Motorists 'should not knowingly drive with poor eyesight'

Date: 14/6/2011

Getting behind the wheel is something that motorists should ensure they avoid if they have concerns that their eyesight is failing.

Dr Susan Blakeney, the optometric advisor for the College of Optometrists, says anyone with poor vision should first seek the help of a medical professional to determine whether there is any way to improve it.

For example, she notes that rather than being a serious condition the individual may simply require updated lenses for their glasses.

"What they shouldn't do is drive knowing their vision is poor and not do anything about it," she adds.

However, Dr Blakeney notes that some people may continue driving despite their poor eyesight because they do not realise that there is a legal standard - that a motorist can read a numberplate at a distance of 20 metres away.

She adds that individuals may also try to adapt their driving in order to compensate for their vision, such as by maintaining a slower speed.

As well as potentially avoiding a road accident, there are other reasons why regular eye tests are important - with Cathy Yelf, head of external relations at the Macular Disease Society, noting that a check-up can help assess general, as well as optical, health.

Posted by Sarah Bailey