The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority ( DVLA) in collaboration with Ghana Optometrist Association has rolled out phase two of the Eye Test Reform as part of efforts to improve the sight of drivers to enhance efficiency on the roads.
Addressing journalists in Ho yesterday to roll out the reforms, Mr Kafui Semevo, Director, Driver Training Testing and Licensing (DTTL), noted that the Road Traffic Regulations provide that all eye test results presented to Licensing Authority for any driver’s licence related services must be certified by optometrists.
However, over the years the practice has been that DVLA Data Entry staffs who are not professional conducted the tests.
He said because of that a lot of things we must look for are not well examined.
Mr Semevo noted that such processes and procedures in the testing of new entrants and old drivers are not standardised and inadequate.
He said June/ August this year, 18,918 new applicants for eye testing was received and out of this 108 failed the eye test with 10 having single vision.
The Authority and Ghana Optometrists Association partnership has identified, inspected and authorised over 100 eye test centres both private and public across the country and in close proximity to all DVLA offices.
Mr Semevo said new applicants for testing will pay GH¢70 while existing drivers and those who are retesting will pay GH¢50 adding these fees are lower than fees eye test centres charge the public.
He assured that what the reforms was bringing on board was proficient and reliable testing parameters.
MrSemevo said it would also bring high standard of creditable result, reproducible comparable to international standards.
He assured that there would be a well-elaborate monitoring and evaluation by the Authority.
Dr Remi Ninkpe, an optometrist, in his remarks noted that these eye tests were not to victimise anybody but to make sure a driver with defective eye enforces the rule.
He maintained that the eye centres selected are responsible to churn out uniform and credible results for all applicants anywhere in the country.
Dr Ninkpe further said in this global era coupled with the fast evolution in technology, these reforms have been fully digitised to also help decongest DVLA offices.
In his welcome address Mr Samuel Lodonu, Volta Regional Manager of DVLA, called on all drivers both new and old to take advantage of the reforms by testing their eyes so as to avoid accidents when driving.
He said for now Volta Region has accredited testing offices at Ho, Denu, Sogakope, and Hohoe.
FROM KAFUI GATI, HO
