Drivers avoid eye-tests due to cost-of-living crisis

Almost a fifth of drivers who already need glasses for driving have not had an eye test for at least three years, according to Venson Automotive Solutions.

The fleet solutions business is encouraging fleet operators to ensure all their drivers meet the required standards of vision for driving.

Of those glasses-wearing motorists who haven’t had a recent eye test, 39% said that they either couldn’t afford the cost of an eye test, don’t have time to prioritise it or are afraid that they won’t be able to afford glasses if prescribed them by an optician.

Alison Bell, operations director at Venson Automotive Solutions, said: “It is reassuring that the majority of responsible drivers are going for regular eye examinations. This still leaves some who are putting themselves and other road users at risk by missing eye tests.  It’s concerning that the pressures of the current economic climate might be the reason why.”

Leaving more than two years between eye tests can put drivers at risk of being unsafe on the road as vision and general eye health can deteriorate. 

Well over a third (39%) of motorists who currently don’t wear glasses have not had their eyes tested for over three years, meanwhile.

Businesses and fleet operators have a duty of care to ensure their drivers are safe on the road, including meeting the required standards for driving.  Only half of the drivers asked were aware that an employer must provide and pay for an eyesight test for employees who use Display Screen Equipment.

Bell added: “In today’s workplaces a lot of people use display screen equipment, like laptops and touchscreens, yet our research suggests that many employees aren’t aware that they can claim the cost of an eyesight test back from their employer.  If a fleet driver is found to be unable to meet the required standards of vision the company could be liable as well as the driver, and the driver may not be able to continue driving. 

“As we move into winter where the days are shorter, sun is low, and foggy or wet weather can make vision even harder, now is a great time for businesses to raise awareness of the need for regular eye tests and to promote the availability of free eyesight tests for employees who use display screen equipment.”