UK singled out for still using number-plate test, not requiring a professional vision assessment, and not retesting driver eyesight as standard. The onus is on the employer/fleet manager to instigate a policy. Comment from Jim Lythgow, director of strategic alliances at Specsavers Corporate Eyecare.

Following the publication of a consensus paper by the European Council of Optometry and Optics, Specsavers Corporate Eyecare is voicing its concerns over driving vision standards at work. The consensus paper reveals how the UK lags hugely behind the rest of the EU in terms of standards for driving vision and Specsavers is concerned about the impact on fleet managers and employers. Jim Lythgow, director of strategic alliances at Specsavers Corporate Eyecare, said: ‘The paper shows just how far behind the UK is in terms of assessing driver eyesight. With employers being responsible for all ‘at work’ activities under Health and Safety Law, this means that driving vision often comes down to the policy of the fleet manager or employer. With lax laws on the requirements for driver vision, the risks on the road increase and this can put employees and, therefore, also their employers at risk.’

The figures in the consensus paper speak for themselves: Of the 29 countries included, 24 require driver eyesight to be tested by a medical doctor, ophthalmologist, optometrist or optician. The UK is one of the five remaining countries where it is the job of the driving examiner to check vision. The vast majority of EU countries are shown to retest driver vision on a regular basis, or at certain ages. There are just eight countries that do not retest driver vision as standard after the licence is awarded. The UK is one of these eight countries. While most countries require tests of visual acuity and or visual fields, and even twilight vision and colour vision, the UK is one of just five countries still using the number-plate test.

Jim Lythgow continued: ‘Good vision is vital for safe driving and the only way to ensure good vision is to have regular eyesight tests carried out by a professional. To ensure they are meeting their requirement to safeguard employees during all activities, it currently comes down to the employer and their fleet manager to implement a policy of testing driver eyesight. While the inconsistencies remain so great and the UK continues to trail behind the rest of the EU, a low-cost blanket scheme covering all drivers is a sensible precaution to take.’