Driving vision and dispensing

Eyewear for driving goes beyond just providing vision correction; it enhances clarity and comfort, which can ultimately impact driving performance. Patients are often unaware of this, and, when they are, it can be neglected.

For a number of years the AOP’s Don’t swerve a sight test campaign has aimed to highlight the importance of good vision for driving and promoting the value of regular sight tests.

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Don't swerve a sight test

Highlighting the importance of good vision for driving and promoting the value of regular sight tests

Lifestyle learnings

When discussing eyewear specifically for driving, it is essential to start with the lifestyle conversation. This entails understanding a patient’s driving habits, such as how frequently they drive, whether they drive for a living, the types of roads they use, such as urban or rural, and the hours during which they drive, such as day or night. It is also valuable to discuss if they are affected by sunlight or night driving.

These are all key considerations for an effective dispense and will support lens selection in a number of ways. For instance, someone who drives primarily in bright sunlight may benefit from photochromic lenses that adjust to changes in light conditions. In contrast, a night driver may need anti-reflective coatings to reduce glare from oncoming headlights or specialist driving lenses to combat any night myopia shift in their vision.

Bringing up these factors with patients can help guide them toward the best options that fit their individual driving experiences.

In the same way we should promote occupational lenses for digital devices, we should promote lenses designed to make driving experiences more comfortable and user friendly

Enhancing choice through education

Another critical aspect of the conversation is educating patients about different types of driving lenses. For example, discussing the types of progressive lenses or advanced single vision lenses that are available allows the patient to be aware of any potential disadvantages and advantages. It will also support their confidence in you and that you understand their predicament.

Additionally, products like photochromic lenses need to be explained carefully and the options discussed in order to manage expectations. This also applies for other tinted lenses such as polarised lenses, which can markedly reduce glare from reflective surfaces, making them especially useful for driving on sunny days or near bodies of water, but having some limitations such as digital dashboards or rear heated windscreens. Discussing legal levels and colours of lenses for driving should also be part of the conversation.

Modern driving-specific lenses have been designed based on the concerns and issues drivers have. However, as a segment they are still underused and misunderstood. We should be advising more patients about this category of lens, especially professional drivers. Our vision changes with different light conditions – our visual needs differ when driving. For example, a dashboard has different needs to a PC screen. In the same way we should promote occupational lenses for digital devices, we should promote lenses designed to make driving experiences more comfortable and user-friendly. We should see this as an extension to occupational and specialist options and advise accordingly.

Safety on the roads is a paramount concern, and eyewear can play a vital role in enhancing this. Poor vision can lead to accidents as it may affect a driver's ability to perceive distances and navigate effectively

Maintaining vision

Safety on the roads is a paramount concern, and eyewear can play a vital role in enhancing this. Poor vision can lead to accidents as it may affect a driver's ability to perceive distances and navigate effectively. Encouraging clients to consider regular eye exams and to invest in appropriate eyewear can significantly reduce risks associated with impaired vision. Moreover, discussing the legal requirements regarding prescription eyewear and driving is crucial, as it ensures that drivers meet safety regulations.

Lastly, conveying the importance of adequate eyewear maintenance is equally important. Regular cleaning, proper storage, and knowing when to replace lenses should be included in any discussion about driving eyewear. Clients should be made aware not only of the lenses they choose, but also of how to care for their eyewear to preserve clarity and functionality.

The conversation around eyewear for driving is multifaceted and essential for ensuring safety and comfort on the roads. By discussing lifestyle factors, educating about lens options, emphasising road safety, and highlighting maintenance, we can greatly enhance a driver’s experience. Investing time in these discussions can lead to better vision outcomes and safer driving practices.