Good visibility is essential to safely participate in traffic. It is estimated that more than 5% of all traffic accidents worldwide are caused by poor visibility. Independent research commissioned by Pearle Opticiens shows that approximately 20% of motorists and electric cyclists indicate that they cannot see clearly, even if they wear glasses or contact lenses. They take risks by driving with blurred vision and create an unnecessary and preventable danger to themselves and others.
Safe Traffic Netherlands advises that everyone should have their eyes checked every two years and not just in case of complaints. In more than 60% of glasses and contact lenses, visual acuity changes imperceptibly every two years, while they only have an eye test done once every three years. A regular eye exam should be as self-evident as the usual dental check-up.
"People often only notice that they can see better when they have an eye test. Wearing the right glasses or contact lenses definitely improves road safety."
A third of glasses and contact lenses wearers do not do a regular eye check
Although it is required by law, one in four glasses or contact lens wearers sometimes gets behind the wheel without a vision solution. One in three drivers with glasses or contact lenses even wait too long before having a new eye test. Of all respondents who regularly drive a car, 8% indicate that they have never had an eye test, of which half say that they do not feel it is necessary.
“The threshold for an eye test must be lowered. A regular eye test should become just as self-evident as, for example, the usual dental check-up".
“It seems like an open door, but being able to see well in traffic is vital. People are often not aware that vision can deteriorate very gradually. That is why it is wise to have your eyes checked by an optician once every two years.”
Not only motorists, cyclists also benefit from good visibility. Electric cyclists in particular are increasingly involved in traffic accidents (Veilheid.nl: 17% increase in the period 2016 to 2020). 21% of electric cyclists indicate that they cannot see clearly, while they can often also reach considerable speeds.
In the Netherlands, eyes are only tested in old age or in severe eye defects. In practice, a regular eye test is recommended for everyone. Out research Pearle Opticiens shows that 31% of motorists with prescription glasses or lenses had their last eye test more than two years ago. For two out of three Pearle customers, the view has already changed within two years.
Danger on the road due to poor visibility was experienced by no less than 26% of motorists in the past six months. It is striking that more than 80% find it dangerous to drive without glasses or contact lenses, while 64% indicate that they find it dangerous to drive a car after two glasses of beer. Safety can be improved simply by using the right vision solution. Think of (spare) glasses in the car, (polarized) sunglasses for the low sun, car glasses for better visibility in fog and night glasses against glare in the dark.
Eye check Weeks
During the Eye Check Weeks from August 22 to September 18, everyone is welcome for a no-obligation Good Sight Conversation to have their vision checked at one of the 350 Pearle locations in the Netherlands. A free Good Sight Conversation consists of an intake, an expert eye test and personal advice about the best vision solution.
