Preserving Your Freedom: Why the New Driving Proposals Are Just the Start

Introduction

We often talk about road safety in terms of rules and regulations. But at Abra & Co, we know that for our patients, driving isn’t just about getting from A to B. It’s about independence. It’s about visiting the grandchildren, getting to the shops, and staying connected to the community we love.

You may have seen the recent headlines regarding the Department for Transport’s new consultation. The government, supported by The College of Optometrists, is looking to make eye tests mandatory for drivers over 70, potentially requiring a check every three years.

We welcome this news as a positive step for road safety. However, as your local eye care experts, we believe that relying on a “three-year rule” creates a gap in your care. At Abra & Co, our philosophy is simple: we don’t just want you to meet the minimum legal standard; we want you to drive with total confidence.

The Senses: How We Connect to the World

As we age, our vision becomes arguably our most vital sense. Along with hearing, it feeds our brain the essential data we need to understand the environment around us. It dictates how we process social interactions, how we judge movement, and how safe we feel in busy environments.

When you are behind the wheel, your brain is performing a beautifully complex task—processing visual cues (brake lights, cyclists) and auditory cues (sirens, horns) in real-time. If your vision is even slightly “tired” or compromised, the brain has to work harder to process that data. This can lead to fatigue and hesitation.

We want to remove that hesitation. We want your senses to work in harmony so that driving feels effortless, not exhausting.

Why We Champion the “Annual” Standard

The government proposal suggests a test every three years for drivers over 70. While this is better than the current system of “self-reporting,” we believe our patients deserve a higher standard of care.

A lot can change in three years. Conditions like cataracts or macular degeneration can serve as silent passengers; they often develop gradually. A driver might be perfectly safe today, but in two years’ time, subtle changes could affect their clarity.

By seeing you annually (where NHS guidelines allow), we can catch these tiny changes the moment they appear. It allows us to intervene early, keeping you safe and, crucially, keeping you on the road.

Going Deeper: Contrast Sensitivity & Glare

To truly “optimise” your vision, we need to look beyond the standard letter chart. This is why Abra & Co utilises the Contrast Sensitivity Function (CSF) test.

Most people assume 20/20 vision is the only metric that matters. But the road isn’t a high-contrast black-and-white eye chart. Driving involves grey tarmac, foggy mornings, and rain-slicked roads at dusk.

• What is CSF?It measures how well you can distinguish objects from their background when the lighting isn’t perfect.
• The Glare Factor:Modern LED headlights are brighter than ever. If your contrast sensitivity is low, these lights can “wash out” your vision. We can combat this with specialist Driving Lenses designed to reduce glare and sharpen contrast, making night driving comfortable again.

The Hidden Culprit: Dry Eye and Driving

There is one factor that is almost always overlooked in road safety: Dry Eye.

When you drive, you concentrate. When you concentrate, your blink rate drops significantly. If you suffer from dry eye, this lack of blinking causes the tear film on the front of your eye to break up.

• The result?Your vision fluctuates. One minute the road is clear, the next it is blurry. You might find your eyes stinging, or ironically, watering excessively (reflex tearing) which distorts your view further.

It isn’t just uncomfortable; it’s distracting. At Abra & Co, we treat the ocular surface as the foundation of good vision. Treatments like Eyeclean can help stabilise your tear film, ensuring your vision stays consistent from the beginning of your journey to the end.

We Are Your Partners, Not the Police

We know that for many drivers, the idea of an eye test as we get older can feel daunting. There is a silent worry: “What if they find something? What if I lose my licence?”

We want to give you our absolute reassurance: We are on your side.

Our role at Abra & Co is not to take your keys away. Our role is to do everything in our power to keep them in your hand. We view these annual checks as “maintenance for your independence.”

Whether it’s prescribing driving lenses to cut through glare, treating dry eye to stop the blur, or monitoring a condition to ensure it remains stable, our goal is to make you feel comfortable and protected.

Our Advice to You

You don’t need to wait for government legislation to prioritise your peace of mind.

• The Gold Standard:If you are over 70, let’s aim to see each other once a year. It’s the best way to ensure nothing slips through the net.
• Tackle the Symptoms:If your eyes feel gritty or watery on long drives, or if headlights look like “starbursts,” don’t suffer in silence. These are often fixable issues.
• Stay Confident:Knowledge is power. Knowing your eyes are healthy allows you to drive without that nagging doubt.

We are here to look after you, your vision, and your lifestyle.