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Road safety charity Brake is calling for the Government to introduce compulsory eyesight testing for drivers.
Currently, the only measure to ensure driver vision meets the legal standard is the number-plate test that's carried out before a driving test. The police can also carry out a test if they suspect an eyesight problem.
Brake proposes there should be a requirement for drivers to provide proof of a recent, professional eye test when applying for a provisional driving licence.
The charity also proposes that drivers should provide evidence of a recent eye test when renewing their licence photocard every 10 years.
A survey conducted by Brake, Specsavers and RSA Insurance Group found that 87% are in favour of drivers having to prove they have had an eye test within the last 10 years.
The survey also found that more than 1.5 million UK drivers (4%) have never had their eyes tested. One in eight drivers (12%) haven't had their eyes tested in the last five years.
"Making sure your vision is up to scratch is crucial to safe driving, and though it may seem there are plenty of excuses to put off going to the opticians, none is good enough when it comes to putting people's lives at risk," said Julie Townsend, deputy chief executive of Brake.
"If you drive, it's not just your own health you are jeopardising by neglecting your eyesight, but the lives of those around you. That's why it's vital for drivers to get their eyes professionally checked at least every two years - eyesight can deteriorate rapidly without you noticing," said Townsend.
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