Good eyesight is essential for safe driving. Even a small loss of vision can affect your ability to read road signs or recognise objects from a distance. Peripheral vision is important for common driving tasks (eg. merging into traffic, changing lanes and detecting pedestrians/cyclists).
Some conditions that cause visual impairment are:
- eye disease (cataract, glaucoma, retinitis pigmentosa, optic atrophy, retinal detachment, eye infections)
- head injury
- brain tumour
- stroke
- cerebral infection
- visual field deficit
- loss of vision in one eye
- inability to rotate your neck.
The law states that you must report any medical condition that could affect your driving. A medical review will assess your ability to drive safely and hold a licence. An ophthalmologist or optometrist report and visual fields tests may be needed for your medical review.
You may be issued with a conditional licence (eg. no night driving or driving with glasses).
Heavy vehicle drivers must meet strict safety guidelines. A medical review will assess your ability to drive safely and hold a licence.