Put the brakes on poor eyesight

Post on 29th November 2017

A call for drivers to have compulsory eye tests every ten years is one that should be taken seriously for it comes from the Association of Optometrists.

Let’s face it, they should know. Worryingly one in three optometrists said they had seen patients in the last month who carried on driving even though their vision was below the legal standard.

Motorists need to read a number plate from 20m (65ft) in the practical driving test but after that there are no follow-up checks. We then rely on motorists being aware of changes in their vision and doing something about it.

Department of Transport figures showed that seven people were killed and 63 seriously injured in road accidents in Britain last year where uncorrected, defective eyesight was a contributory factor.

Many optometrists believe it is not enough to rely on the honesty of motorists self-reporting sight problems to the DVLA, hence the call for compulsory eye tests.

Good eyesight is essential for safe driving. Because sight changes can be gradual, often people do not realise that their vision has deteriorated over time which makes regular eye tests so important.

It is recommended that most people have an eye test about every two years. People over 40 may need the check-ups more often.

If you need any advice on looking after your eyes or you would like to book an eye test, please call in at your nearest Scrivens branch.