I am writing in response to the editorial ‘Taking action on clear and present danger’, November 17.
Vision standards for driving is a reoccurring discussion in optics – one that requires a pragmatic approach to the legislative and practical intricacies.
The AOP’s Don’t swerve a sight test campaign attracted a positive response from our members, the media and the public.
Interviews with AOP experts were broadcast 159 times on November 14. This, coupled with features in national, regional and online press, increased traffic to our website. It demonstrates a real appetite to see the law changed and we were also struck by how shocked people were at the UK’s current system.
Your editorial draws attention to the tragic cases that have resulted from drivers with poor eyesight and we agree action needs to be taken. However, we cannot subscribe to mandatory reporting by optical professionals. A system such as this could act as a deterrent for individuals attending sight tests for fear of losing their licence and independence.
We know this already happens and believe compulsory reporting has the potential to worsen the problem. But naturally, a patient’s failure to meet the driving standard, and their ability or willingness to self-report, should be balanced against the wider public interest for which there are already reporting measures in place.
At the heart of this matter, is the failure to provide an adequate system to protect the public – 90% of our members and two fifths of the public agree. With the profile of vision and driving now raised, we are optimistic there is momentum for change – considering this to be just the beginning of the campaign.
Optometrists do have a role to play – but it is rooted firmly in their position as eye care professionals to help their patients meet the visual requirement and stay on the roads for longer.