Joint response calls on Transport Secretary to review the vision laws for drivers to prevent future road deaths

The Association of Optometrists (AOP) and The College of Optometrists 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 AOP 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 AOP’s Don’t swerve a sight test campaign pages alongside guidance and evidence on The College of Optometrists’ website.

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For more information, including interview request, please contact:

Serena Box, Head of Media, PR and External Affairs, at the Association of Optometrists, [email protected] or telephone 0207 549 2040.

Vicky Bristow, PR and Media Manager, The College of Optometrists, [email protected], 0207 766 4342

Notes to Editors

Association of Optometrists

The Association of Optometrists (AOP) is the voice of the optical profession, representing 80% of practising optometrists. The AOP elevates the work of its members, safeguards their interests, and champions eye health across the UK. For more information, visit www.aop.org.uk

The College of Optometrists

The College is the professional body for optometry. It qualifies the profession and delivers the guidance and training to ensure optometrists provide the best possible care. We promote excellence through the College’s affixes, by building the evidence base for optometry, and raising awareness of the profession with the public, commissioners, and health care professionals.