The RHA is collaborating with sight experts Vision Express by launching a brand-new Vision Van – a mobile eye-testing facility housed within a customised trailer, designed and built by Cartwright Conversions.
The unique Vision Van has begun its journey across the UK offering free eye tests to the public (dates and details can be found here).
Glaucoma is set to put even more strain on an already-struggling NHS, with eye health experts predicting the diagnosed number of cases in the UK is likely to top 1.28 million by 2050 – a huge 85 per cent increase.
It’s hoped the Vision Van will help put the condition at the top of the health agenda.
“We know mobile health screening works – the NHS recently reported stationing mobile screening units in convenient locations such as supermarkets has prompted a four-fold increase in cancer detection rates, and we want to replicate that kind of success for sight-stealing conditions,” said Vision Express CEO, Jonathan Lawson.
RHA chief executive Richard Burnett added: “We are delighted to be associated with this initiative; an initiative that for many will prove to be life changing.
“Good eyesight is vital for any road user, but for an HGV driver, their livelihood depends on it. Despite this, there are still far too many drivers who ignore any weakness in their vision, weakness that may well be because of glaucoma.
“Although easy to diagnose, many drivers are nervous of making the initial approach to an optician. The Vision Van will play a vital role in conveying the message that good eye health will actually prolong a driver’s working life,” he concluded.
