Mandatory eye tests for drivers over 70 being proposed by HMG. Good or bad?

[RogerL]

Needs to read the dashboard instruments😜

I use varifocals for driving but can still meet/exceed the legal requirement without glasses as my distance prescription is close to zero - as are most people after cataract operations.

 

[birdman101]

I have a,ways found with Varifocals and reaction lenses with antiglare, are to dark when indoors. The reason for having Distance Driving with all the treatments, In fact ordered a new pair last week after eye test which passed the driving sight test easily.

 

[Sam Vimes]

Surely not thinking of driving with reading glasses.

I need to be able to read the roadside signs asking me if me eyesight is good enough to drive

I wear varifocals most of the time but for the computer screens I have fixed focal length glasses set to my screen distance.

 

[otherclive]

I have a,ways found with Varifocals and reaction lenses with antiglare, are to dark when indoors. The reason for having Distance Driving with all the treatments, In fact ordered a new pair last week after eye test which passed the driving sight test easily.

My Essilor transition lenses are virtually clear indoors and when driving. I explicitly selected them for that, and they only react when outdoors. Transitions do three types of reactive lenses each with different characteristics. There’s a whole thread on the topic.

 

[Sam Vimes]

I have a,ways found with Varifocals and reaction lenses with antiglare, are to dark when indoors. The reason for having Distance Driving with all the treatments, In fact ordered a new pair last week after eye test which passed the driving sight test easily.

I agree with the first sentence which is why this time around I went for Varifocals without the reaction. Cheaper as well.

In sunny conditions I use polaroid overglasses.

 

[Sam Vimes]

My Essilor transition lenses are virtually clear indoors and when driving. I explicitly selected them for that, and they only react when outdoors. Transitions do three types of reactive lenses each with different characteristics. There’s a whole thread on the topic.

Mine used to be clear indoors and when driving but overtime they became permanently tinted.

 

[Dustydog]

All these specs🙀
No idea why but I never needed specs until my 40s. Only very mild prescription. Now I need no specs, have 20/20 vision, no OPs , no specs.
Apart from the PVD last year my eyes are as good as my teens. I can read small print but prefer low dose reading glasses if it’s getting dark.
Am I the exception?

 

[RogerL]

All these specs🙀
No idea why but I never needed specs until my 40s. Only very mild prescription. Now I need no specs, have 20/20 vision, no OPs , no specs.
Apart from the PVD last year my eyes are as good as my teens. I can read small print but prefer low dose reading glasses if it’s getting dark.
Am I the exception?

I believe that gradually changing vision as one ages with increasing long-sightedness is normal with an optimum around age 20 - if you are long-sighted then you'll naturally become more long-sighted but if you're short-sighted you'll naturally become less so.

It's also normal that most people will develop cataracts over time but many will never be serious enough to justify an operation - the artifical lenses are usually chosen deliberately to give you a zero prescription, or close to it, so you won't need glasses for distance vision.