The College of Optometrists and AOP support “once-in-a-generation” reform for assessing drivers’ eyesight

The College of Optometrists and the Association of Optometrists (AOP) will send a clear message to government when they submit their response to the government’s consultation on proposals to introduce mandatory eyesight testing for drivers over the age of 70. They will make clear that statutory optometry-led sight tests, delivered in optical practices by teams of qualified eye care professionals, are the best way to deliver the reforms. This includes the proposal that older drivers should be responsible for providing evidence of a valid sight test at each licence renewal. 

The proposals for mandatory eyesight testing for drivers over the age of 70 is part of the Government’s new Road Safety Strategy and follows years of active campaigning by The College of Optometrists and the AOP on vision and road safety. The membership bodies published their joint core principles for implementing the current vision standards for driving in 2025.

The College and the AOP have been discussing these principles with members, partner organisations, industry, patient and stakeholder groups from across the devolved nations to understand different perspectives and considerations, and to reach alignment in support of implementing mandatory eyesight testing for older drivers.

Dr Paramdeep Bilkhu MCOptom, Clinical Adviser at The College of Optometrists, commented, “We have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reform how we assess drivers’ eyesight. The case for change is clear and the current system that asks drivers to self-declare their fitness to drive is no longer defensible. Only a complete clinical encounter at a sight test can detect asymptomatic conditions such as glaucoma, ensure drivers are appropriately corrected, and deliver the kind of preventive care that benefits both road safety and public health.”

Dr Peter Hampson, Clinical and Policy Director at the Association of Optometrists, said, “Ensuring that it is mandatory for all drivers to have a valid sight test delivered in optometry and supported by dispensing colleagues is a practical, common-sense solution: it’s convenient for the public, led by healthcare experts on the High Street, and enables early detection of vision problems before they become an issue that restricts a person’s ability to drive safely. By supporting drivers to maintain good sight, we can help them stay safe on the roads and independent for longer. What’s needed now is a commitment to simple measures that are easy to implement, backed by the right resources to make them work effectively and sustainably.” 

The two organisations will publish their joint response to the Government consultation by the 11 May deadline. The bodies will continue to work with all the sector stakeholders in further discussions with the Department for Transport and DVLA.

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For media enquiries, please contact:

Vicky Bristow, PR and Media, The College of Optometrists, [email protected], 07790 957 338

Serena Box, Head of Media, PR and External Affairs, at the Association of Optometrists, [email protected], 020 7549 2040.

About The College of Optometrists 

The College of Optometrists 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.

About the 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