By MICHAEL CRIMMINS
Glasgow News 1
All Kentuckians will soon be required to undergo a vision screening in order to renew their driver’s licenses.
“Few things are more important for safe driving than good eyesight,” the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet stated in a release. “That’s why vision screening will be required in Kentucky next year for anyone renewing a Kentucky driver’s license.”
The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet issued a press release on Sept. 19 stating the new requirement, which goes into effect Jan. 1, 2025 and was enacted during the 2021 Kentucky General Assembly, aims to promote highway safety “by ensuring that all drivers maintain good vision throughout their driving career.”
“Driving is a privilege many of us enjoy and this best practice is one way we look out for each other on the road to make our highways safer for everyone,” Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear said.
KYTC states vision screenings will be free at any regional licensing office ” at the time of license renewal.” Though there has been some discussions of bringing a regional office to Barren County, residents currently have to drive to Bowling Green for renewals. Should renewers opt to forgo screening on-site they can choose to have their vision screening with their vision specialist or a ” KYTC-credentialed osteopath,physician, or advanced practice registered nurse” before arriving at a renewal office.
“Starting in 2025, upon request, the medical professional will complete an approved state-issued form that they will give to the patient if they pass,” the release states. “The patient may bring the form to their license renewal visit if the form and exam were completed within 12 months of the license renewal visit. The driver will not need to take a vision screening at a regional office.”
If a renewer fails the screening, KYTC states, they will be instructed to see a vision specialist for “corrective measures” before proceeding with renewals. Vision screenings at regional offices can be performed only once per renewal cycle. Online and mail-in renewals will still be available after implementation with the addition of the required official, signed form scanned when renewing.
Several other states have implemented similar requirements including Indiana, Ohio and Missouri.
“Comprehensive eye exams are crucial for detecting impairments that could compromise driving ability, while also detecting other serious health conditions,” said Leslie Cecil, O.D., President of the Kentucky Optometric Association. “This new vision screening requirement is a significant step in safeguarding public health and road safety. Our organization looks forward to collaborating with the Transportation Cabinet and other vision specialists to help implement these new requirements.”
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