Poor vision of Aussie drivers a growing concern
Eyes on the road? Majority of Australians admit their eyesight is not greatIn a future where robo-cars drive themselves and driver’s licences are as common as unicorns, people won’t need to keep their eyes on the road and poor eyesight will be irrelevant when it comes to driving.
But the reality today is that the majority of Australian drivers admit their vision isn’t perfect, which could be cause for concern.
According to a new study commissioned by optical retailer OPSM, which surveyed 1043 drivers and riders across a broad range of demographics and locations in Australia, 84 per cent admitted their vision isn’t perfect.
Around a third of those surveyed said they weren’t confident driving at night because their vision wasn’t great, while 90 per cent confirmed they were annoyed by headlight glare when driving at night.
Given that around 11 million Aussies will set off on journeys this Easter and a whopping three-quarters of the population are set to embark on a long road trip this year, OPSM says more drivers should prioritise getting their eyes tested before getting behind the wheel.
The research showed the top priority ahead of long road trips is snack choice, followed closely by ensuring vehicle tyre pressures are correct and vehicle fluids are topped up.
Getting an eye test was at the bottom of the priority list but OPSM wants to push it higher up the order as part of a wider campaign to shift the focus to eyesight – not just to sell more glasses but following a call to action from the United Nations to halve the number of road deaths and injuries globally by 2030.
“The Easter holidays are a popular time to get away with family and friends, but drivers need to take every precaution to ensure they get to their destination safely,” said OPSM’s director of eyecare and community, Peter Murphy.
“Eye tests help identify vision changes such as whether you need to start wearing glasses or make a change to an existing prescription. Testing early and testing often is the most effective way to detect any early warning signs and maintain good eye health,” he said.
Eye testing in Australia is free for many people via Medicare’s bulk-billing process but those eligible to drive in the Gen Z demographic – typically 18- to 25-year-olds – tend to delay getting their eyes checked and have anxiety around eye testing ahead of sitting their driver’s licence.
Other take-outs from the study include:
- Only eight per cent would consider getting their eyes checked before a long road trip
- 16 per cent of road users say their vision is stopping them from driving during daylight hours
- Gen Zs lack the most confidence driving during the day, at 28 per cent
- Baby boomers lack the least confidence driving during the day, at three per cent
Related: Screw GPS: Why we all need to embrace the old school road map
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Related: Why it's important as a driver to have your eyes checked regularly
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