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Press Release

A new report from the European Parliament calls for ten yearly eye tests for all drivers

4 October 2011

The European Parliament Own Initiative Report calls for concerted action to reduce the 35000 deaths on European roads costing €130 billion annually. The Report sets out a series of steps for national governments, the European Commission, and stakeholders to reduce accidents on our roads.

Vision is one area for action, with a recommendation for all car and motorcycle drivers to have an 'eye test' every ten years, and every five years over the age of 65.

The European Commission has stated that it supports many of the proposed actions and will consider the proposals and translate some into 'concrete actions' while noting that Member States and stakeholders should also to play their part in improving road safety.

The Report is timely since the UK Government has yet to implement the updated European visual requirements for drivers, and the Report will draw the Commission's attention to the issue.

Mark Nevin for the Optical Confederation said 'We welcome the European Parliament's recognition of the importance of ongoing assessment of all drivers' vision. We have always maintained that vision has received inadequate attention to date as an area with scope to deliver road safety improvements'.

David Wright on behalf of the International Glaucoma Association said 'We will do our part to raise awareness among the public but our efforts can only go so far. Just as with seatbelt wearing, we need a legislative backstop to ensure that all drivers attend for regular checks on their vision, which is key to early detection of conditions such as glaucoma'.



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Optical Confederation

Optical Confederation

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