Occupational visual standards
Many occupations, from delivery driving to policing and aviation, require specific vision standards. Sophie Goodchild outlines the current criteria, the optometrist’s role in supporting compliance, and proposed reforms.
Road use has increased significantly in the UK over the past few decades, with more than 34 million licensed cars and millions of other vehicles on the road (RAC Foundation, 2026).
Many occupations require specific visual standards, including lorry driving, firefighting, taxi and delivery driving, aerospace, marine services, engineering and policing.
Vision standards are designed to protect public safety in safety-critical roles such as transport and engineering. Optometrists play a key role in ensuring standards are met through monitoring patients and assessing fitness to drive or work (Association of Optometrists, 2026a).
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Related further reading
The College of Optometrists has responded to the GOC consultation on the proposed updated statement on testing of sight and proposed supervision and delegation standards.
The GOC’s findings indicate strong patient satisfaction with eye care services but identifies that registrants have concerns that commercial pressures could potentially impact their ability to deliver the best possible care to patients, as well as affecting their wellbeing.
This Halloween we're urging the public to think about their eye health.