A vision test is an integral part of obtaining a driver’s license, for the first time as well as during renewal, especially for senior citizens. Testing vision for driver’s license approval is necessary because driving requires good eyesight to perceive roadside conditions, as well as make sudden decisions and act accordingly in ensuring road safety.

The visual requirements for driving in Ontario: G and M class (car and motorcycle) Corrected visual acuity (with glasses) 20/50 both eyes open 120 degrees of visual field, 15 degrees above and below visual axis A (semi), B (school bus), C commercial bus) D (truck >11,000Kg) , E (24 passenger van), F (ambulance) Corrected visual acuity (with glasses) 20/30 both eyes open, and not worse than 20/100 in worst eye 150 degrees of visual field, 20 degrees above and below visual axis

Eye exams are critical because many vision threatening eye diseases such as glaucoma, macular degeneration, cataracts, or diabetic retinopathy have no or minimal symptoms until the disease has progressed which can have consquences. In these cases, early detection and treatment by our optometrists is essential to stopping or slowing down the progression of the disease and saving eyesight. During a comprehensive eye examination, your eye doctor will be looking for initial signs of these diseases.