder was installed into drivers' personal vehicles for at least 6 weeks. Total mileage, instances of hard braking, travel over 65 miles per hour (mph) and posted speed limit violations were counted. Exposure-controlled rates were calculated for each of these safety events. Driver characteristics and hard braking events were compared using median tests, and Spearman correlation was used to assess the relationships among vision measurements and driving safety events. RESULTS: Twenty licensed bioptic drivers and 20 control drivers were enrolled. Bioptic drivers were significantly more likely to perform hard braking manoeuvres than controls. Among bioptic drivers, hard braking frequency was not predicted by visual acuity, contrast sensitivity or binocular integrated visual field deviation. Bioptic drivers with poorer contrast sensitivity were more likely to travel above 65 mph. Speeding events were not related to hard braking. CONCLUSIONS: Bioptic drivers demonstrated nearly three times as many hard braking events per 1000 miles driven, but vision measurements did not predict hard braking. Bioptic drivers with poorer contrast sensitivity were more likely to drive faster than 65 mph. Further work exploring relationships among vision and driving safety in bioptic drivers is warranted.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Hazard Perception in Visually Impaired Drivers Who Use Bioptic Telescopes

  Translational Vision Science & Technology · 2024 · 3 citations

  Senior authorCorresponding
  • Computer Science
  • Audiology
  • Psychology

  Purpose: Bioptic telescopic spectacles can allow individuals with central vision impairment to obtain or maintain driving privileges. The purpose of this study was to (1) compare hazard perception ability among bioptic drivers and traditionally licensed controls, (2) assess the impact of bioptic telescopic spectacles on hazard perception in drivers with vision impairment, and (3) analyze the relationships among vision and hazard detection in bioptic drivers. Methods: Visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, and visual field were measured for each participant. All drivers completed the Driving Habits Questionnaire. Hazard perception testing was conducted using commercially available first-person video driving clips. Subjects signaled when they could first identify a traffic hazard requiring a change of speed or direction. Bioptic drivers were tested with and without their bioptic telescopes in alternating blocks. Hazard detection times for each clip were converted to z-scores, converted back to seconds using the average response time across all videos, and then compared among conditions. Results: Twenty-one bioptic drivers and 21 normally sighted controls participated in the study. The hazard response time of bioptic drivers was improved when able to use the telescope (5.4 ± 1.4 seconds vs 6.3 ± 1.8 seconds without telescope); however, it remained significantly longer than for controls (4.0 ± 1.4 seconds). Poorer visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, and superior visual field sensitivity loss were related to longer hazard response times. Conclusions: Drivers with central vision loss had improved hazard response times with the use of bioptic telescopic spectacles, although their responses were still slower than normally sighted control drivers. Translational Relevance: The use of a bioptic telescope by licensed, visually impaired drivers improves their hazard detection speed on a video-based task, lending support to their use on the road.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Quality of life after wearing multifocal contact lenses for myopia control for 2 weeks in the <scp>BLINK</scp> Study

  Ophthalmic and Physiological Optics · 2023-08-23 · 7 citations

  articleOpen access

  PURPOSE: To validate Pediatric Refractive Error Profile 2 (PREP2) subscales that can be used to evaluate contact lens wearers and compare vision-specific quality of life measurements between children wearing multifocal and single vision contact lenses for 2 weeks. METHODS: Two hundred and ninety-four myopic children aged 7-11 years (inclusive) were enrolled in the 3-year, double-masked Bifocal Lenses In Nearsighted Kids (BLINK) Study. Participants completed the PREP2 survey after having worn contact lenses for 2 weeks. The Vision, Symptoms, Activities and Overall PREP2 subscales were used to compare participants' subjective assessment while wearing +1.50 or +2.50 D add multifocal or single vision contact lenses. Rasch analysis was used to validate each subscale and to compare participants' subjective assessment of contact lens wear. RESULTS: Item fit to the Rasch model was good for all scales, with no individual items having infit mean square statistics outside the recommended range (0.7-1.3). Response category function was acceptable for all subscales, with ordered category thresholds. Measurement precision, assessed by the Rasch person reliability statistic, was less than ideal (≥0.8) for three of the subscales, but met the minimum acceptable standard of 0.5. Scores for the Vision subscale differed by treatment assignment (p = 0.03), indicating that participants with the highest add power reported statistically worse quality of vision, although the difference was only 3.9 units on a scale of 1-100. Girls reported fewer symptoms than boys (p = 0.006), but there were no other differences between boys and girls. CONCLUSIONS: Rasch analysis demonstrates that the PREP2 survey is a valid instrument for assessing refractive error-specific quality of life. These results suggest that vision-related quality of life is not meaningfully affected by 2 weeks of soft multifocal contact lens wear for myopia control.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Driving Difficulties and Preferences of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems by Older Drivers With Central Vision Loss

  Translational Vision Science & Technology · 2023-10-06 · 11 citations

  articleOpen access

  Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate driving difficulties and Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) use and preferences of drivers with and without central vision loss (CVL). Methods: Fifty-eight drivers with CVL (71 ± 13 years) and 68 without (72 ± 8 years) completed a telephone questionnaire. They rated their perceived driving difficulty and usefulness of technology support in 15 driving situations under good (daytime) and reduced visibility conditions, and reported their use experience and preferences for 12 available ADAS technologies. Results: Drivers with CVL reported more difficulty (P = 0.002) and greater usefulness of technology support (P = 0.003) than non-CVL drivers, especially in reduced visibility conditions. Increased driving difficulty was associated with higher perceived technology usefulness (r = 0.34, P < 0.001). Dealing with blind spot road users, glare, unexpected pedestrians, and unfamiliar areas were perceived as the most difficult tasks that would benefit from technology support. Drivers with CVL used more advanced ADAS features than non-CVL drivers (P = 0.02), preferred to own the blind spot warning, pedestrian warning, and forward collision avoidance systems, and favored ADAS support that provided both information and active intervention. The perceived benefits of and willingness to own ADAS technologies were high for both groups. Conclusions: Drivers with CVL used more advanced ADAS and perceived greater usefulness of driver assistance technology in supporting difficult driving situations, with a strong preference for collision prevention support. Translational Relevance: This study highlights the specific technology needs and preferences of older drivers with CVL, which can inform future ADAS development, evaluation, and training tailored to this group.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Examining daily disposable soft contact lens wearers' attitudes and beliefs using the Health Belief Model

  Ophthalmic and Physiological Optics · 2022-12-04 · 4 citations

  articleOpen accessSenior author
  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Use and Perceptions of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems by Older Drivers With and Without Age-Related Macular Degeneration

  Translational Vision Science & Technology · 2022 · 28 citations

  Senior authorCorresponding
  • Computer Science
  • Medicine
  • Audiology

  Purpose: Advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) have been reported to improve the safety of elderly and normally sighted drivers. The purpose of this study was to assess exposure to, perceived safety of, comfort level with, and interest in using ADAS among drivers with age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Methods: Current drivers aged 60+ years were recruited at four US sites to complete a survey about ADAS and driving habits. Frequency of use and/or perceptions of eight ADAS were investigated. An avoidance score was generated using questions about difficult driving situations. Results: The survey was completed by 166 participants (80 with AMD vs. 86 without). Participants with AMD had worse self-rated vision than those without (34% vs. 2% poor or fair rating), and drove fewer weekly miles (median [interquartile range [IQR] 30 [15 to 75] vs. 60 [30 to 121] miles, P = 0.002). Participants with AMD reported more avoidance of difficult driving situations (P < 0.001). There was no difference in the number of ADAS used by AMD status (median [IQR for AMD = 2.5 [1 to 5] vs. 3 [2 to 4] without, P = 0.87). Greater reported number of ADAS used was associated with less avoidance of difficult situations (P = 0.02). The majority perceived improved safety with most ADAS. Conclusions: Many drivers with AMD utilize common ADAS, which subjectively improve their road safety and may help to reduce self-imposed restrictions for difficult situations and mileage. Translational Relevance: Drivers with AMD are adopting readily available ADAS, for which they reported potential benefits, such as safety and less restrictive driving.

  PublisherDOI

• Perceptions of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems by People with and without Age-Related Macular Degeneration

  Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science · 2021-06-21

  articleOpen accessSenior author
  Publisher

• Evaluation of a New Device for Distance and Reading Tasks in Low Vision

  Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science · 2021-06-21

  articleOpen accessSenior author
  Publisher

Recent grants

• Stress and Depression in Macular Degeneration Treatment Outcomes

  NIH · $811k · 2013–2018

Frequent coauthors

• San-San Cooley

  SUNY College of Optometry

  17 shared

• Thomas W. Raasch

  The Ohio State University

  17 shared

• Roanne E. Flom

  The Ohio State University

  16 shared

• Alex R. Bowers

  Smith-Kettlewell Eye Research Institute

  15 shared

• Mark A. Bullimore

  University of Houston

  13 shared

• Rebecca A Deffler

  SUNY College of Optometry

  9 shared

• Frederick H. Davidorf

  9 shared

• Jing Xu

  Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary

  7 shared

Labs

• Karla Zadnik Academic Research in OptometryPI

Education

• Ph.D., Vision Science

  The Ohio State University

  2005

• M.S., Vision Science

  The Ohio State University

  2001

• B.S., Optometry

  The Ohio State University

  1998

Awards & honors

• William C. Ezell Fellowship from the American Academy of Opt…