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Press Release

Optical Confederation responds to publication of DVLA consultation on medical requirements for drivers

7 February 2011

The Optical Confederation has expressed serious concerns over the consultation proposals on the medical requirements for drivers. The consultation sets out the Department of Transport's and DVLA's plans for implementing the eyesight requirements contained in the EU Directives on driving licences, which the Confederation considers to be inadequate.

The proposed changes for eyesight include reducing the distance from which a number plate test can be read for Group 1 drivers (cars and motorcycles) and changes to the vision assessment for Group 2 drivers (buses and lorries). In our opinion this is a distraction from the real debate which should be about its abolition, and replacement with an adequate assessment of visual acuity and visual fields. Other European countries such as Ireland require a more comprehensive assessment of drivers' vision and a further assessment later in their driving career.

In response to the proposals Professor Steve Taylor, Professional Adviser to the Federation of Ophthalmic & Dispensing Opticians said:

"It is disappointing to see that under the proposed changes the distance number plate test is to be relaxed and made easier for those about to take their driving test. This test dates from the 1930s and is unreliable for a number of reasons. It is a pity that the opportunity of the new EU regulations was not taken to replace it with a more standardised test."

Jayne Rawlinson, Chair of the Optical Confederation's Driving Working Group said:

"We shall of course be examining the details in the consultation document very carefully and calling for the number plate test to be replaced by an appropriate assessment of visual acuity and visual fields. We will also be encouraging other stakeholders from across the health, transport and road safety sectors to make their views known. As a sector we are keen to work with the Department for Transport and the DVLA to ensure that all drivers' vision meets appropriate safety standards both at home and abroad."

Speaking on behalf of the Eye Health Alliance, Heather Marshall said;

"We support the concerns of the Optical Confederation and believe that there are a number of improvements that could be made to the current system of assessing drivers' eyesight. We are keen to work with the Government to raise awareness about the importance of driving with good vision, and to ensure that all drivers are not unnecessarily putting themselves and other road users at risk."

Article Comments

The regulations and standard should be much tougher. A driving licence should require evidence of a sight test every two years at least and evidence of vision correction purchased if required.

Insurance companies should enure that the above happens before agreeing insurance and certainly checking vision is satisfactory after an accident. They dont routinely check now.

Imagine seeing 6/12 and being in charge of 300BHP. it is crazy that you can drive any car regardless of how well you see whether its a Dacea Sandero or a Bugatti Veyron.

Eyemanjim
28th Feb 2011 at 3:40 pm



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