The current laws around how the vision standards for driving are implemented do not do enough to protect the public. The Association of Optometrists and The College of Optometrists have called for a change to the law to help make sure our roads are as safe as possible for all. Both organisations have run public awareness campaigns to remind all drivers to have regular sight tests and have conducted consumer and academic research on the topic. In the absence of a mechanism to provide mandatory proof of valid sight tests, this is currently the only available approach to encourage drivers to be aware of their eye health and to make sure that their visual acuity meets the legal standard and is road safe.
The inquest brought by the Senior Coroner for Lancashire, Dr James Adeley, into four pedestrians who were killed in three road traffic collisions where the drivers’ poor eyesight was a significant contributor, demonstrated that it is time to act. Dr Adeley’s subsequent Prevention of Future Deaths report, alongside road safety data and published evidence, shows the current self-declaration system to be failing. Implementing a fair system where all drivers are required to formally submit evidence of a valid sight test, sitting within the current renewal framework, would be a small change to existing legislation but would have a considerable impact to make our roads safer for all.
For such a system to succeed, clear and proportionate mechanisms must be put in place. A standardised certification process, delivered through regulated eye care professionals such as optometrists, would enable drivers to demonstrate compliance with the vision requirements at appropriate intervals. This process should be accessible, sustainable, and should not create undue barriers for drivers. In this way, integration with the existing licence renewal frameworks and sight testing provision would be the most pragmatic approach, minimising the administrative burden for both drivers and the DVLA, while ensuring consistency.
Optometry is well placed to deliver this reform. Optical practices are accessible on every High Street and embedded within communities, even in the most rural communities. Their optometrists have the clinical expertise and equipment required to assess visual acuity and visual fields, and detect notifiable eye conditions. It is worth noting that in our view, to avoid avoidable false positive results the mechanism of visual field testing should be directed by a regulated professional, based upon the driver and risk factors, this is why we have also marked other in response to question 19.
In addition to clinical expertise, optometrists are able to explain, counsel and provide solutions for those who may not currently meet the driving vision standards. Their dispensing optician colleagues are well positioned to advise drivers on the optical appliance needed to meet the required visual standard.
Throughout the design and implementation of this reform, the experience of drivers themselves, and particularly older drivers, must remain central. For many people, driving is closely tied to independence, employment, caring responsibilities and social connection. The introduction of mandatory testing should be communicated and delivered in a way that recognises this, with clear information for the public, sufficient lead time before changes take effect, and consistent messaging that sight testing is a routine and supportive part of safe driving rather than a barrier to be feared. Where a driver does not meet the required standard, the system should ensure they receive clinical support to address treatable causes of reduced vision, clear advice on next steps, and signposting to alternative transport options where licence restriction or removal is clinically necessary.
We completed a sector engagement exercise with representatives from all four UK nations who confirmed there was sufficient workforce and capacity. Carefully planned implementation would help manage access and capacity, particularly in remote and rural parts of the UK. However, it should be noted that even if drivers submit the evidence of a valid sight test, there will be a need for optometrists to ensure vital information is accurately recorded and that ID is checked to ensure a robust system. Any additional costs to cover the administration of this must be funded by the driver, as must the cost of any additional tests that are required beyond those required by regulations pertaining to a sight test.
We would welcome the opportunity to meet with the Minister or DfT officials, alongside other key stakeholders, to discuss how any new system could be designed to maximise benefits and minimise the risks we have outlined. We are confident that primary eye care has the infrastructure and capacity to deliver timely, accessible sight tests for all drivers. Working collaboratively with the DfT and DVLA, we can develop a system that protects road safety, avoids unnecessary costs and administrative burden, and ensures drivers receive appropriate clinical care. We look forward to contributing to this important discussion.
Taken together, these reforms represent a proportionate, evidence-based response that would save lives, ensure the current standards are implemented, and improve eye health outcomes, with the early detection of sight-threatening disease.