07 May 2026
The Association of Optometrists and the College of Optometrists will make clear that statutory optometry-led sight tests delivered in optical practices are the “best way” to deliver the “once-in-a-generation" reforms in vision standards for drivers.
This includes a proposal that older drivers should be responsible for providing evidence of a valid sight test at each licence renewal.
The optical bodies have said they will send a “clear message” when they submit their response to the Government’s consultation on proposals to introduce mandatory eyesight testing for drivers over the age of 70.
The proposals form part of the Government’s new Road Safety Strategy, published in January this year.
The College and AOP said they 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 regarding mandatory eyesight testing for older drivers.
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.”
He continued: “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.”
Supporting drivers to maintain good sight can mean helping them to stay safe on the roads and independent for longer, he added.
Hampson said: “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.”
Dr Paramdeep Bilkhu, clinical adviser at The College of Optometrists, described a “once-in-a-generation" opportunity to reform how driver eyesight is assessed, adding that the current system of self-declaration is “no longer defensible.”
Bilkhu said: “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.”
The two professional bodies will publish a joint response to the Government consultation by the deadline of 11 May and confirmed they will continue to work with sector stakeholders in further discussions with the Department for Transport and DVLA.
The AOP and College of Optometrists have been actively campaigning on the issue of vision and road safety for years. Find out more about the AOP’s campaign journey.
Comments (1)
You must be logged in to join the discussion. Log in
Anonymous08 May 2026
I'm not sure that this is the way forward. Don't get me wrong, I believe there needs to be a sea change in demonstrating visual standards by the DVLA and that the cost should be borne by the driver. I also think it's a standard needed as one takes a test then at ten year intervals until 70, 3 years afterwards. After that I part company.
My objections are on a number of grounds. Philosophical. For one thing it may make it possible for a single group to bid for a contract, albeit paid by the consumer, which locks out others capable of delivering the service. This happened in the shambles that was the Visual Fields DVLA contract.
Secondly, with a business hat on. Do practices currently running examinations at a loss (especially if they are restricting themselves to GOS ST fees) to have a new plethora of consumers (not patients) through their doors when to be honest many will pass with existing vision (either they see well enough or have appropriate correction). And thats before any fee has been determined (free for all or statutory fee negotiated with DVLA). Think of the economics.
It absolutely has nothing to do with NHS Entitlement to GOS (even allowing for the fact that GOS does not include drivers fields screening) which will simply muddy the water. "I don't want a DVLA eye test screening test I want an NHS Sight Test" "But you had one six months ago"....
It also cuts DO's out of the equation except in the case of providing correction when someone fails.
I favour a properly designed screening test, probably IT based, that tests high contrast VA, disability glare and fields, delivered by a suitably trained individual the cost of which is fully supported by the fee paid. Pass and thats enough. Fail and get sent to an optometrist for examination, correction (if needed) or diagnosis/treatment if appropriate.
The screening could be negated if the individual possessed a statement by an optometrist that "Mr ***** vision satisfied the DVLA standard when tested on **/**/**** (less than say 6 months ago). Obviously we'd charge a fee for that report. This could certainly be done on line.
What is proposed by both AOP and CoO appears to me to be overly restrictive and likely to be seen as self-interest. Better to work with ROSPA, IAM, Consumer lobbies which are at last all on board with the DVLA having work that our arcane standards are a travesty.
ReportLike2