§ The Earl of Caithnessasked Her Majesty's Government:
Further to the Written Answer by Lord Macdonald of Tradeston on 26 February (WA 43), what research has been commissioned into visual field impairment and its relevance to driving fitness; by whom; at what cost; who is doing it; and when results of the research will be available to the public. [HL1977]
§ Lord Macdonald of TradestonThe Department for Transport has a programme of research into the relationship betweeen visual field impairment and driving. Three relevant research projects are at various stages:
1. Review of Current Literature on Functional Correlates of Visual Field Defects
A critique of the recent literature that examines the link between visual function and car accident data was carried out. The review focused on visual field defects and examined the clinical and statistical evidence, taking into consideration the methodological strengths and weaknesses of both cohort and case control studies.
This contract was awarded to QinetiQ, was completed in August 2002, and the total cost was £7,084.
The final report is being prepared for publication in printed form and on the department's website, where it will be free to download in the near future.
2. Peripheral Vision Field Defects
This is a study of the relationship between peripheral visual field defects and driving 139WA performance. The association between these factors will be studied with the aim if improving the specification of standards for peripheral visual field defects and the methods to be used in measuring them.
The study includes the investigation of the most efficient testing methods for visual field loss and the correlation between visual field loss and driving performance as measured by a range of techniques including simulated driving.
This contract has been awarded to Nottingham Trent University and QinetiQ, and is ongoing. The total contracted cost of the project is £222,113.
This project is near completion, with a draft final report expected shortly.
3. Central Scotoma and Driving
A new research project will study the relevance of central visual field defects to the ability to drive safely. The study will evaluate the existing methods of examining central scotoma and develop more accurate measures, and will assess the association between performance on these measures and performance on several tests related to driving. Central scotoma is an area of reduced vision that interferes with central vision.
The aim of this project is to improve the basis on which standards for central visual field defects are set, and to refine the methods used in measuring central vision.
This contract has been tendered for, and is expected to be awarded shortly.