AOP responds over notifiable eye conditions list

Warning issued over DVLA notifiable eye conditions list

The AOP demands the DVLA reviews its extended list of notifiable eye conditions which could apply to almost every driver who receives a sight test 

The Association of Optometrists (AOP) are aware of the updated conditions list published by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA).

Responding to the move, AOP Chief Executive, Adam Sampson said: “Practitioners are quite rightly deeply concerned about the impact the new rules will have. We raised the same concerns with the DVLA in early August and have since followed up with further correspondence on the issue. We believe that if the current guidance remains in place, almost every driver who receives a sight test will need to be advised to notify the DVLA.

“We’re urging the DVLA to take immediate steps to remedy the situation by reviewing the notifiable eye conditions list. We hope that pragmatism will prevail.”

In correspondence with the DVLA, the AOP set out its concerns and highlighted a willingness to work with them to review the list and provide an updated version, in consultation with the DVLA’s medical panel, in order to reduce the huge administrative burden it will place on practitioners and the DVLA.

The AOP is now writing to the DVLA’s Chief Executive Officer, Julie Lennard, urging immediate action.

Members are advised, at this point, to continue to exercise their professional judgement as they have previously.

Optometrists will already advise patients of any findings at a sight test and in this instance the onus to notify sits with patients. As this is a live issue, in our opinion there is not currently a risk that requires a modification to practice.

The AOP will update its guidance once concerns are addressed by the DVLA directly and its final position is confirmed.