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Drivers reminded to get eyesight tested

By Pip Turton

Jun 25, 2025

Heavy rain puts driver vision to the test. Photo by Megan Fisher

As Australia braces for a rainy period, optometrists are highlighting the importance of drivers having their eyesight tested, with research showing low visibility can increase accident risks by 30 per cent.

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The current Australian road toll is 10 per cent higher than the same period last year, with increased traffic expected during the July school holidays.

Bupa Optical optometrist Karen Makin said weather conditions could worsen vision problems while driving.

“Driving in wintry conditions can be hard enough without having to do so with untreated myopia or an outdated prescription in your glasses,” she said.

According to the Centre for Eye Research Australia, 6.3 million Australians live with myopia.

Eye tests are recommended every two years, or as advised by healthcare practitioners.

Bupa Optical has conducted over 17,000 microvascular health assessments in 2025, using AI-enabled technology to detect early signs of various health conditions through eye examinations.