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Driver’s License Screening

What is a driver’s license screening?

A driver’s license screening includes exams and assessments to determine a person’s vision needsto legally and safely operate a motor vehicle.

These tests evaluate how well a person can see objects at different distances and under different conditions. Driver’s license screenings focus primarily on vision needs related to driving and are not as inclusive as a comprehensive eye exam.

They are also used to determine if a person has other vision issues, like problems seeing at night, so special lenses can be prescribed as needed.

Do all drivers in South Africa need to do a driver’s license screening?

To legally qualify for a car driver’s license in South Africa, you must meet specific eyesight standards outlined by the National Road Traffic Act. These requirements ensure that all drivers can operate a vehicle safely, protecting both themselves and others on the road. At Vision Works Overport, we specialize in driver’s license vision screenings to help Durban residents meet these standards with ease.

Minimum Eyesight Standards for Driving in South Africa

The South African government sets clear benchmarks for vision to ensure road safety:

Visual Acuity: You need a minimum visual acuity of 20/40 (6/12 in metric terms) in each eye, tested separately. This means you must be able to read a standard eye chart from 20 feet (or 6 meters) with the clarity someone with perfect vision sees at 40 feet. If you can’t meet this standard without glasses or contact lenses, don’t worry—corrective lenses are allowed, but this must be noted on your driver’s license.
Visual Field: A horizontal visual field of at least 120 degrees is required. This measures your peripheral vision, ensuring you can detect hazards on either side while driving.
Binocular Vision: Both eyes must work together effectively. If you have a condition like severe diplopia (double vision), you may not qualify unless it’s corrected.

If you require prescription lenses or other aids to pass the eye test, this condition will be officially recorded on your driver’s license (e.g., “Must wear corrective lenses”). Failing to comply with these conditions while driving could lead to fines or legal consequences.

Glaucoma Screening

What Is Glaucoma?

You have nerves behind your eyes that transmit impulses and signals from the back of your eye (retina) to your brain. These nerves, called your optic nerves, are vital for your vision and seeing clearly.

Glaucoma is an umbrella term for a progressive, degenerative eye disease that can damage the optic nerve, affecting your sight. Glaucoma can lead to severe effects on your vision when left untreated, such as permanent vision loss.

Can I Tell If I Have Glaucoma?

Not always. Symptoms of glaucoma usually go undetected until you start noticing vision loss or have an eye exam. Additionally, there are several types of glaucoma, so you have varying symptoms depending on your condition.

Types of glaucoma include:

Primary open-angle glaucoma
Secondary glaucoma
Angle-closure glaucoma
Normal-tension glaucoma

How Is Glaucoma Treated?

The first step is to undergo an eye examination to diagnose the type of glaucoma you may have. Our optometrist may perform a visual field test to determine if you’ve lost any peripheral vision. They could also suggest an optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging test to see the extent of damage that may have occurred to your retina and an eye pressure test.

Once your optometrist understands how glaucoma affects your vision, they will devise a treatment plan. This could include prescription eye drops that: