The role optometrists can play in helping older adults drive more safely
Did you know that there are over 40 million driving licence holders in the UK, nearly three-quarters of the adult population. Recent research has revealed however there is an association between car collisions that cause injury and visual impairment, especially in drivers over 60.
A report on a survey carried out by the College of Optometrists and funded by the Department for Transport (DfT) indicates that optometrists have an important role to play in educating and informing older patients about their fitness to drive.
As a result of the increasing number of road traffic accidents (RTA’s) an in-depth survey was carried out which revealed some startling facts about UK drivers.
- Almost 50% of drivers don’t realise it is illegal to drive without their prescribed distance glasses or contact lenses.
- One in four have risked getting fined or banned from driving by not wearing the correct eyewear when driving.
- The proportion of adults aged 60 and over who hold a driving licence increased from 35% in 1975 to 85% in 2019.
As a result of these findings the college has suggested a number of reforms which includes a policy where drivers would need to show evidence of an up-to-date sight test when applying for a provisional or full driving licence and at every renewal.
A regular sight tests would detect both significant refractive errors that would need correcting and any eye conditions that may be treated in order to meet the current vision standards for driving.
What are the current vision standards for driving?
Although the UK has been an EU leader in optometry, it is not at the forefront in ensuring drivers’ vision is effectively checked, maintained and supported by optometrists.
The UK is one of the very few countries in Europe that does not require standardised vision assessments prior to driving licence application and renewal.
The current UK system tests car drivers’ ability to read a vehicle number plate at a set distance during the driving test, with no continuing requirement for visual assessments if they are not bus or lorry drivers.
What can Optometrists do to help?
As part of the survey carried out by the college, 957 optometrists were surveyed. Many said there was a need for clearer guidelines (63%) and half (49%) said there was a need for more training around fitness to drive.
Within their daily role optometry professionals are well placed to help improve driving safety in older adults by:
- Encouraging individuals to have regular eye examinations.
- Discussing and giving advice on vision and driving.
- Supporting patients to make informed decisions about driving and vision, and helping them to maintain their independence in older age.
At Lesley Cree Opticians, we have the benefit of being able to utilise our Optos eye scanner when testing our patients eyes.
The scanner combines both an OCT scan, and an ultra wide image of the retina. This reveals 80% of the retina in one panoramic image compared to 15% of the retina using a traditional scanners.
This therefore enables us to detect any retinal abnormalities much sooner. The early detection of any irregularities helps us to put a plan in place to help our patients maintain their independence by keeping their vision up to the standards required by the DVLA.
Providing advice for those over 60, Lesley Cree said “As the ageing population increases, scientists expect the number of people with age-related eye problems to rise dramatically. We can’t prevent all age-related changes to your eyes, but we can take steps to protect your vision and reduce your risk of serious eye disease in the future. The single most important thing is to attend regular eye examinations so any problems can be detected early.”
What to do if you experience eye related issues when driving?
If you have any issues with your vision, or you would like to know more about our services, please call us on 0115 933 2999 or email us and we would be delighted to help.
