Driving and vision
Vision is a critical component of safe driving, and as such, orthoptists play a key role in ensuring their patients meet the minimum eyesight standards.
In England, Scotland and Wales, driving regulations are set by the Driving and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA). In Northern Ireland, the rules regarding medical fitness to drive are the same as the DVLA, but are governed by the Driver and Vehicle Agency (DVA).
The DVLA has produced a summary document which summarises all medical guidance on fitness to drive. It is intended to assist healthcare professionals in advising their patients. The guidance is regularly reviewed and updated by the driver’s medical section within DVLA. Orthoptists are advised to ensure they are aware of the information contained in this guidance as well as keep up to date with changes.
Access the guidance and sign up for email alerts on updates here.
Orthoptists responsibility to disclose information to DVLA
Orthoptists owe a duty of confidentiality to their patients, but they also have a wider duty to protect and promote the health of patients and the public.
Our guidance document ‘Orthoptists’ responsibilities in delivering driving advice and reporting concerns to the DVLA/DVA’ sets out responsibilities to disclose relevant information to the DVLA/DVA without consent, when in the public interest, if a patient is unfit to drive but continues to do so.
Driving mobility
Driving mobility have a network of centres that offer information, advice and assessments. They are supported by the Department for Transport in England, by the Welsh Government in Wales, by Disability Action in Northern Ireland, and funded by the Motability Foundation in Scotland. They can offer driving assessments when people are facing difficulties or concerns with driving due to a variety of medical conditions.
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