Falling asleep at the wheel is most common complaint by driver-patients to opticians

A survey of opticians has revealed the most common complaint they hear from patients who drive is that they momentarily fall asleep at the wheel. A poll of members of Sight Care – a support network for independent opticians – found that 57 per cent rated losing concentration and briefly falling asleep as the complaint they heard the most from driving customers.

Asked to rate the frequency of drivers’ most common eye-related complaints from 1-8, losing a contact lens and not having spare glasses to help them see was ranked 7 and 8 by two-thirds (66 per cent) of Sight Care members.

The unsettling results have been revealed in the lead-up to Road Safety Week which this year runs from November 23rd-29th.

Highlighting the vital role eyesight plays in safe driving, the survey showed that in the judgement of 94 per cent of Sight Care practitioners, eye tests should be a legal requirement for anyone taking a driving test.

And 96 per cent felt that drivers over 60 years old should have compulsory eye tests either every year, every two years, every five years or every 10 years. Of those, 57.9 per cent thought drivers over 60 should have compulsory eye tests every two years.

Paul Surridge, Sight Care’s CEO, said: “Poor eyesight can make driving very tiring, particularly as you get older. As our survey shows, we’re encountering too many patients who admit to losing concentration or falling asleep momentarily at the wheel. Others don’t have the back-up they need if they lose their lenses.

“It should hardly need pointing out that eyesight is a vital ability for drivers, which they need to check regularly as they age and, if necessary, strengthen with glasses or lenses. We think it’s time testing got more serious about this issue to support people as they get older.

“In the spirit of Road Safety Week, we’re urging people to get their eyes checked for their own safety, and that of other road-users. Just ask your local independent optician and they will be able to help and advice to suit your lifestyle.”

For further information practitioners are encouraged to email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 01256 781522.