9 September 2023
Driving around the UK this weekend, I was reminded of an article that appeared on the BBC website recently:
“Drivers who fail to read a number plate from 20m (65ft) away when stopped by police will have their licences revoked immediately in a new crackdown.
Three forces in England are planning to test every motorist they stop in a bid to clamp down on drivers with defective eyesight. Police say data from the tests will be used to improve understanding of the extent of poor driver vision.
The forces taking part are Thames Valley, Hampshire, and the West Midlands. Officers can request an urgent revocation of a licence through the Driver and Vehicle Licencing Agency (DVLA) if they believe the safety of other road users will be put at risk if a driver remains on the road.
Under current rules, the only mandatory examination of a driver’s vision occurs during the practical test, when learners must read a number plate from 20.50 metres.
After obtaining a licence, it is up to them to inform the DVLA if they have vision problems.
Sgt Rob Heard, representing the police forces taking part in the campaign, said: “Not being able to see a hazard or react to a situation quickly enough can have catastrophic consequences.” He warned that officers will be carrying out eyesight checks “at every opportunity“.
The power to revoke licences was introduced in 2013 under Cassie’s Law, named after 16-year-old Cassie McCord, who died when an 87-year-old man lost control of his vehicle in Colchester, Essex. It later emerged he had failed a police eyesight test days earlier, but a legal loophole meant he was allowed to continue driving.”
Unfortunately, there is no direct equivalent to the number plate test available in consulting rooms as we use a different font. However, we can check your driving vision against the equivalent-sized print and advise accordingly. Nevertheless, I would urge all drivers to check that their vision is safe for driving by attempting to read a number plate at 20.50 metres in a good light, as this is what the police will do if you are stopped. If you need to wear distance vision glasses to see the plate, make sure you also wear them when you are driving, even for short journeys, and if you cannot see the number plate with or without your glasses on, stop driving and get an early appointment with us for further advice. In a rural area such as ours, not having access to a car can have a devastating on quality of life, but the potential consequences of persisting can be much worse.
For example, many years ago one of my patients travelling from Frome to Shepton hit a car that pulled out in front of him in Doulting. My patient was an extremely experienced driver in his seventies, the lad who pulled out in front of him had just passed his test.
The police checked my client’s eyesight, who was not wearing his driving glasses at the time. He failed the number plate test and it was he who was prosecuted for dangerous driving, not the young driver. And because he was not driving legally he was therefore uninsured. Luckily nobody was seriously injured, but it had a marked effect on an otherwise upright and law-abiding man.
Why not be careful on the road? Book your eye test today!
Optometrist
Chris qualified as an optometrist virtually before time began. He has worked in the practice since it opened in 1986 and now specialises in Vision Therapy. In his spare time he is a member of the local Masonic Lodge and enjoys sailing, watching rugby and cricket as well as sampling Single Malts and red wine.
Optometrist and Dry Eye Specialist
After finishing a degree in Biology at Southampton University Rebecca went on to study Optometry at Cardiff University and completed her pre-registration at Williams & Parry Opticians in heart of the Welsh valleys.
Rebecca still keeps a strong affiliation with Cardiff University and has returned as a part-time clinical supervisor and also as an organiser/participant in the ‘Returning Vision Moldova Project’. This non-profit University associated project involves visiting remote and impoverished communities in Moldova and providing eye exams and glasses to those in need.
Always keen to expand her knowledge Rebecca has consistently completed extra accreditation in optometry since graduating; most recently the post-graduate certificate in Independent Prescribing for Optometrists.
After meeting a particularly charming West-Country man 6 years ago Rebecca migrated across the Severn bridge and has resided very happily in the Mendip area ever since. Of course being Welsh she is an avid Rugby fan and during any international match she is easily recognisable at her local pub for sporting the only red shirt in the house!
Manager & Eyewear Advisor
Tracy worked for Tesco on the customer service desk for many years before joining us in 2014. In her spare time she enjoys walking and travel, particularly to the USA.
Optical Assistant and Vision Therapist
Tanis also works on the front desk in the practice. She is responsible for meeting and greeting our clients, answering the phone and performing administrative duties. She job shares with Steph. Tanis moved to Somerset with her family 4 years ago. She has extensive experience in customer service and enjoys running and walking.
Audiologist and Hearing Aid Consultant
Nikisha has been a fully qualified audiologist for more than seven years, having graduated from the University of Bristol in Summer 2012. After gaining her degree, she worked as part of a fantastic NHS team in Bath for two years, which greatly developed her clinical expertise.
Following her time in the NHS, Nikisha wanted to broaden her knowledge further, and so five years ago moved into the private sector, where she has been able to continue to build her extensive skillset.
“I decided to venture out and join the team at The Hearing Care Partnership because they are renowned for delivering great customer service and great technology to their clients, which is something I wanted to be part of. In addition, working alongside optical practice teams was an intriguing proposition, and a whole new experience for me.
“When I’m not at work, I love to spend time with my daughter. I also really enjoy a good mystery or crime book – Harlan Coben is one of my favourite authors!”
Optical Assistant
Kay has had many years of customer service, both in retail and Doctor’s surgeries. She is happiest when walking in the Somerset countryside with her dog.
Eyewear Stylist and Dry Eye Technician
Eloise joined us from another High Street Optical practice. She has been trained as an optical assistant and clinical technician and is supporting Tracy with Styling Consultations as well as helping to run our Dry Eye Clinics