ONE in three Kent drivers are failing to get their eyes tested putting themselves and other road users at risk, according to a survey.

Specsavers carried out the research at the Kent County Show last month and found around 90 per cent of motorists think their vision is good enough to drive safely.

But results from free vision screenings carried out at the show discovered 25 per cent of the participants would not meet the minimum government requirements for driving.

Store director at Specsavers Gravesend, Blair Hunter, said: "Eyesight changes throughout our lives, often very gradually and without people noticing.

"Without regular eye examinations it could be several years before you find that your eyesight is no longer good enough to drive safely.

"To ensure that your vision remains safe to drive you should visit your optician regularly."

Specsavers is campaigning to make eye examinations a necessary part of the driving test, with more than 90 per cent of those surveyed believing they should be compulsory when renewing their driving license photocard.