The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) has backtracked over its publication of an extended list of notifiable eye conditions, following interventions by optical stakeholders.
Concerns were raised with the DVLA earlier this week, with both the Association of Optometrists and the College of Optometrists writing to the Agency to express concerns with the new rules. These would, in effect, require almost every driver who receives a sight test to be advised to notify the DVLA, said AOP chief executive, Adam Sampson.
The College of Optometrists stated: “The extended list contained several technical errors and included common ocular signs and conditions, which would have resulted in many drivers with otherwise normal eye health and good levels of vision making DVLA declarations. The burden on drivers, optometrists and the DVLA would have been significant.”
The DVLA has now confirmed it will revise its list of notifiable eye conditions.
Adam Sampson commented: “It is right that the DVLA has listened and responded to the serious concerns we raised, which highlighted that the DVLA’s extended list of notifiable eye conditions could apply to almost every driver who receives a sight test. We have extended an offer to work with the DVLA to utilise the skills available in optometry to deliver an improved service for patients.”
The College of Optometrists stated: “The College would like to thank all the members who alerted us to the confusing gov.uk update, and we are pleased that the DVLA and gov.uk departments responded to the College’s authoritative letter as a matter of urgency. This update could have resulted in considerable harm and confusion, so we are pleased our intervention helped result in a timely resolution. We continue to offer optometric expertise and support to the DVLA to ensure its guidance is clear and that it is correctly communicated to all healthcare professionals.”
ABDO head of policy and public affairs, Debbie McGill, commented: “It’s disappointing that the DVLA hadn’t included the optical primary care sector in the consultation of the list in the first instance, which has caused a lot of concern amongst primary care clinicians and unnecessary worry to a lot of patients. Going forwards, the DVLA must work with the optical primary care sector on the drafting of such lists, and share communications in relation to patients obligation to inform.”