Two thirds auto drivers have eyesight issues

A recently conducted eye check-up of some taxi and autorickshaw drivers has revealed that two thirds of them have eyesight related issues.

Among the 265 drivers who were tested in an eye check-up camp conducted by TABcab, 208 were found to be having poor eyesight.

"Poor eyesight is normal. However, drivers need perfect eyesight so that they are able to avert dangers and avoid accidents. But it has been observed that 78 per cent of the drivers have poor vision and of theses only 31 per cent were wearing vision correction aids. This means that an astounding 69 per cent of drivers were driving without vision correction aids," said Dr Bharat Shah, an ophthalmologist.

"It is very important for any driver to have a good and clear vision while driving. Smallest of the mistakes can lead to a serious mishap and prove dangerous," said Shyam Singh, chief marketing officer of TABcab.

Thampi Kurien, general secretary of Mumbai Autorickshamen's Union, said, "Drivers not only have eyesight related issues, but also problems related to bones. It is linked with their financial problems as well as the designs of vehicles which were approved way back in 1977. The average travelling time has increased, but the comfort level hasn't. Wheel base, driver and passenger seats should be improved by giving more leg room and raised seat height."