6 days ago
Calls for the Channel Islands to follow UK moves to introduce compulsory eye tests for all over-70s
There are calls for Guernsey and Jersey to follow the UK's lead and introduce compulsory eyesight tests for drivers over 70.
It comes after UK politicians are considering an overhaul of road safety laws there.
The reported proposals include introducing mandatory eye tests every three years for motorists over the age of 70, with people banned from driving if they fail.
Some across the Channel Islands say they would like to see similar legislation introduced.
John Bichard's been driving taxis in Guernsey for 32 years and says he often sees motorists who he thinks demonstrate signs of failing eyesight.
"You may not know or think you've got a problem but people from the outside can see," he says.
John adds that taxi drivers on-island have to complete compulsory eye tests once they're over the age of 65, and there could be great benefit to others doing something similar.
"I love my freedom", he explains. "I understand why people don't want that taken away.
"Driving has been my life, so I would feel the same, but if I needed to have eye checks done, glasses, cataracts, whatever to continue driving, then I think you should."
In Jersey last year, there were 409 recorded vehicle collisions - of those drivers, 12% were aged over 70.
Optometrist Jacqui Ryan believes all people should have regular eye tests, but adds that the likelihood of developing conditions like glaucoma and cataracts increases as someone gets older.
She says annual eye examinations after 70 should be part of a person's routine health check, not just their driving license applications.
But when it comes to getting behind the wheel, Jacqui thinks the dangers are heightened.
"You never know when someone is going to pull out in front of you," she explains. "You never know when that pedestrian is going to come into the road.
"Low contrast - when we start hitting dusks and late at night - if you've got an early cataract, that can make things far more difficult for you to see."
"We're not here to take your license from you, we're here to help you make the most of your vision and keep you on the road as long as we possibly can, safely."
Others have their reservations, however.
David Inglis from Age Concern says he feels legislation is unnecessary, with many people carrying out routine eye checks from this age anyway.
He says we should trust people to know when they are concerned about their eyesight, as this is "is something that they have to experience for themselves".
David adds: "People rely on their cars, and that is so important for them in terms of their independence.
"They don't want to rely on family members just to do their shopping, they want to do it themselves - so we've got to ensure they get access as and when they need it."
However, the UK is one of only three European countries to rely on self-reporting for eyesight problems that affect driving so the Channel Islands are in the minority.
Whether or not the Channel Islands choose to follow the UK's lead remains to be seen.
Guernsey's Traffic and Highway Services say they will "liaise with our counterparts at the UK Driver Vehicle and Licensing Agency about this and monitor how these proposals develop".
Jersey's Driver and Vehicle Standards say they will also "review the details of the UK's new Road Safety Strategy once it is published", and aim to "align with national best practices".
They add that "any changes to local licensing requirements will be subject to careful local consideration", including consultation with relevant stakeholders.
