Specsavers Corporate Eyecare has seen a threefold increase in demand for driver eyecare vouchers in the last 12 months.

Requirements for eyesight and driving are quite particular, such as peripheral vision, and the ability to refocus between near and far objects – for example, the dashboard and the road. Eyesight can also deteriorate over time without being noticed, so an eyetest is particularly important for drivers, where having eyesight that’s roadworthy is integral to being fit to drive.

Jim Lythgow, director of strategic alliances for Specsavers Corporate Eyecare said: ‘We launched the Drivers Eyecare eVouchers in 2014 due to popular demand and we have been really pleased to see that demand grow at such a rate. The only way a driver can be 100% certain that they remain both legal and safe is to have regular eye examinations, and it’s good to see companies take such a proactive approach to this issue.’

Research* from the company has shown that employers see a number of benefits in testing the eyesight of their employees that drive, including the potential to reduce collisions, with 59% of employers saying they believe regular eyesight tests for employees who drive for work purposes would help to reduce collisions.

Richard Coteau, spokesperson for Brake said: ‘Eyesight can deteriorate rapidly and it is possible to lose 40% of your vision without noticing the difference. That’s why ensuring you have your eyes tested every two years is so important in protecting yourself and other road users too. It is very encouraging to see that employers are getting behind this important message and testing the eyesight of their staff that drive. We would encourage all employers to actively encourage their drivers to get their eyes tested, ensuring they are fit to drive safely.’