Evaluation of Patients' Requirements for Improved Advice and Guidance on Vision Standards for Driving in Glaucoma

Glaucoma can affect both central and peripheral vision. Clinicians need to discuss with patients the vision related driving standards and any specific limitations their patients may have relating to their ability to drive with glaucoma. According to the recent guidelines by the General Optical Council (GOC), clinicians are advised to make sure that the Driving and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) is informed about patients who do not meet the driving vision standards. There are several limitations in making a professional judgement about a patient's suitability to drive and in providing appropriate advice to patients. The main concern is discussing this sensitive issue with the patient based upon available clinical evidence e.g. vision or visual field and directing them to inform the DVLA of their condition or potentially advising them to stop driving. The purpose of this research is to investigate the two main issues 1. To explore patients' understanding of standards of vision for driving. 2. Comparing the standards of vision for driving estimated in the clinic with number plate vision. We propose to do a mixed methods analysis using a patient survey and quantitative investigation of driving vision standards.