asked the Minister for Local Government if, having regard to the number of road accidents caused by the short-sightedness of drivers, he will issue a warning on the need for periodic eye tests; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Eye Tests for Drivers.
54.
There is no information available to show the number of road accidents caused by short-sightedness of the drivers of the vehicles involved. It is clear, however, that defective vision, if uncorrected, can be a contributory factor in accidents. To highlight the importance, particularly in the case of drivers, of a check-up on vision, the Association of Ophthalmic Opticians, Ireland, in co-operation with my Department, carried out free screening tests during the Road Safety campaign in December, 1964, and again this year. The availability of these tests was given full publicity. In addition, the question of seeking power to have an eyesight test included as part of the driving test is being considered.