If you’re over 70 and drive, listen up — things are changing.
Right now, drivers 70+ renew their licence every three years without needing an eye test. But soon, the UK government plans to require an eye test at every renewal.
Why? Because poor eyesight is a big cause of accidents, especially as we get older. Other countries already ask older drivers to prove their vision is up to scratch — the UK is catching up.
The plans have been making headlines — you can read more about them in this BBC article.
Why does this matter?
Thousands of road accidents every year involve drivers with undetected vision problems. Regular eye tests help spot these issues early — like blurry vision, glaucoma, cataracts, or other sneaky conditions that can affect your driving.
Common Signs of Vision Problems to Watch For
Sometimes, vision problems sneak up on us. Here are some common signs to watch out for:
- Blurry vision when looking at things up close or far away
- Difficulty seeing road signs clearly while driving
- Glare or halos around lights, especially at night
- Trouble adjusting to changes in light, like going from bright sunlight into a tunnel
- Slower reaction times or trouble judging distances
- Frequent headaches or eye strain after reading or screen time
If any of these sound familiar, it’s a good idea to book an eye test — catching issues early can make all the difference.
What should you do now?
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Book an eye test early — don’t wait for the new rules to kick in. Get your eyes checked regularly to stay safe and ahead of the game.
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Know what to expect — your optometrist will test your sight sharpness and peripheral vision, the stuff that really matters on the road.
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Talk to your optometrist — if there’s a problem, they’ll help you with solutions like new glasses, treatments, or referrals.
Eye tests aren’t just for drivers
Good vision matters every day — reading, walking, recognising faces. Regular eye tests help keep your eyes healthy and spot problems before they get serious.
At Eye Emporium, we’re here for you
We keep eye tests quick, simple, and friendly. Whether it’s your first test or your routine check, our expert team will make sure you’re seeing your best.
Book your eye test today — it’s an easy way to keep your eyes sharp and your driving safe.
