By Tilda Acorlor
The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA), in partnership with the Ghana Optometrist Association (GOA), has begun the implementation of its nationwide Eye Test Reform in Ho, the Volta Regional Capital.
The second phase of the reform seeks to conduct thorough eye tests on applicants for driver’s licences to ensure that only drivers with clear vision are provided with a license.
The DVLA reform is in compliance with Regulation 29(5) of the Road Traffic Regulations, 2012 (L.I. 2180), which provides that all eye test results presented to the Licensing Authority for any Driver’s Licence-related services must be certified by either an Optometrist or Ophthalmologist.
Addressing Journalists in Ho, the Director, Driver Training Testing and Licensing (DTTL), Mr. Kafui Semevo said certified optometrists and ophthalmologists will conduct eye testing for the authority.
He explained that over the years, eye testing was done by DVLA data entry staff who were not professionals or certified ophthalmologists, hence the process and procedure for testing have not been standardised.
“As part of the Reform processes ongoing at the DVLA, we picked on our service, processes, procedure, and requirements and see what can be done to improve safety on our road.”
“What we are doing and what we use the DVLA staff to do is just the basic test that mostly focuses on the narrow vision of the driver before us. We have found gaps in that test.”
“Because the test is conducted by staff who are not also certified optometrists the standard is not the same across the country.”
“And so what we are doing now is to introduce the professionals and also make sure that the test is standardized and the problem can be identified and helped,” Mr. Semevor said.
The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) in compliance with Regulation 29(5) of the Road Traffic Regulations, 2012 (L.I. 2180) provides that all eye test results presented to the Licensing Authority for any Driver’s Licence-related services must be certified by either an Optometrists or Ophthalmologists.
Mr. Semevor noted that sight and auditory are important elements for drivers in making a good judgment on the road.
“In the art of driving, your sight and auditory are very key. What you see and hear are things you respond to, if you are unable to see well then you’re not able to make the right judgment on the road,” Mr. Semevor added.
He urged the public, applicants, and drivers to undergo an eye test at the DVLA-accredited eye centers in compliance with the Law to enhance their safety, the safety of pedestrians, and other road users.
The President of the Ghana Optometric Association, Dr. Remi Ninkpe, said the reform is essential and has the tendency of reducing road accidents because it would allow drivers to see and interact well with the road environment.
He added that the purpose of the reforms is not to find faults and victimize drivers but to strengthen and improve the system by allowing professionals to handle the test and advise drivers well.
“We are going to add a test called Contrast Sensitivity and Glare Test. The purpose of running these tests is not to find fault with motorists and therefore disqualify them.”
“The purpose is to see how you will interact in situations and will use our professional judgment and expertise to advise you on how you can manage such situations.”
“The tests enhance the test parameters of the DVLA. These reforms are not to victimize anyone.”
“This is to strengthen what is already been done and help you to correct it even before it becomes a problem that will go out of hand,” he added.
Mr. Ninpke said Binocular Vision Test is one of the parameters that will be added to the basic test to improve the systems.
The Volta Regional Manager of DVLA, Mr. Samuel Lodonu advised drivers to take advantage of the reforms by testing their eyes to avoid accidents when driving.
He said for now Volta Region has accredited testing centers in Ho, Denu, Sogakope, and Hohoe.
The Authority and Ghana Optometrists Association partnership has identified, inspected, and authorized over 100 eye test centers both private and public across the country which are close to all DVLA offices.