16 May 2025

The College and the AOP call on Transport Secretary to review vision laws for drivers

Driving and vision

The College of Optometrists and the Association of Optometrists (AOP) have written to the Secretary of State for Transport, Heidi Alexander, calling for mandatory vision checks for drivers at first licence application and at every renewal.

The move follows an inquest brought by HM Senior Coroner for Lancashire, Dr James Adeley (17 April) into the deaths of four people killed by drivers with failing eye sight. The Coroner has sent the Secretary of State a Prevention of Future Death Report, warning that enforcement of visual legal standards for motorists is "ineffective and unsafe". Both the AOP and The College of Optometrists gave expert evidence at the inquest.

In comments to the Transport Committee about the Coroner’s conclusions, Ms Alexander made a commitment to consider changes to vision standards for drivers (23 April).

Welcoming Ms Alexander’s remarks, in the joint letter the Association of Optometrists and The College of Optometrists state:

“We strongly believe that vision-related accidents are preventable with simple, evidence-based legislative changes…The UK’s approach is out of step with best practice internationally and the current vision standards mean UK drivers do not undergo an objective measure of vision and assessment of eye health.

“With over 7,000 optometry practices nationwide, optometrists are well placed to support the delivery of these checks swiftly and effectively…Lives can and must be saved by ensuring no driver with unsafe vision remains on the road unchecked.”

Read the letter in full

To make UK roads safer, both organisations are calling for mandatory vision checks that take place at first licence application and at every renewal – every 10 years for most drivers, and every three years for those over 70. Further information is available from the Association of Optometrists’ Don’t swerve a sight test campaign pages alongside guidance and evidence on The College of Optometrists’ website.

More information

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