As usual on YouTube a bunch of meaningless waffle. May this, possibly that. All designed to gain clicks and earn the owner cash.
However the present eyesight test is crap and should be revised, you can be almost blind and still pass the test.

 

To some degree you have missed the point, it's not what that YT video is trying to highlight.

Yes I agree the eyesite test requires revising but degrading eyesight doesn't just affect the over 70s, ( drivers ), so perhaps a compulsory eye test every ten years prior to renewing licence up to the age of 70.

What the the video was trying to expose was the unfairness of it, how draconian decisions can be, qualifications of those who tests and how Spec Savers came to be chosen.

How better experts then themselves, those expert opinions can be--are ignored, in other words Spec Savers is having the last word.

Typical of a Government to choose the cheapest option and the most inconvenient for the public but once the decision is made, difficult to get them to review.

And ask yourself why Spec Saver came in so low on price, what is their agenda?

I'm not forgetting Spec Savers exist to sell lenses and frames among other things and I can't help think, ( agenda ), Mrs Smith or Mr. Brown we note you are almost reaching 70 and you drive, oh an bytheway, you require stronger lenses, £300 and up please.

Revise test yes, make it more tough, yes but be fair and why not grade the tests, a 70 year olds eyesight can not be on the same par as that of a 40 year old in most cases.

Work retirement age is now 67 which in effect means a driver has only 3 years left before they face the possibility of not being able to drive if simply because their eyesight is no longer that of a younger person altho still a capable and safe driver.

Another thing--younger adults only glimpsingly touch/think of being 70 so such concerns us grumpy's have and the biasness of it all, they think little of but it will happen to them, in fact it will be quite a rush.

 

Spec savers are also the NHS choice for Audiology. You get a choice of Specsavers immediately or a wait for NHS audiology.
My NHS appointment is next week.

All opticians even at Specsavers have to be qualified and since my favourite optician has moved to Specsavers from elsewhere I will be using them next year. It was her that referred me to get my cataracts done privately even though I could see well enough to read the number plate, I just didn't feel safe driving at night.

As for YouTube 98% of videos like the one you posted are not worth watching, If one comes recommended I don't watch it I just skim read the transcript so as not to waste any more of my time than I need to.

 

All opticians even at Specsavers have to be qualified and since my favourite optician has moved to Specsavers from elsewhere I will be using them next year. It was her that referred me to get my cataracts done privately even though I could see well enough to read the number plate, I just didn't feel safe driving at night.

That's not quite right, the person who examines your eyes and produces the prescription is an Optometrist, an Optician is less qualified.

Ah, my favourite photo

 

Forgot to add my glasses come in at about £500 a pair so £300 is cheap as chips.

 

I was being conservative as I don't know I was averaging but used the + symbol.

Only once have I and as a family paid UK optician prices for frame and lenses after which when required I payed for lenses and frames overseas so " cheap as chips does come to mind".

 

Ok, didn't know that there was a difference of terms
I was referring to the one that does all the examining,

 

That price was lenses only😲 having been a glasses wearer for years I have about 5 used pairs with identical frames all in good condition so I just get an older pair fitted with new lenses, saving a hundred or so on a new frame.

 

received today from my MP.
From the Horse's mouth.
Will anyone attemting to renew your over 70 driving licence, please report their experience for the benefit of all we 'Crumblies.'
TVM! 😀
From: Written Parliamentary Questions and Answers
Sent: 18 September 2025 14:22
To: DUNCAN-JORDAN, Neil (MP) <neil.duncanjordan.mp@parliament.uk>
Subject: Written answer to your WPQ 76792 received from the Department for Transport


The Department for Transport has provided the following answer to your written parliamentary question (76792):

Question:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency plans to renew its contract with Specsavers to provide eye tests for people over 70. (76792)

Tabled on: 11 September 2025

Answer:
Simon Lightwood:

All drivers who notify the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) of an underlying medical condition that may affect their visual field, regardless of age, are required to have a visual field test with the DVLA’s contracted eye test provider. Specsavers. The current contract for this purpose was awarded to Specsavers in February 2025 following a competitive tender exercise.

The contract is for three years with the option to extend for up to another two years.

The answer was submitted on 18 Sep 2025 at 14:21.

​

NOTE:

• The answer will be published on the Parliament web site approximately 45-90 minutes after this e-mail notification was sent to you. You can view it here: http://www.parliament.uk/writtenanswers
• All the written questions you have tabled in the current Session of Parliament (and where relevant, the answers) can be viewed here:https://members.wqa.parliament.uk
• If you wish to table a new written question, you can do so through the e-tabling system if you have an e-tabling account: http://etabling.parliament.uk
• If you have questions about the Questions and Answers system through which this answer was sent to you, please contact the House of Commons Gatekeeper on WPQ.HoC.Gatekeeper@parliament.uk or ext 8777

 

So it's not just old people.
But everyone who notifies the DVLA of an underlying medical condition that may affect their visual field, regardless of age.
Yet another YouTube video that was spouting rubbish.
I'm shocked I tell you completely shocked.

However is it just underlying medical conditions, does that include wearing glasses or is it just stuff like diabetes?
I removed the need to wear glasses in my last declaration as I no longer need them apart from reading, certainly won't be adding them back anytime soon

 

So it's not just old people.
But everyone who notifies the DVLA of an underlying medical condition that may affect their visual field, regardless of age.
Yet another YouTube video that was spouting rubbish.
I'm shocked I tell you completely shocked.

However is it just underlying medical conditions, does that include wearing glasses or is it just stuff like diabetes?
I removed the need to wear glasses in my last declaration as I no longer need them apart from reading, certainly won't be adding them back anytime soon

My understanding is it's any underlying medical condition that might affects ability to drive.

I believe the DVLA produce a list.

My understanding on diabetes is report diabetes controlled other then by tablets.

 

Hi all, I just turned 70 in July on renewal form for licence put down glaucoma, had to go to specsavers for test, had a field test and had read charts that reduced in size ! Passed no problem, the whole process took 3 months ( applied in may) thought didn't want any problems with insurance as it on my medical records! Also got some new glasses just to sharpen things up which I only use for driving.

 

I am being treated (eye drops) for mild glaucoma in one eye.
Not going to report it as no need according to .gov website. Its only needed if a commercial driver or it's in both eyes.

Eye conditions and driving

You may need to tell DVLA if you have a medical condition affecting one or both eyes - report it online or download a form to let them know

www.gov.uk

 

Optoms have always done visual field tests but the government is doing to them what they have done to dentists. The government set a price that they will pay which doesn't cover costs and then they finish it off by being bad payers so private Optoms say no thank you and walk away. They will still do visual field tests but not for the governments proposal. So the likes of Specsavers come in with a loss leader and recoup the cost elsewhere. Another area being wrecked by the government is pharmacies, there are areas that no longer have them and it is spreading. A friend in Norfolk in addition to not having a dentist, only has a pharmacy one day a week in his doctors surgery. As regards commercial drivers, the eyesight requirement for an LGV driver is higher than that of an airline pilot.

 

But that is one of the question I have, Specsavers came in so low when there was more available in the kitty so to speak, so why?

I understand coming in with a loss leader, recoup, rob Peter to pay Paul but with the likes of a business like Specsaver, it's not that diverse, there is only so much going to Paul that can be gained.

 

Having left Blighty and my Yeti, for the Sunshine State seven months ago, I still like to look in occasionally to see what you are all up to. This thread caught my attention and although my recent experience is a little off topic, I thought a comparison of licencing systems might be of interest.

I tried to get myself added to SWMBO’s (she’s a US National) car insurance when I got here. Computer said ‘NO’, despite the fact I could have used my UK licence for up to six months to hire a car. Apparently, after a lot of nonsense, it was decided that I could only be added to the insurance if I held a Florida driving licence. To achieve this, I had to sit a Theory Test and was required to take an eye test first. This was done at the local driving test centre immediately before being sat in front of a PC, to ‘do the knowledge’. I was well prepared for this having carefully studied the official Florida Driver License Handbook. (a bit like the Highway Code, but far more complicated as it includes every aspect of driving legislation, sentencing, taxi regulations etc.). I managed to pass this, despite questions on what I should do with a two year old baby when travelling in a taxi…and how long it would take to get my licence back if I was an 18 year old, convicted of driving under the influence.

With this success under my belt, I was granted a learners’ licence. 😂. The lady issuing was very careful to point out that…I must have a responsible adult over the age of 21 and with a full driver’s licence sitting next to me at all times when driving. SWMBO thought this was highly amusing and I might have done if I hadn’t thought I had been done with that kind of thing, sixty odd years ago!

I was due to take my driving test (apparently it’s ridiculously easy), a couple of days ago, but had to cancel owing to a nasty bout of flu…….".

As an aside, there are all sorts of rumours here of imposed eye sight requirements and retesting for seniors, so it’s not just in the UK.

 

I don't see why there is so much fuss over an eye test most people have them anyway. A test by a reputable optometrist finds many other things that may be going on. Before the experts start shouting all sorts of wisdom I am married to an optometrist. She says one of the hardest things an optom has to do is tell someone they should stop driving. She once referred a patient who ended up having an eye removed, they bought her a box of chocolates every year on the anniversary of the eye examination that saved their life.

 

I must admit, I now think 'Grey Matters' has over egged the pudding'. I am hearing from more and more people over 70 that have NOT needed to declare any sight problems, that their licences come through with no problems and in decent time.
I think all the nonsense started because of the SpecSavers involvement. HMG put £14m aside when going out to tender for the contract and another large group of opticians said they could not do it for that amount. Then SS came back and said "fine, we'll do it for £9m!" (Brown envelopes or what??)
I saw 'Grey Matters' video on the question of ID cards recently and basically he was talking a load of rubbish, Scandal mongering, suggesting that 13 year olds would probably need an ID card if they had a paper round.
As I understand it ID cards will ONLY be for those wanting to work in the UK.
So that will discount most pensioners.
Personally, I don't know what all the 'anti' fuss is all about. Everyone had ID cards in WWII . Anybody that drives or pilots an aircraft has one. It's called a driving/flying licence!
I met a chap the other day who said he had given up driving (because he wanted to ) but renewed his driving licence as it was very useful to use as an ID card!!! If only there were more people with a sensible attitude.
I can only think that all those gainsayers are criminals who want to stay 'under the radar'!

 

Well said, Colin.
I spoke to my optician the other day about this (not SpecSavers) and he said it is easy for him to certify I pass the criteria, and at no cost to me as long as I've had an examination in the previous 6 months.

 

Graham,
I agree. I have my eyes tested annually and free 'cos I'm OLD! including peripheral vision, which is what SS seem hung up about.
That is logical for anyone with one brain cell. Sadly that does not apply to the DVLA!
Chris Biggins failed his SS test, so he went to an approver ophthalmologist AND an NHS eye hospital and they BOTH passed him as fit to drive. In spite of presenting these results to the DVLA, they refused to renew his licence .
The official Government blurb regarding this states that "Specsavers eye tests will be carried out by qualified ophthalmologists or qualified OPTICIANS !!!! Opticians are NOT QUALIFIED TO CARRY OUT EYE TESTS.
Their role in in life is to fit & adjust glasses and contact lens.
IF DFT can make such an elementary mistake, there is no hope for us!

 

You have had a virtual ID card for years, they just call it a National Insurance number.

 

The person who tests your eyes and produces the prescription is an optometrist.

Dispensing opticians do the lower grade work to release an Optom, and the people who actually make your glasses need no qualifications at all. Our extended family also includes an ophthalmic professor but he is just plain bonkers.
A little something to boost your confidence next time you go on holiday, the eyesight requirement for a pilot is lower than an LGV driver.