DVLA upcoming seeing test for drivers over 70.

[CXRAndy]

I think you are living in a dream world. My experience of older people when younger as I might now fit in that category. Is that they are not always aware of their deficiencies and not always open to advice.

A simple eye test every year or two, is vital for driving standards and road safety

 

[Drago]

If people had their eyes tested at regular intervals throughout their driving career then by the time theyre old giffers theyll be used to the requirement.

 

[Fastpedaller]

I have had an eye test since my 70th birthday at Boots and they told me that my eyesight without glasses was acceptable for driving. However if it hadn’t have been and I refused glasses/ treatment or advice, I wonder if the optician as a registered professional would have contacted the relevant authorities.

I don't believe there is any mechanism at present, and patient confidentiality possibly prohibits it. There may have to be a law change to allow the eye test results to be forwarded to DVLA (if that's the plan, of course)? My opinion is that ALL drivers should have their eyes tested (but then I've been using glasses since about 15yo. Regular eye tests can be helpful for spotting other illnesses as well as those affecting the eyes. My late FIL had macular degeneration and wouldn't give up driving. When he went to the hospital about his eyes, the Consultant said he shouldn't drive (MIL was identifying the traffic lights on approach!). The Consultant asked him if he had any Grandchildren, and then said along these lines "how would you feel if your Grandaughter was killed by a motorist who had eyesight he same as yours?" It did the trick....... He gave up driving, but never handed in his licence - I guess that as he didn't renew it lapsed anyway? he got to 92, driving 'til he was about 86 and working until 75.

 

[Fastpedaller]

Whilst I understand what you mean, it would be more correct to say that the only provider approved to conduct the DVLA test are Specsavers.

Hmm - It wouldn't be correct (if someone 'failed' the test) that they couldn't have an opportunity to appeal and have a second opinion.
Opticians can get it wrong. My daughter and I both had eye tests (at the same place) - It was only when we had difficulty with our new glasses (at night the 30 sign could be 30 or 50 for me!) that it became apparent. We had to pay to have retests at a different optician, who was very reluctant to do them (protecting the profession?) and we then had great difficulty getting refunded by the first optician, who was adamant there was no issue. I won't state publicly the names of the establishments.
It is always the case (over all the years I've worn glasses) that once the glasses are made they are just checked for frame fit, but never tested using the chart!

 

[Baldy]

Eye test is already part of renewal for HGV's for over 60's. There's just a section on the form that the optician has to fill in. Another section for the doctor and you fill in the rest. Of cause the doctor and the optician charge you for this privilege.

 

[Psamathe]

I believe that the only acceptable test for DVLA is one done by Specsavers.
They bought the contract a while ago.

If I've understood that Specsavers have effectively purchased exclusivity, I'd guess that before such a requirement could be introduced Government would have to authorise a lot of other opticians to do testing. Can't see a requirement being tied to one specific for profit company geared up for a market demand that doesn't include such tests ie introduction would require additional appointment capacity which would take time but practical way forward would be for those needing the test to have it done as part of an existing eye checkup. I imagine the age group already has routine eye tests more frequently than younger age groups. I have two eye tests a year, one because of glaucoma in family (in theory every 2 years but in practice seems to be every year), the 2nd for contact lenses.

 

[PeteXXX]

No 1 gov link

No 2 Optometrist association

 

[mistyoptic]

No 1 gov link

No 2 Optometrist association

See my earlier comment. This is a specific test ( Estermann) to check field of vision in cases of, for example, Glaucoma or other medical condition which can cause “blind spots”. It’s not just about how well can you read the letters

 

[Ming the Merciless]