Opticians call for reform to DVLA test policy

Opticians are calling for a reform of the driver eye test following new research that has found that road crashes caused by poor driver vision cost the UK an estimated £33 million a year and result in nearly 2,900 casualties.

The Optical Confederation is calling for tougher and more frequent checks on drivers’ eyesight. In the UK, eyesight is only checked prior to the practical driving test by asking if candidates can read a number plate at a distance of 20.5 metres. Thereafter, until the age of 70, it is the drivers’ responsibility to advise DVLA if their vision no longer meets this requirement.

Commenting, Lesley Cree, owner of Lesley Cree Opticians in Radcliffe on Trent said, “Opticians support the campaign that all drivers should undergo basic screening by an optician for distance and side vision, before they can apply for their provisional licence. We also support having a recheck when licences are renewed every ten years.”

She added, “Driving at night can be more perilous, especially if the driver has poor eyesight. With darker nights fast approaching I fully support this initiative and encourage all drivers to have their eyes tested at least every two years to be certain of driving with good vision and so that they do not put themselves or others at risk unnecessarily.”