How can I have my vision better evaluated?

I was born with Septo Optic Dysplasia, which has resulted in almost complete blindness in my left eye, nystagmus in my good eye and outward deviation of my left eye. I'm now 19 and for the past several years, I've been diagnosed with 20/30 vision in my right eye.

I don't feel like my doctor understands just how bad my vision is. The reason I score ok on vision tests is because I'm sitting still, staring at things that I know are letters. The problem is, due to the nystagmus, it's very difficult to fucus on small things at any distance. For example, if there is a still image on TV and I don't already have any idea what the image will be, I have to focus on it hard, for a good few seconds, to allow my brain to grasp what the image is actually of. I really have to already have some idea of what I'm looking at to be able to understand what I'm seeing.

Is there a more accurate way to either convey these issues to my doctor or to have him better evaluate it?

(more details to come)

I don't feel comfortable about driving at all, so I don't. Everyone always says to me, "I've known people who are blind in one eye who can drive fine." However, that's not the only problem. Since it takes so long for me to process certain sights, being completely aware of my surroundings, including other cars, pedestrians, signs (I can't even read signs untill I'm so close to them that it's too late), etc. seems impossible to me and I couldn't ever feel safe.

My peripheral vision has been tested and was deemed adequate for driving- however, all I had to do was hit a button when I saw a light in certain places. There's a big difference between knowing there's a light somewhere and being aware of what is actually around you.

(I also have no depth perception whatsoever.)

My doctor feels that I can drive but I really feel like there's no way.

There is no treatment for nystagmus, so better evaluation may not result in any difference for your vision. Visual acuity is measured in standard ways and the standard way does not restrict how much time someone can spend looking. You could contact a low vision clinic and ask to have other things like contrast sensitivity, glare recovery etc measured but results are not going to alter your treatment.

It seems from your comments that you want your doctor to say that you are not legal to drive. If you meet the legal requirements, he can't say you don't; it would be fraud and he could face serious penalties for falsifying a document.

No one can force you to drive if you don't feel safe, if people ask you why you don't drive; simply say your vision would not allow you to drive safely. Whether or not you meet the legal requirements is a matter strictly between you and your doctor and nobody else's business.

I admire you for not driving when you feel it is not safe, despite meeting the legal requirement. I am more often faced with the opposite problem: patients who feel they should be allowed to drive when they don't meet the requirements and pressure me to falsely state that they pass.

Try another doctor at another location, one who is an eye specialist, not just a vision doctor who also sells glasses. Second opinions are totally acceptable. If you feel unsafe to drive, don't and thank you for not.

it is likely that your doctor does "understand" your vision. but that doesnt mean he can do anything about it. there is no surgical procedure for nystagmus. glasses and contacts...thats it. what else is he supposed to do? nystagmus is not fun. its very frustrating on the patient's end. but its not really fixable, either.

Find an ophthalmologist who specializes in Septo Optic Dysplasia (if possible), or nystagmus. Even if your current doctor is a specialist in this area, find another. There may or may not be much they can do for you, however you need a doctor who you are comfortable with, and have confidence in.

Thank you for being responsible and not driving.

Oh I know what it's like to have a doctor that you just don't feel connected to or comfortable with. I truly suggest you look for another doctor that you will feel 'gets' you better - because if you don't, you're going to be stuck in this same situation and not feel like you're getting anywhere.
(sorry I don't know anything about vision so can't help you in that department)