Moneo writes: Raising the DVLA eyesight testing issue with Age Concern

It is not often I return to a previous topic but I feel a need to when it comes to DVLA eyesight testing. Since my last column I have received further correspondence from Claire Perry, the Under Secretary of State. This is in reply to a letter from my local MP. You will recall that it was stated that anyone can access the required tests within a 25 mile radius and if this was not possible Specsavers were obliged under the contract to engage a local practice to carry out the tests.

In this latest letter we see such phrases as 'I do of course appreciate the concerns that you have expressed on behalf of your constituents that they may need to travel further for their eyesight tests that previously'. 'I understand how inconvenient this must be for them and apologise for any difficulties they may be caused.' She goes on to say that the number of Specsavers stores providing the service will increase from the current 355 and a massive 19 new stores will offer the service by the end of the year, bringing the number to 374! This is still totally unacceptable. Now, of course with the start of shorter days and longer dark periods fewer and fewer of this group of people can access these tests as they no longer wish to drive in the dark and they are often faced with having to do so as a result of not being able to access the service locally.