Optician warns not to turn blind eye to poor sight when driving

A leading optician is urging parents to get their eyes checked before they head off on holiday in their cars after research revealed millions are potentially risking lives by driving when their eyesight is not up to scratch.

A study earlier this year by the College of Optometrists revealed that one in five drivers aged between 35 and 55 has driven knowing that they have poor eyesight.

It also showed that more than a quarter of those admitted that they put off going for a sight test for up to six months after noticing their eyesight had deteriorated – with a worrying 21% putting it off for up to five years.

Clive Marchant, director of Colin Lee Opticians, which has practices across the Midlands, said that some people seem to prioritise the performance of their car before their own health.

“Most people don’t think twice about getting their car serviced before they are taking it on a long trip, and would tell you that it is important to ensure the vehicle’s safe before they put their family in it.

“So it is baffling that they do not then think of how they are endangering their family and others if their eyesight is not adequate for them to be driving.

“You may have had perfect eyesight all your life, but reaching your mid-thirties, many people find that it may be deteriorating slightly, and rather than ignore this, it is vital that you get it checked out.

“Our comprehensive test takes around 30 minutes, and costs a few pounds – many people will be entitled to free tests – surely that is worth doing in order to help keep your family safe.

“Your optician will also be able to provide you with prescription and non prescription sunspecs, which will not just help you drive, but provide essential protection from damaging UV rays as well.”

The survey showed that almost half of people put off going for an eye test because they felt that having to get glasses would make them feel old, with middle-aged men the worst offenders, as almost one in three said they wouldn’t go for a sight test if they noticed a deterioration in their eyesight.

“There is no excuse for not reaching the required driving standards,” said Mr Marchant. “There are many ways of correcting your eyesight these days, including contact lenses, and a vast range of frames which are fashionable and designed to meet all budgets.

“I would urge people to make sure their holiday is a happy one, and when they think about getting the car checked, book an eye test too.”

Colin Lee Opticians has branches in Aldridge, Great Barr, Rugeley, Burntwood , Ward End, Lichfield and Jenks in Tamworth.

Comments

[Maggie]

I couldn't agree more! Good visibility in a car doesn't only depend on the car manufacturer's design team, it also depends on the drivers eyesight.