Drivers with poor eyesight are knowingly getting behind the wheel

The findings come as pressure mounts on the government to change the law on vision requirements for motorists, following a series of high-profile road collision cases in which poor eyesight was a contributing factor.

Under existing UK law, drivers must undergo an initial number plate test when taking a driving test, then complete a self-declaration for renewing their licence thereafter. This means a 17-year-old who can read a number plate from 20 metres away when they take their test, may continue to drive with no further checks for the rest of their life.

The AOP says these laws are among the laxest in Europe and is calling for a change that would see drivers required to have a comprehensive vision check to prove their vision meets the legal standard when they first apply for the licence and then every ten years, or more frequently after the age of 70.

The Don’t Swerve a Sight Test campaign also reminds drivers that undergoing a sight test every two years is currently the best way to maximise their eye health and make sure they are road safe. Currently, an estimated 2,900 injuries on our roads each year are caused by drivers with poor vision.

Gillian Jones, whose father Ambrose Skingle was killed by a motorist who lied about their eyesight to renew their driving licence, said:

“I have two sons and my father was a big part of their lives. Dad taught them how to ride bikes and play golf. We had a family dinner together every Sunday. Life has never been the same. It was as if centre of our lives had been ripped out.

“I know some people don’t want to have a sight test because they don’t want the bad news that they have to stop driving. I’d like them to think of the consequences, both to themselves and to others. I think most people would feel awful knowing they were responsible for taking a life… People have got to look at the bigger picture.”

As part of the second Don’t Swerve a Sight Test campaign – which falls ahead of Road Safety Week (19-25 November) – 2,000 members of the public including 1,300 regular motorists were also surveyed to capture public mood. It shows that around half (47 per cent) the public agreed the laws on vision for driving should be more rigorous – compared to just 4 per cent who believed they need to be relaxed. Of those who want more rigorous laws, half (49 per cent) believed a compulsory sight test should be part of a licence being granted and a quarter (26 per cent) wanted motorists to have a sight test at least every ten years.

Some 86 per cent of regular drivers would be happy to have their vision checked every five years or more frequently. Alarmingly,however, 1 in 20 motorists on the UK’s roads admitted they’ve doubted whether their own vision is good enough to drive yet have done nothing about it.

Nearly a fifth of regular drivers admitted they have never self-checked their own vision by reading a number plate as suggested by the DVLA’s recommendations.

Shockingly, 1 in ten regular motorists would continue driving as normal if told their vision could not be corrected to meet the legal standard, while 42 per cent would continue to drive in some capacity, such as cutting back on short journeys or only driving locally. A quarter of the public would do nothing if they knew a friend or family member who continued to drive with poor eyesight

Optometrist and AOP spokesperson, Henry Leonard said: "It is shocking that so many drivers are overlooking the importance of good vision. Sight change can often be gradual, and people may not notice changes that could affect their ability to drive.

"This campaign is about reminding drivers that regular visits to their optometrist are the best way to make sure they meet the legal standard for driving and help make our roads safer.”

* Members of the public and optometry profession can contact their MP to support the AOP’s call for a change to the law, with more information available at www.aop.org.uk/dontswerve.