CAR DRIVERS’ VISION

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 83, Issue 49, 28 February 1939, Page 8

CAR DRIVERS’ VISION

OPINION OF OPTICIANS PERIODIC TESTS SUGGESTED WELLINGTON, Feb. 27. Although no satisfactory conclusion could be arrived at, it was estimated that the number of accidents caused by defective vision was less than 3 per cent., said Mr. E. R. Boyd, in a report on traffic regulations and visual requirements presented to the annual conference of the Institute ot Opticians ot New Zealand held in Wellington. “Members of the traffic sub-com-mittee paid a visit to the Wellington traffic department and through the courtesy of the officials, were permitted to investigate the equipment and method used to test the vision of applicants for driving licences,” the report stated. “It was found that the equipment was of good type and lhe test was conducted under the best possible conditions. The standards contained in the regulations were strictly adhered to, and in cases where there was the slightest doubt, applicants were referred to an optician, for more accurate check. “The question ot laxity in examination in some of the smaller centres and towns was referred to, and members were assured that this would he eliminated by the grouping system then under consideration. Under this scheme all applicants within a certain area would be required to go through a uniform test at the nearest central department, so that ultimately drivers licences would be issued only by a very limited number of centres. ■■it was further discovered that where an applicant obtained a licence only by the use of glasses to bring his vision to the required standard, that fact was not endorsed on his personal licence, though it was recorded on the official register. Re-examination Desirable “The question of a periodical reexamination of the vision of holders of drivers' licences came under review, and it was considered desirable that this should be done, specially in the case of those dependent on glasses Io reach the required standard, and also people over the age ot 45. “Consideration was also given Io the existing certificate as issued by tegistered opticians, and it is felt lhat some improvements to the wording and layout of this form could well be recommended. The question of fields and colour vision was considered to be of secondary importance, and would require a large amount ot further investigation before any recommendation could be made along these lines. "Early in the year contact was made with lhe Transport Department to offer services in connection with any possible amendment to the existing regulations affecting vision, and a most satisfactory reply was received. “The executive is of the opinion that the following regulations might be made with advantage:—(l) That where a driver is dependent on glasses to reach lhe required standard, that fact should be noted conspicuously on h's personal licence, and that a penally be provided for breaches of the regulation, with special regard to any case where such a person is involved in an accident. (2) That a periodical re-examination of vision be aimed at, more especially in the case of persons wearing glasses and those of an age more liable to refractive changes A five-year period is suggested. (3) That the inadequacies of the present visual certificate he pointed out, with a view to drawing up a new and more suitable form covering the recording of visual acuity with and without glasses, and having provision for the noting of any other visual defect which might have an, effect on the capability of the driver.” The report was received.