The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) is set to publish an update on guidance relating to eye conditions.
According to reports, the DVLA will released a new list of notifiable eye conditions. Optometry Today explained that the move comes after Association of Optometrists (AOP) raised concerns over the current list, which they argue is so extensive it could potentially apply to almost every driver who undergoes an eye test.
The concerns results in AOP writing to the DVLA to call for an urgent review, stating “if the current guidance remains in place, almost every driver who receives a sight test will need to be advised to notify the DVLA".
Following contact, the DLVA agreed to remove the list of eyesight conditions confirming it would "welcome the opportunity" to work with the AOP to carry out a revision of the existing guidance, reports Birmingham Live.
Chief executive for the AOP, Adam Sampson, explained: “We’ve continued to have an open dialogue with the DVLA on this important issue to work towards a pragmatic solution for our members, patients and the DVLA.”
The CEO highlighted that the extent of the original list “would have been problematic for so many", continuing to say he was pleased to see the DVLA were taking on board the advice.
"The move is sure to remove an unnecessary administrative burden for practitioners but also alleviate worry for many patients,” he added.
The last DVLA update to the list occurred in October, following a sector consultation. The AOP stated the it would continue to work alongside the DVLA policy team to discuss further refinements.
There has also been a consultation with the Secretary of State for Transport’s Medical Advisory Panel in regard to visual disorders and driving.
According to DVLA rules, if vision is a factor of an accident a £1,000 and three points will be issued to the driver if they have not notified the DLVA of the condition prior to the incident.
In more serious cases, failure to notify prior to an accident could result in a driving disqualification.
Two thirds of drivers across the UK who use glasses put off updating their prescription, according to AOP, with 20 per cent of drivers not having had a recent eye test.
The Daily Record has approached the DVLA for comment.
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