Don't Swerve a Sight Test

With the clock going back an hour, you might notice that you are spending more time driving during night time. This brings some concern as during the dark hours, our vision is not as sharp as it is during day time, leading to more accidents on the road.It is estimated that during lockdown, 5 million routine eye tests have been missed, bringing even more concern about how safe are we when we drive.
According to a survey by the Association of Optometrists:
- 54% of optometrists have seen a patient in the last month whose vision is below the legal standard and is unable to meet the required standard using corrective lenses, who continues to drive;
- 22.2% believe that they are advising more patients not to drive than previously;
- 40.2% have had a conversation with a patient who has concerns about a family member's ability to drive due to their vision.
Standards of vision for driving
You must be able to read (with glasses or contact lenses, if necessary) a car number plate made after 1 September 2001 from 20 metres. Also, you need to meet the minimum eyesight standard for driving by having a visual acuity of at least decimal 0.5 (6/12) measured on the Snellen scale (with glasses or contact lenses, if necessary) using both eyes together or, if you have sight in one eye only, in that eye. An adequate field of vision test may also be needed in some cases - it it up to the optician to decide whether you need it or not.
If you are suffering from any of the above complains, or if you just want to have your eyes tested, make sure to book an eye examination before you come in to the practice. You can do that over email or telephone and we will be very happy to help arrange that time for you.
Always keep in mind: At Care Optics - Eye Care, We Care


