12/08/2025
The College, alongside The Association of Optometrists (AOP), have welcomed the proposed inclusion of mandatory sight tests for drivers over the age of 70 as part of an overhaul of driving laws in the new road safety strategy, set to be published in the autumn.
This is a welcome step in improving vision standards for drivers in the UK. But the rules could go further to ensure that UK standards are in alignment with those internationally.
We are calling for a mandatory requirement for all drivers to submit evidence of an up-to-date sight test at licence application and renewal, every 10 years and then every 3 years from age 70.
This would enable early detection and treatment of eye conditions that may be otherwise asymptomatic and utilises regulated sight tests that are delivered by registered optometrists on the high street across the UK.
College Clinical Adviser, Dr Paramdeep Bilkhu MCOptom discussed the proposed changes on BBC Radio 5.
Listen back to the ’s Nicky Campbell show with Gordon Smart (skip to 2:04:50) ➡️ https://coptom.uk/4ov6fLG
Read our full statement here ➡️ https://coptom.uk/4oEAyjh
