A man convicted of causing death by careless driving was given a suspended three-month jail term after driving into the path of a motorcyclist just a few weeks after having his eyes tested.
BBC News reported last week that driver William Searle, 74, told Exeter Crown Court he ‘did not see’ Jerry Daniell’s motorcycle as he drove off a garage forecourt in Newton Abbot, Devon last September.
He reportedly told the court this was two weeks after having an eye examination at Specsavers, but he failed the number plate test wearing his glasses on the day of the tragedy. An ophthalmologist told the court that Searle’s diabetes may have resulted in the development of blind spots, the report added, and Searle was banned from driving for 18 months.
A Specsavers spokesman said: 'Our thoughts are with all those affected by this tragic accident. If a visual field and visual acuity assessment are required by DVLA to inform decisions on individual driving licence renewals, applicants are referred to their choice of Specsavers store for the visual assessment.
'The optician/optometrist has accompanying responsibilities to ensure all applicable General Optical Council guidance and requirements are followed. The outcome of the assessment is then sent to the DVLA which makes the licensing decision.'