Public support for tighter driver vision checks

The College of Optometrists and the Association of Optometrists (AOP) have published new research revealing public support for tighter driver vision checks.

Seventy-one per cent of respondents to an online survey for the two organisations said they believed drivers should have to provide evidence from a recent sight test that they met the vision standards when applying for a licence for the first time.

The joint research, conducted last month by Opinium among a nationally representative sample of 2,000 UK adults, also found that 68 per cent believed evidence from a recent sight test should be required at each licence renewal.

The proportion of survey respondents who believed that mandatory sight tests should be introduced for older age groups at each licence renewal was as follows:

• Fifty-one per cent for drivers aged 40+
• Fifty-nine per cent for drivers aged 50+
• Seventy per cent for drivers aged 60+
• Seventy-six per cent for drivers aged 70+

The College of Optometrists and AOP are calling for:

• A mandatory requirement for drivers to submit evidence of a recent sight test at initial licence application and at every renewal (every 10 years and then every three years from age 70, to align with age-related eye conditions and deterioration in eyesight)
• Increased public awareness of the importance of regular sight tests between renewals, recommended every two years or as advised by their optometrist, to ensure drivers continue to meet driving standards

Daniel Hardiman-McCartney, clinical adviser at the College of Optometrists, said: “These findings highlight the public recognises that current vision checks aren’t keeping pace with what’s needed to keep everyone safe on the road. Requiring a simple eye test when people apply for and renew their driving licence is a practical step that would support road safety and improve the nation’s eye health. Importantly, regular eye tests would help detect problems earlier so that more people, including older drivers, can drive safely for longer, while also preventing avoidable sight loss.”

Dr Peter Hampson, AOP clinical and policy director, added: “Vision-related accidents could be avoided with simple, evidence-based updates to the current legislation in the UK. This latest research shows that the majority of the public agree that change is needed. That’s why we believe our joint principles are the basis for a fair, consistent system – where a driver’s vision is checked by an eye health professional. This step is common sense, is the direction much of Europe is moving in, and it’s clear the public recognise it as a vital step towards making our roads safer for everyone.”

Commenting on the new research, Alistair Bridge, ABDO CEO, said: “ABDO supports vision checks at appropriate intervals to assess whether drivers can meet the legal standards required for driving. We recommend that drivers who need spectacles to drive safely ask at their local optical practice for a dispensing optician. As registered healthcare professionals, dispensing opticians have the expertise to advise on the most suitable lenses and coatings and ensure that the spectacles are the best fit possible.”

As reported in a policy update in the last issue of Dispensing Optics, a joint statement was released in September, signed by the UK optical sector bodies, supporting the notion of a driver having to supply evidence that they meet the legal vision standard at provisional licence application, and at subsequent renewals. ABDO currently has a working group keeping up-to-date with progress and suggestions in this area.

Any ABDO members with thoughts on the issue can email the policy team at policy@abdo.org.uk or the ABDO president, Kevin Gutsell, at kgutsell@abdo.org.uk

Find out more about the new research on the College of Optometrists’ website.