Calls for major change to driving laws as alarming stats reveal millions may be ‘driving illegally’
Eye experts warn that millions of British drivers may not have eyesight good enough to operate a motor vehicle.
Six out of ten optometrists who belong to the Association of Optometrists reported seeing a patient who was driving illegally in the previous month.
According to the report, 10% of the more than 30 million drivers in Britain may have poor vision.
According to a public survey, one-third of people would not hang up their keys if their vision worsened.
“This is a clear reminder of why UK roads are not as safe as they should be,” stated Chief Executive Adam Sampson.
According to surveys of 910 optometrists—medical professionals who do eye exams and health examinations—half of them treat several people who disobey the law.
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According to DVLA regulations, a driver must be able to read a license plate from 66 feet (20 meters) away.
Additionally, they must to be able to read the Snellen wall chart’s letters in at least six rows.
When someone loses all or part of their vision, they must also notify the DVLA.
According to a survey of 2,081 people, 31% of them believe they have had a close call with someone who was blind or visually impaired.
Almost one in three people (29%) acknowledge that even if they had vision problems, they would continue to drive.
Call for new eye testing for drivers
According to former AOP chair Professor Julie-Anne Little, many drivers are not aware that their eyesight has gotten worse over time because sight changes are gradual.
It has been demonstrated that having impaired vision impairs one’s ability to respond quickly and drive safely.
One mistake can lead to a serious collision with disastrous results very quickly.
“The number plate test is not an adequate test of vision,” Mr. Sampson continued.
The legislation ought to be amended to mandate that all drivers undergo a vision examination, and this should be accomplished through trustworthy methods.
TWO MILLION BRITS’ SIGHT AT RISK
In the UK, almost 2 million people suffer from vision loss, which costs the economy $36 billion annually.
In 2022, more over one million visits to A&E were for problems relating to the eyes.
Treatable diseases like glaucoma, the primary cause of irreversible blindness, cause 250 people to lose their sight year.
According to Specsavers, up to 50% of glaucoma patients go undiagnosed.
To enhance and standardize access to eye care for all people in England, the optician has advocated for a National Eye Health policy.
Over 650,000 persons, or roughly 10% of all patients on NHS waiting lists, are in the backlog for eye care.
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