Eyesight

To drive you need to be able to see properly. The standard test of eyesight is that you must be able to read a car number plate from 20m (65’8”), with your glasses or contact lenses if you use them. If you cannot do this then you should not be driving, and could be prosecuted.

You must also have an adequate field of vision and meet the minimum eyesight standard for driving by having a visual acuity of at least decimal 0.5 (6/12) measured on the Snellen scale (with glasses or contact lenses, if necessary) using both eyes together or, if you have sight in one eye only, in that eye – your optician can tell you about this and do a test.

If you’re in any doubt you should see an optician or optometrist.

Click here to see fact sheet from the Optical Confederation on Vision – Key Facts for Drivers

Is your Vision Roadworthy?

This webinar is hosted by Valerie Singleton OBE and offers the opportunity to find out more about driver vision and the vital role played by good eyesight in reducing risks on the road. The webinar discusses what the law says and the legal requirements for driving, as well as advice from an optometrist on good eye health and importance of regular eyesight tests and lots more.

Changes in eyesight as we get older

Your eyesight changes in later life and this may make it harder to see road signs and other road users, especially in low light.

Did you know that between the ages of 15 and 65 the recovery time from glare increases from 2 to 9 seconds. This may be why as we get older we don’t like to drive at night. Older drivers frequently have difficulty seeing in poor light conditions as our eyes become less able to react quickly to changes in light. As we get older we also start have difficulty with colours and contrasts in poor light.

There are also other areas in which our sight might worsen as we get older. Blind spots can develop at the back of the eye and we often are unaware of this as the brain compensates for this and fills in the blanks in our vision. Cataracts can also form on the eye’s lens which can produce blurring.

Sometimes as we get older our field of vision will reduce and in severe cases can become tunnel vision. This can make driving dangerous as we loose our peripheral vision and therefore won’t see a hazard appearing from the side until it is often too late. As a driver, we should all ask for a ‘Field of Vision’ check when we have an eyesight test as this is not always done as standard. See below to see the examples of the effects of certain eyesight conditions.

When was the last time you had your eye sight tested?

Above is what people often see, but often get used to and don’t realise they have defective eyesight. Please don’t let that be you, get your eyesight checked regularly.

Common eyesight conditions as we get older

Below are some common conditions suffered as we get older. Didi you know that 33% of people over 40 suffer from one of the below.

Macular Degeneration is a common eye condition among older people where central vision deteriorates. Reading, recognising faces and all work requiring focus of sight becomes difficult. The below videos are a series of films following Margaret who has been diagnosed with Macular Degeneration and her concerns about driving in the future and how she plans her life when she will no longer be able to drive.

Video 1 introduces Margaret and how the diagnosis of Macular Degeneration has on her

Video 2 follows Margaret after a further check up on her sight and why she is doing to prepare when she no longer will be allowed to drive

Diabetic Retinopathy is caused by diabetes, results in patches of vision loss and thereby lacks sharpness across the visual field. It becomes difficult to read and drive.

Glaucoma is often caused by increased pressure inside the eye and damages the optic nerve. This results in loss of peripheral vision.
Retinitis Pigmentosa also causes tunnel vision, resulting in side vision loss. Moving around becomes difficult and unsafe

Cataract occurs when the lens of the eye becomes cloudy. It leads to blurred vision and sensitivity to glare.

Blindness is the loss of all useful vision, even though shades of light and dark still may be visible.

The NHS recommend having your eyesight tested every 2 years, however we would recommend you get your eyesight checked once a year, if you notice a sudden change in your vision, visit the optician immediately.

On Vision checks

There are a number of online eyesight test available which can be useful, Click Here to view one such one.
However we strongly recommend you also have a proper sight test with an optician

Free eyesight tests

Did you know you can get a free NHS eye test if:

• you’re aged 60 or over
• you have diabetes or glaucoma
• you’re 40 or over, and your mother, father, brother, sister, son or daughter has glaucoma
• you’ve been advised by an ophthalmologist that you’re at risk of glaucoma.
• are eligible for an NHS complex lens voucher – your optician can advise you about your entitlement

You’re also entitled if you or your partner – including civil partner – receive:

• Income Support
• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
• Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
• Pension Credit Guarantee Credit
• Universal Credit and meet the criteria

Always ensure that you where the correct glasses for driving, if you need them to drive.

NHS optical vouchers

You’re entitled to an optical voucher for help towards the cost of your glasses or contact lenses if you or your partner – including civil partner – receive:

• Income Support
• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
• Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
• Pension Credit Guarantee Credit
• Universal Credit and meet the criteria

More information on Eyesight

DVLA produce advice on eyesight, click here to read more about it and driving. There are many conditions associated with sight that you need to inform the DVLA about.

Click here to see the list of notifiable medical conditions
https://www.gov.uk/health-conditions-and-driving

The NHS also do advice on Eye Health Tips for Older People click here to see more on this.

Advice for Optometrists

The college of Optometrists have created a guide for opticians on requirements for drivers and procedures. Click here to read guidance

This guide by the Royal College of Nursing is useful guidance for practitioners and nurses

Click here to read the guide

Extra information for those wishing to drive lorries or buses

There are different medical standards (including eyesight) required to drive group 2 vehicles (lorries and buses). If you are 70 and still need your C1 and D1 on your licence then you will need to complete a D4 form (Click to open Form). For more details on how to complete this, and who needs to complete it, click on this link ‘Completing a D4‘
For the most up to date D4 Form and advice on completing the D4 form click here
Use of Medicines and Drugs whilst driving

If you are diagnosed as having an illness or injury, you should ask your Doctor if you should notify the DVLA. You are responsible for notifying the DVLA, failure to do so is a criminal offence and carries a maximum fine of £1000

During old age we become more susceptible to illness and injury, both these conditions may affect our ability to drive. Medicines and prescribed drugs help restore our health but may produce side effects that can also affect our driving skills. Don’t presume that your Doctor or Pharmacist are aware that you are a driver, you should always inform them and ask if the prescribed medication will impair your driving. Always check the label carefully, for example

• Warning. May cause drowsiness. If affected do not operate machinery.
• Never drive if you feel that your medicine has impaired your driving ability. For example if you feel drowsy, confused or unable to concentrate.

Even medicines bought over the counter such as cold & flu remedies, pain killers and cough linctuses can cause adverse effects and drowsiness. If in any doubt contact your doctor or pharmacist.

It is important to remember that medicines do not always impair drivers but they can also help make drivers safer. So it is important to continue to take your prescribed medicine for the period prescribed by your doctor.