26 May 2020

The College issues advice on vision and driving

The College's advice on checking your eyesight safely.

It is every driver’s legal responsibility to ensure they are fit to drive. Government guidance says that a driver must inform the DVLA or DVA if they have a condition which might affect safe driving. Drivers must be able to read a number plate in good daylight at a distance of 20 metres and have binocular acuity of 6/12. They must also meet certain visual field requirements.

We strongly advise against taking a drive to test your eyesight. If you are concerned about your vision please contact your optometrist for advice. At the moment, optometrists are not open for routine eyecare because of the COVID-19 situation, but they are providing urgent or emergency and essential care. If you contact your optometrist they will discuss the issue with you and advise on the best course of action. They may ask you to come to their practice for an examination.  

Related further reading

This paper gives a review of the people who access domiciliary eye care in the UK based on a large cohort of electronic records.

Jane Veys MCOptom on why planning is the cornerstone of success