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Statement on driving from ABDO President Jo Holmes

Statement on driving from ABDO President Jo Holmes

In response to concerns about going for a drive as a way to check your eyesight, ABDO President Jo Holmes says, “During this pandemic, essential/urgent/emergency eye care is still being provided throughout the UK and if you feel that your eyesight is compromised, due to any sudden visual changes or illness, stay safe and book an appointment directly with your optical practice, for a full eye health check in the first instance. 

“If you are worried about your vision and driving, an optometrist can check your eyesight and assess it in line with the DVLA standards to drive: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/visual-disorders-assessing-fitness-to-drive#minimum-eyesight-standards–all-drivers.  An optometrist will examine your eyes for signs of visual deterioration or disease, and advise of the best course of action to take including any change needed in your spectacle prescription. It is very important to have regular eye health checks with your optometrist, and to follow the guidance and advice, set out by the General Optical Council.”

ENDS

Notes to Editors

  1. Media enquiries to Antonia Chitty achitty@abdo.org.uk
  2. ABDO represents over 6000 qualified dispensing opticians in the United Kingdom. Registered office, 199, Gloucester Terrace, London W2 6LD.