Good vision is essential for safe driving.
Impairments, such as those caused by cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration or diabetic retinopathy can make it difficult to see other vehicles, as well as signs, signals, pedestrians and hazards. They can therefore affect your ability to safely change lanes, merge into traffic or negotiate intersections. These impairments can develop gradually, and you may not notice the impact until your vision is significantly affected.
A series of short videos produced by VicRoads demonstrate how these impairments can affect safe driving:
Macular degeneration and driving
VicRoads has also developed web-based information and fact sheets to explain various eye conditions, how they affect driving and what you should do to stay safe on the roads. The resources explain the VicRoads Medical Review process, legal responsibilities of health professionals and drivers, and sources of information and support for those with visual impairment.
The fact sheets are available in several languages to help families communicate with their older relatives and support them in managing their vision and driving.
Many eye conditions increase with ageing, so regular eye checks are important. Annual eye checks are recommended from the age of 65.
To access the VicRoads resources and fact sheets in several languages to support communication about vision and driving go to the VicRoads Vision and Driving .
For more information on understanding and caring for your eyes, visit the Good Vision for Life .
Reviewed 21 December 2022