Driving instructors and optometrists call for mandatory eye tests for motorists - Courier Mail

DRIVING BLIND: Mandatory sight tests for motorists at licensing centres should be reintroduced say the state's top driving instructors, backed by the peak body for optometrists. Source: Supplied

STOP the "stupidity" and bring back mandatory sight tests for motorists at licensing centres.

That is the plea to the Queensland Government from the state's top driving instructors, backed by the peak body for optometrists.

"There are far too many people on the roads who just can't see properly," said Alan Farley of the Master Drivers Association.

"The current system relies on the person applying for or renewing a licence to self-report if they have sight issues.

"It just does not work as people are often unaware that they have bad eyesight or that it has deteriorated over the years. It's stupidity."

Until December 2001, Queenslanders had to read an eye chart before getting a licence.

President of the Optometrists Association Australia - Queensland and Northern Territory Division believes that not doing a basic eye check before letting people loose on the roads is dangerous.

David Foresto last month wrote to Member for Sandgate Kerry Millard urging a relaunch of the previously used Snellen test for eyesight.

"It takes minimum training to do basic sight screening when people are first sitting their test and then at times of licence renewals. If there is any concern then it is easy to refer to the experts," he said.

"Clear vision is critical for safe driving. With close to 50 per cent of the Australian population suffering from a variety of vision disorders, many citizens use some form of vision correction," Mr Foresto said.

Cyril McGregor, a master driver trainer from Toowoomba, agrees that the Government must make changes to make the roads safer.

"While there are rules in place for drivers over 75, who are required to provide a medical certificate, there are many people younger than that who have failing eyesight."

Mr Farley says he refers many students to optometrists because they cannot read the road signs.

A Transport and Main Roads spokesman said their staff were not trained to assess optical and visual conditions and relied on the declaration by the applicant to highlight an eyesight condition.

"A range of vision issues, such as peripheral vision or colour blindness that may impact road safety, are not identified using the Snellen Eyesight Chart," the spokesman said.

"Vision may also be affected by other health conditions such as diabetes, fatigue and chemical exposure which is not identified using the Snellen Eyesight Chart."

Transport and Main Roads Minister Scott Emerson confirmed the State Government has no plans to re-introduce mandatory eye tests at transport offices.