Simon Jones: Driven round the bend

As depressing press releases go, this morning’s email from the College of Optometrists was right up there. It’s not that press releases from the College are usually depressing, far from it, but the subject of drivers’ vision is one of my eye health bugbears and it made for uncomfortable reading.

A research survey commissioned by the College found that 24% of the drivers who had been advised to wear glasses while driving, admitted to not always doing so. A figure that generated sheer amazement and anger.

I’ve heard all the arguments about drivers being reluctant to surrender their driving licences for fear of losing their independence or because they have a relative that needs to be driven around.