Motor insurance link with visual acuity

A petition to the Government has called for links to be made between the provision of motor insurance and visual standards.

The petition, created by locum dispensing optician James Cox, called on motor insurance providers to only issue cover to individuals who had evidence of an ‘in date’ eye exam and purchase of vision correction where needed.

The petition also wanted changes to be made in the reporting process for optometrists who had become aware of drivers not fit to drive, with practitioners free from fear over sanctions for breaching patient confidentiality.

‘Self-referral to the DVLA for poor vision does not work and results in people with vision far below the legal standard remaining on our roads causing accidents and deaths. This is unacceptable and can easily be remedied,’ said Cox in the petition synopsis.