Optometrists at the wheel

A change in driving laws has enabled more healthcare professionals, including optometrists, to complete the DVLA medical questionnaire should a condition affect a patient’s driving.

Doctors can now refer medical questionnaires to colleagues from other professional bodies as the DVLA attempted to speed up elements of the medical licencing process and reduce the burden on GPs.

Julie Lennard, chief executive at the DVLA, said: ‘This law change, which widens the pool of healthcare professionals who can complete DVLA questionnaires, improves the process for those notifying the DVLA of medical conditions whilst reducing the administrative burden on doctors, benefitting drivers and the NHS alike.’