Meryl Streep is a firm believer that ageing is not for the faint of heart. When it comes to accepting that one’s physical abilities decline with age, her belief hits home. Some may struggle to let go of conducting daily activities themselves, possibly out of fear of losing their independence. New mandatory eye checks for drivers are being considered for one group, which may reinforce these fears. The fact that they will be banned if they fail exacerbates the problems elders feel with old age. Will you be affected? Find out today.
Mandatory eye checks for drivers are being considered
According to the UK Government, the UK prioritises road safety, which is why it has one of the lowest road fatality rates in the world. However, this does not happen overnight, and can be attributed to the Department for Transport, which regularly researches ways to improve road safety, and then publishes its findings, which can effectively change driving laws.
Mandatory eye checks for drivers are being considered as part of the changes that await driving laws in the UK. These changes will be part of a new, greater strategy to improve road safety, with its publication set for this autumn. As authorities take the necessary measures to ensure that road safety is maintained for all road users, we cannot help but wonder whether the public will show widespread acceptance of these changes.
One group of drivers is being targeted
One group of drivers will be targeted for mandatory eye checks, and while some may perceive it as ageist, according to the College of Optometrists, they are necessary. The President of The College of Optometrists, Dr Gillian Rudduck, MCOptum, stated that these tests will allow the early detection and treatment of asymptomatic eye conditions that could affect driving abilities.
Presently, the UK is one of three European countries that utilise self-reporting of visual conditions that affect driving ability, as per the BBC. The proposal of having new mandatory eye checks for drivers will require senior drivers aged 70 and older to undergo eye testing every three years at registered optometrists. Should they fail their eye checks, their licenses will be revoked.
Will the new proposal be accepted?
It is too soon to tell whether the new mandatory eye checks will be legislated. Experts in the optometry field are advocating for these changes. According to Dr Rudduck:
“An introduction of mandatory sight tests for drivers aged over 70 would be 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 to those internationally.”
Senior drivers, on the other hand, may be less receptive. According to Peter Browne, aged 73 from Great Yarmouth, he has been struggling to obtain an appointment to test his eyesight. In a statement to the BBC, he confirmed having glaucoma and that he has reported it to the DVLA. However, he continues to drive. He added:
“I’m quite frustrated. If it was found that my eyesight was not of sufficient level to drive, would it be my fault or the NHS for not being able to give me an appointment?”
While the proposal is still being considered, the possibility remains that these new mandatory eye checks for drivers may become a reality. Youth is fleeting, but so are the insecurities that come along with it. As we age, we must learn to let go and embrace self-acceptance, along with the slower, steadier pace of life that comes with old age. With the new controversial bill starting this autumn, perhaps not being able to drive oneself around anymore is not such a bad thing after all. It will be less admin and less money.