Boots Opticians launches ‘Eyes on the Road’ campaign as four in five families worry about older relatives driving in the dark without regular eye tests

• Almost two-thirds (63%)¹ of people aged over 70 feel they would lose their independence if they could no longer drive.

• 99% of that age group say regular eye tests are vital for driving confidence and safety.

• To mark National Eye Health Week (21–28 September), Boots Opticians has launched its ‘Eyes on the Road’ campaign with the AA Driving School and TV icon Larry Lamb.

Boots Opticians has launched ‘Eyes on the Road’, a new campaign encouraging drivers aged 70 and over to prioritise their eye health and driving confidence, following new nationwide research that highlights how important driving is to maintaining independence in later life.

Supported by TV icon Larry Lamb and launched to coincide with National Eye Health Week (21 to 28 September), the campaign comes as the research reveals that 98% of drivers aged 70+ say driving is vital to maintaining their independence. Meanwhile, 80% of adults say they would worry about a close relative, such as a parent or parent-in-law, driving in the dark if they had not had an eye test for more than two years.

The research reveals that, for older drivers, driving is about much more than getting from A to B. Almost all drivers aged 70 and over (98%) say driving is vital for maintaining their independence. If they could no longer drive, 63% say losing their independence would be their biggest concern, followed by losing their freedom and spontaneity (42%).

Without access to a car, 81% say they would be less able to visit family and friends independently, while 66% say attending GP, dental or hospital appointments would be more difficult. Around three in ten would feel anxious about getting to essential appointments or services (31%), frustrated about relying on others (28%) or less in control of day-to-day life (28%).

While driving remains important to their independence, older drivers recognise that their needs can evolve with age, particularly as changes in vision can develop gradually and may not always be obvious. More than half (51%) have noticed increased glare from oncoming headlights as they have got older, rising to 57% among those aged 80–84.

Confidence behind the wheel is closely linked to confidence in vision, with almost all over-70s (99%) agreeing that regular eye tests are vital for driving confidence and safety, while 68% say they would ‘feel more confident if they knew their eyesight met the driving standard’.

In response to this, the Boots Opticians ‘Eyes on the Road’ campaign seeks to encourage drivers aged 70+ to look after their eye health and refresh their driving skills where needed. Boots Opticians has partnered with the AA Driving School to give away 100 hours of free refresher lessons, as over 67% of over 70s say they would undertake a refresher lesson to boost their confidence behind the wheel. Delivered as 50 packages of two-hour lessons, eligible drivers aged 70 and over can visit here to find out how to claim their lesson while stocks last.

Larry Lamb, British TV icon and ambassador for the Boots Opticians ‘Eyes on the Road’ campaign said: “I still enjoy getting behind the wheel, whether for everyday journeys or longer trips and know exactly how important driving can be in helping us stay independent.

“Changes to us seniors' eyesight can happen gradually, often without us noticing, which is why regular eye tests are so important. I recently had the Boots Opticians Ultimate Eye Test and saw firsthand how easy it is to take a proactive approach.

“Looking after your eyesight as the years mount isn't just about seeing clearly, it's about helping us to maintain our independence and keep us connected to the people, places and moments that matter to us most.” 

Kyla Black, Director of Optical Practice at Boots Opticians, said: “Good vision is central to feeling safe in all walks of life. Everyone should have an eye test every two years as per NHS advice, and these are particularly important above the age of 70.

“Visiting an opticians for a regular eye test is one of the simplest ways people can check their vision and get advice on their eye health. For a more comprehensive view of your eye health, Boots Opticians Ultimate Eye Test uses optomap technology which captures up to 82% of your retina in a single photograph, compared to only 15% in our regular eye test scan."

The number of older drivers on Britain’s roads is growing significantly. Government figures show 6.3 million people aged 70 and over held a full driving licence in Great Britain in 2025, up 60% from 3.9 million in 2012, with this forecast to rise to almost seven million by 2030.

Mark Born, Head of Training at AA Driving School, said: “Driving is incredibly important to maintaining independence, as this research makes very clear, and getting older does not automatically mean you need to hang up your keys just yet.

“We want people to be able to keep driving safely and confidently for as long as they are fit to do so. Regular eye tests are an important part of that, while refresher driving lessons can offer a separate opportunity to brush up on skills, build confidence and get comfortable with changes to roads and vehicles.

“Refresher lessons provide supportive, practical training tailored to the individual driver, complementing the important role of regular eye care. We’re pleased to be working with Boots Opticians to offer 100 hours of free refresher lessons and help older drivers stay safe, confident and independent on the road.”

To find out more about eye health and book an eye test, please visit Boots Opticians.

Eligible drivers aged 70 and over can also apply for a free AA refresher lesson package as part of the Eyes on the Road campaign. Visit Eyes on the Road | Refresher driving lessons | The AA for more information. Terms and conditions apply.