Stay safe on the road with our comprehensive eye screening for senior drivers.
Ageing often brings changes in vision, which can significantly impact driving ability. In Singapore, elderly drivers must meet specific vision standards to ensure their safety and that of others on the road. Read on to know the requirements for elderly drivers, the importance of eye screening, and how Angel Eye & Cataract Centre can help you maintain your independence and confidence behind the wheel.
In Singapore, drivers aged 65 and older must undergo a medical examination every three years to renew their driving licence. This process includes a mandatory vision test conducted by a registered medical practitioner or ophthalmologist to assess the driver’s ability to meet specific visual standards.
Legal Visual Standards for Elderly Drivers
Failing to meet these standards may result in the suspension of driving privileges.
Driving requires a combination of sharp central vision, good peripheral awareness and accurate depth perception. The following factors are critical:
Awareness of activity around the vehicle, such as pedestrians or vehicles in
adjacent lanes.
Differentiating red, green, and amber for traffic signals and warning signs.
Clear vision in low-light conditions to identify road markings, hazards, and other vehicles.
The progression of cataracts can lead to several symptoms affecting daily activities. Common symptoms include:
Studies show that visual impairments, such as cataracts and glaucoma, significantly elevate the risk of collisions. In Singapore, approximately 20% of traffic accidents involving older drivers are linked to undiagnosed or unmanaged visual conditions.
Driving without meeting the required visual standards is a breach of legal obligations and could result in fines or loss of driving privileges.
Impaired vision endangers not only the driver but also passengers, pedestrians, and other road users.
Driving without meeting the required visual standards is a breach of legal obligations and could result in fines or loss of driving privileges.
Increase in fatal accidents
The number of fatal accidents involving drivers aged 65 and above rose from eight in the first six months of 2023, to 11 in the same period in 2024
Increase in injuries
Debate heats up over driving age limit, medical test after accidents involving elderly drivers
The Straits Times, November, 2024
At Angel Eye & Cataract Centre, we provide comprehensive eye screenings tailored to the needs of elderly drivers, ensuring they meet the visual standards required for safe driving.
Our comprehensive eye screening services include:
Assessing sharpness of vision to determine if corrective lenses are needed.
Ensuring the ability to distinguish traffic signal colours by identifying any red-green colour blindness.
Assessing the full range of vision in both eyes, focusing on the central and peripheral vision.
Evaluates the sensitivity of the visual field by presenting light spots at various locations.
Checking for refractive errors and recommending suitable eyewear or corrective measures.
Evaluating low-light vision to ensure safe driving at night or in dim conditions.
Identifying age-related conditions like cataracts, glaucoma, or macular degeneration that may impair driving ability.
BBM, PBM, MBBS (S’pore), MMed (Ophth),
FRCS (Edinburgh), MRCOphth (London), FAMS
Medical Director
Senior Consultant Eye Surgeon
Visiting Consultant @ SNEC
Adjunct A/Professor, Duke-NUS
At Angel Eye & Cataract Centre, you’ll be cared for by Dr Allan Fong, a respected ophthalmologist with a wealth of experience in diagnosing and treating age-related eye conditions. His compassionate approach and meticulous attention to detail ensure that every patient receives personalised care tailored to their unique needs.
Driving with compromised vision not only puts your safety at risk but also endangers others on the road. Dr Allan Fong can certify the vision component of the driver licensing form for fitness to drive. Let Angel Eye & Cataract Centre help you stay confident and independent with our comprehensive eye screening services.
For urgent enquiries and appointment requests, please call or WhatsApp us directly.
Royal Square Medical Centre @ Novena
101 Irrawaddy Road #21-07
Singapore 329565
Mon – Fri: 9:00AM to 6:00PM
Sat: 9:00AM to 1:00PM
Sun & PH: Closed
Mon – Fri:
9:00AM to 6:00PM
Sat:
9:00AM to 1:00PM
Sun & PH:
Closed
