Driving is one of the great freedoms in life. It helps us stay independent, visit friends and family, and enjoy the places we love. But that freedom depends on something we can easily take for granted – our eyesight.
You may have seen the recent headlines about possible new rules for drivers over 70, including compulsory eye tests. It’s sparked plenty of conversation – some see it as a sensible safety measure, others feel it’s unfair.
This month, Eva Dave Optometrist at Style Optique in Market Drayton was invited to share her thoughts on BBC Radio Shropshire, You can listen to the interview here
At Style Optique, we believe this is an important opportunity to talk about why regular, professional eye health checks are essential for everyone who drives. Many of our clients already attend their checks regularly – and know the peace of mind it brings. But this is also a chance to encourage friends, family, and neighbours who may not be as proactive to get their eyes checked too.
The Current Situation – Eyesight and Driving
Right now, the law says drivers must meet a minimum vision standard, but the truth is there is no strong system in place to make sure that standard is really being checked.
Unless you are driving a taxi, bus, or lorry, there is no requirement for regular sight tests. For most drivers, the only vision check happens when you take your driving test, and even then it is simply reading a number plate from 20 metres away. That might sound fine, but in reality it only measures central distance vision. It does not assess your peripheral vision, depth perception, contrast sensitivity, or the other vital aspects of eyesight that keep you safe on the road.
From that moment on, it is entirely possible to go decades without another eye examination. Renewing your licence only involves ticking a box to self-declare that your eyesight meets the standard and that you have not been told otherwise. This happens every 10 years, or every 3 years once you are over 70.
And that is where the real concern lies. Eyesight often changes so slowly that you may not notice. Many serious eye conditions develop without early symptoms, and by the time you realise something is wrong, some damage may already be permanent. Behind the wheel, that could mean your vision is no longer safe for driving long before you are aware of it.
Our View
We’ve always believed that looking after your eyes should be a priority for everyone, no matter your age. Regular, professional eye tests are one of the simplest ways to protect both your vision and your safety.
In an ideal world:
• Every driver would have a full eye examination at least every two years.
• At the very least, there would be a proper eye test when learning to drive, again on gaining a full licence, and at each renewal (every 10 years, or every 3 years for over-70s).
This approach would not only make our roads safer for everyone, it would also give people the reassurance that their eyesight and overall eye health are being properly cared for throughout their lives.
Why Over-70s Are in the Spotlight
All drivers should be tested regularly because eyesight changes can happen in all age groups. However it’s an unfortunate fact that the risk of certain eye conditions rapidly increase with age. After the age of 70, conditions such as glaucoma, cataracts, and macular degeneration ( see image above) become far more common -and the tricky thing is, they often start quietly, without any obvious symptoms.
This is the reason the NHS already offers free eye tests every two years for over-60s and every year for over-70s. These checks aren’t just about ensuring you can see the road clearly – they’re about protecting your sight for all of life’s moments, catching problems early, and helping you stay active, confident, and independent for as long as possible.
Unfortunately, research by the Association of Optometrists shows that many drivers over 60 are still missing out on these important checks. And that’s a shame, because so often, the earlier we spot something, the easier it is to treat – and the better the outcome.
If the government decides to make eye tests compulsory for over-70s, it will be because this is the age group most at risk – and the group most likely to benefit from early detection and reassurance.
Eyesight - It’s Not Just About Driving
In the past year alone, our eye examinations have picked up:
- Vision changes that could have made driving unsafe.
- Serious general health issues, including tumours, high blood pressure, and cardiovascular disease.
That’s because an eye examination is not “just” a sight test – it’s a health check, and a valuable window into your overall wellbeing. Sometimes we can see signs of problems with the brain, heart, or circulation long before symptoms appear. In some cases, that knowledge has saved sight – and even saved lives.
A Gentle Challenge
If you’re reading this, you’re probably already taking good care of your vision. But we all know someone who isn’t – a partner who says, “My eyesight’s fine,” or a parent who worries a test might affect their independence.
The truth is, most people leave their appointment feeling reassured, not restricted. An eye test gives confidence, peace of mind, and helps protect the moments that matter most.
So if someone you care about hasn’t been for a while, why not suggest going together? Prevention is always better than cure – and one simple check could make all the difference.
Final Thoughts
No system is perfect, and focusing on one age group will always feel a little uncomfortable. But if introducing regular eye tests – for over-70s or ideally for everyone – means safer roads, healthier vision, and earlier detection of life-changing conditions, it’s a step worth taking.
Because good vision doesn’t just keep you driving – it helps you live fully, stay connected to the people you love, and enjoy the independence we all value.
You can listen to Eva’s full BBC Radio Shropshire interview here
