Campaigns

Driving and sight loss - Eye Test Action Day

Summary: The impact of driving with sight loss - Eye Test Action Day - 27 October 2004.

• Time for an eye test
• Government support
• It’s the law
• Eye tests prevent sight loss
• Campaign supporters
• Other Eye Test Action Day campaigns

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A third of drivers could be breaking the law and putting themselves and others in danger by driving with poor eyesight according to new research published today.

Figures published in a report, The Road Ahead, launched today by RNIB reveals that a third of all drivers, 13 million people, are not having their eyes tested regularly. Therefore any changes in vision, including not being able to see road signs clearly or wearing the wrong glasses for driving, are going unchecked.

The report includes additional research from Warwick University on people who don’t wear glasses. This showed that of the one in three people who failed a basic eye chart test, 65 per cent were drivers. Furthermore, 33 per cent of the total sample who failed said they were not surprised as they had suspected their sight was not perfect.

RNIB recommends everyone has an eye test every two years and urges people to think of it as a full MOT for their eyes.

Time for an eye test

David Coulthard, Formula One Racing Driver, says: “Driving with poor sight and not getting your eyes tested regularly is dangerous. That’s why I am supporting RNIB’s Eye Test Action Day and urging everyone to book an eye test today.”

Anita Lightstone, RNIB’s Head of Eye Health, says: “An eye test is a vital health check for your eyes. A regular eye test can help detect eye diseases before you notice the effect on your sight. Early treatment can often prevent your sight from getting worse.”

Many eye conditions will affect driving performance, for example cataracts increase glare from bright lights at night. Opticians can advise how to deal with these problems.

Government support

During Eye Test Action Day, RNIB is calling on the Government to promote the importance of regular eye tests as part of a major eye health awareness campaign. Anita Lightstone commented: "The Road Ahead report shows that people are not getting the message that an eye test is an eye health check. The Government has to act now to promote eye health and the importance of a regular eye test."

It’s the law

The legal vision guidelines for drivers are as follows:

• Drivers who need glasses or contact lenses must always wear them while driving.
• Driving with uncorrected defective vision is an offence and carries a fine of up to £1,000, three penalty points and possible disqualification.
• Drivers should be able to read in good light a number plate from a distance of 20.5 metres (about the length of five cars). If a driver cannot meet this standard they are breaking the law and their insurance may be invalid.

The police have the power to test a driver’s eyesight if they have reason to believe that he or she cannot meet the above requirements.

Make sure you are not breaking the law. Get a sight test today.

Eye tests prevent sight loss

Regular eye tests are of vital importance to maintain eye health. A full eye test can detect serious conditions such as diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration (AMD) which is the leading cause of sight loss in older people.

Many people, such as the over 60s, those on low income, people with certain eye conditions or with a family history of glaucoma are entitled to a free eye test without charge under the NHS.

Campaign supporters

RNIB Eye Test Action Day was supported by RAC Auto Windscreens and Dollond & Aitchison Opticians.

Other Eye Test Action Day campaigns

Our 2005 campaign looked at the link between smoking and sight loss. In 2006 we highlighted the connection between obesity and sight loss.

Content author: pressoffice@rnib.org.uk

Last updated: 06/03/2008 15:41