A potential new regulation could strip three million people of their driving licences if the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) heeds calls from optometrists and bereaved families. The Association of Optometrists is pushing for a legal amendment requiring mandatory vision tests for drivers at initial licence application, renewal, and every three years after turning 70.
Emma Damen, whose father Jim Tassell was tragically killed by an elderly driver, voiced her support for the change on BBC Breakfast, stating: “I truly believe that when you renew your licence at the age of 70 there should be a mandatory check on an eyesight. The eyesight checks when you are 70 are free.”
She added, “So it doesn’t cost you any money to go and have your eyesight checked for me, it shouldn’t be a choice. It shouldn’t be a tick box exercise. It should be. You need to prove that your eyesight meets the minimum standards the 20 metres that is required to legally drive in this country.”
According to new research highlighted on the programme, six out of ten optometrists report having seen patients in the past month who still drive despite failing to meet the legal vision standard. The call for legislative reform by the Association of Optometrists includes vision screenings upon first applying for a licence, at renewal, and triennially for those aged over 70.
Emma implored: “If you are all worried about anybody your mum, your dad, your brother, a friend, anybody Please please please encourage them to get an eyesight check because it may well be absolutely fine. But if you’re not sure, please get it checked.”, reports Lancs Live.
The Association of Optometrists has discovered that a staggering six in 10 optometrists have encountered a patient in the last month who continues to drive despite failing to meet legal vision standards. This alarming statistic suggests that as many as three million of Britain’s over 30 million drivers could be at risk of losing their licence if the DVSA decides to implement proposed changes to vision requirements.
Adam Sampson, the Chief Executive, expressed his concern, stating: “This is a stark reminder of why UK roads are not as safe as they should be.”
A survey involving 910 optometrists revealed that half of them regularly see patients who are flouting the law with their poor vision. Many drivers don’t realise their sight has worsened due to the gradual nature of vision loss.
According to DVLA regulations, drivers must be able to discern a number plate from a distance of 66 feet (20m) and read at least six lines on the Snellen chart. It’s also mandatory for individuals to report any partial or complete loss of vision to the DVLA.
Professor Julie-Anne Little, a former chair of the AOP, highlighted: “Sight changes are gradual which means that many drivers are unaware that their vision has deteriorated over time. Having poor eyesight has been shown to slow reaction times and the ability to drive safely.”
Mr Sampson warned: “It doesn’t take much for one mistake to result in a serious collision with catastrophic consequences.”
He continued: “The number plate test is not an adequate test of vision. The law should be updated to ensure all drivers are required to have their vision checked and this should be done by reliable means.”
