Drivers show support for renewal eye exam

Picture credit: Rex Features

Strong public support has been offered for compulsory eye examinations when renewing driving licences in a survey coinciding with National Road Safety Week.

Specsavers found that 89 per cent of drivers believed renewal eye exams should be compulsory in research from 20 regional Drive Safe campaign events this year.

In the survey of 852 drivers, 67 per cent said they wore glasses or contact lenses but only 45 per cent did so when driving. A quarter of the drivers surveyed kept a spare pair of glasses in their car.

Paul Carroll, director of professional services at Specsavers, said: ‘In the UK, while drivers are asked to read a number plate at the time of their practical driving test, their vision is not then re-evaluated until the age of 70. Good vision is essential for drivers, ensuring they are safe and aware on the roads to help reduce the danger to themselves and other road users.’