The DVLA has awarded a new contract to Specsavers for eyesight assessments – but Specsavers has been unable to reach agreement on subcontracting with local opticiains in all parts of Argyll. This means that some drivers face lengthy journeys for eye tests outwith Argyll.
This had led to a call from Jamie McGrigor, Highlands & Islands Conservative MSP and Councillor Donald Kelly [South Kintyre] for the DVLA to think again
In Campbeltown, until now, older residents seeking to renew their driving licence on age grounds and to have an eye test for this purpose, have been able to use the local optician in the town. However, with local opticians not subcontracted to Specsavers, they now face journeys to Ayr, Largs, Irvine or Stranraer for their eye tests.
Councillor Kelly says: ‘It is simply unacceptable that older drivers in Campbeltown and Kintyre face lengthy and expensive journeys for eye tests many miles away from Argyll when these have always been carried out locally.
‘Some of these drivers are perfectly able to drive in their local community but have understandably no wish to have to drive to Ayrshire or elsewhere just for an eye test.
‘I call on Specsavers and the DVLA to come to a common-sense agreement which will allow the local optician to carry on providing these drivers’ eye-tests in Campbeltown.’
Jamie McGrigor MSP says: ‘I will be writing to both the DVLA and specsavers on this matter. It seems ludicrous that these eye tests cannot be carried out locally.’
