Vision Express, one of the largest optical retailers in the UK, is the newest partner and exhibitor to sign up to the Great British Fleet Event, where it will run non-invasive five-minute visual tests.
The Great British Fleet Event, which takes place on 24 January 2019 at the Novotel London West, in Hammersmith, has been developed to offer an ideal opportunity for expert insight into the latest fleet and mobility challenges and the solutions the industry is providing through a unique ‘3 in one’ format.
This includes a high-level morning Masterclass Conference and an exhibition to give attendees a first-hand chance to see the latest fleet industry solutions, as well as a prestigious awards ceremony, see full line-up here – which will celebrate the best of corporate mobility in the UK, presented in front of an audience of business leaders, fleet managers, motor manufacturers and industry executives.
As part of the event’s inclusive format, Vision Express will demonstrate how its visual tests can assess visual acuity and provide guidance on whether a full eye test is required for drivers, as well as advice on eye care and in-store services.
The visual test demo comes as just new research reveals just how important it is for fleets to ensure their drivers meet eyesight requirements for driving.
Findings from comprehensive eye tests carried out by Vision Express on more than 1,000 UK residents have revealed that one in five – which equates to 7.6 million licence-holders – haven’t had any vision check since reading a number plate at 20m when passing their driving test.
And the research also found that the 20m test is not a worthwhile indicator of roadworthy sight. Earlier this year, Vision Express carried out both the number plate check and then comprehensive eye tests on its high-tech mobile ‘Vision Van’.
Crucially, while only 1% of the public failed to read a vehicle registration plate from 20m, two in three (65%) were found by optometrists to be wearing an incorrect prescription.
Worse still, 52% of motorists confessed to not always wearing their vision correction while driving, with optometrist analysis showing that 7% – 2.8 million licence-holders – were putting lives at risk by getting behind the wheel because their vision unaided was either below the legal standard to drive, or borderline.
The findings throw weight behind the ‘Eye Tests Save Lives’ initiative, led by Vision Express in collaboration with the police, industry bodies and road safety charities, which is urging policymakers to introduce mandatory checks of visual acuity every 10 years for UK motorists.
In fact, Vision Express recently collaborated with Brake and the police on a roadside trial, which stopped over 1,000 motorists at random in Thames Valley, Hampshire and the West Midlands, and asked them to complete the 20m check. Its results are due to be announced in early 2019.
Vision Express is calling on the Government to explore ways to make the driver eyesight testing regime in the UK more effective by:
- Introducing a full eyesight test (including peripheral vision) for all new drivers
- Introducing a mandatory eye test requirement for all drivers every 10 years to coincide with the renewal of the photo card driving licence
- Exploring how the eye testing regime can better reflect eyesight deterioration as drivers age
- Spearheading awareness-raising initiatives emphasising the importance of good driver eye health.
To find out more about the work by Vision Express and see its vision test in action, register for your free ticket for the 2019 Great British Fleet Show.
