An expanded list of notifiable eye conditions published by the DVLA with no warning or consultation of sector bodies is to be removed and reviewed after it was estimated it could apply to almost every driver that received a sight test.
The College said the list contained a series of technical errors, while the Association of Optometrists offered to work alongside the government department to draw up a revised list to ‘reduce the huge administrative burden it will place on practitioners and the DVLA.’
Responding to the decision, AOP chief executive, Adam Sampson said: 'It is right that the DVLA has listened and responded to the serious concerns we raised, which highlighted that the DVLA’s extended list of notifiable eye conditions could apply to almost every driver who receives a sight test. We have extended an offer to work with the DVLA to utilise the skills available in optometry to deliver an improved service for patients.'
Optician asked the DVLA how the list of conditions had been created but it declined to answer. Instead, a spokespeson said: 'We are reviewing the changes made to the notifiable conditions and will be consulting with our expert panel.'