A local optician is warning drivers they could be putting themselves and other road users at risk by not meeting the legal vision standard for driving.

Specsavers in Pembroke Dock issued the warning during National Road Safety Week (November 19-26), an annual initiative organised by the charity Brake and sponsored by Specsavers.

It comes after results from vision screenings carried out by Specsavers at county shows and town centres in the UK this year, including the Eisteddfod, as part of its annual Drive Safe Roadshow revealed that one in three UK drivers are not meeting the road safety standards.

A corresponding survey conducted at these shows also revealed that drivers are unaware of their vision failings, as more than four out of five people with substandard vision claimed theirs was good enough to drive safely.

Gary Owen, director at Specsavers Pembroke Dock, says: "In the UK, while drivers are asked to read a number plate at the time of their practical driving test, their vision is not then re-evaluated until the age of 70. Good vision is essential for drivers, ensuring they are safe and aware on the roads to help reduce the danger to themselves and other road users."

The survey also found that two out of five people have not had their eyes tested within the recommended timeframe of once every two years. Only a quarter of specs-wearing drivers carry a spare pair of glasses in their car, even though more than two out of five of the participants need them.

Mr. Owen continued: "As vision can change gradually over time - something many are unaware of - it is essential that drivers maintain a high level of vision with regular eye examinations. Any changes that do then occur can be more easily spotted in the controlled environment of an eye examination.

The results contradict drivers' own opinions on road safety as the same survey found that more than four out of five think an eye examination should be compulsory when renewing their driver's licence and almost all people surveyed would consider regular sight checks if it affected their insurance.

Specsavers has campaigned throughout the past decade for legislation to be introduced to make eye examinations compulsory as part of the driving test. Working with the national road safety charity Brake, Specsavers staged more than 20 Drive Safe events throughout 2012 with its exhibition trailer.

For more information and advice on the correct glasses to wear for driving, call 0800 068 0241 or log onto http://www.specsavers.co.uk">www.specsavers.co.uk to find your nearest store.