DRIVING SAFELY AS YOU AGE

February 1, 2022

While there is no age at which you must surrender your driver’s license, research has shown that the risk of having a health condition that impacts your ability to drive safely increases with age. For this reason, the province of Alberta requires medical testing at age 75, 80 and every 2 years after age 80 to maintain your class 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 driver’s license1. A vision test is a necessary component of these medical exams.

It’s not always easy to detect changes in physical, sensory or cognitive ability that may affect the safe operation of a motor vehicle. Aging changes within our eyes reduces our ability to detect contrast – seeing an object on its background. An eye chart usually over-estimates this metric due to the high contrast of the dark letters on a very light background. Driving at night or poor weather may be challenging for older folks even if they meet or exceed the vision standard on an eye chart. In these cases our doctors will often recommend a restriction be placed on someone’s driver’s license – such as driving during daylight hours only or within a certain radius of home.

Keeping a driver’s license well into older age is very important to some. It helps them maintain their independence, freedom and mobility, therefore leading to improved mental health. However, there is recognition of the added risks with age and the value of a medical practitioner’s opinion. In one study2 polling those aged 60-100, a majority of participants valued the doctor’s assessment of driving suitability and agreed with making an eye exam mandatory.

During your eye exam we are committed to informing you of any conditions or risk factors that may affect your ability to drive safely. Book your next eye exam to start the discussion today.

1. Information for aging drivers | Alberta.ca

2. Driving in old age: why Britons would like more help in deciding when to stop (theconversation.com)


A little girl wearing glasses and a blue dress.
By Rosendo C March 26, 2025
Discover Opal's playful and stylish children's eyewear, blending fashion and entertainment with popular licenses that kids love.
A woman wearing glasses and a red sweater is laughing.
By Rosendo C March 26, 2025
Celebrate ØRGREEN OPTICS’ legacy with the 1415 campaign, a tribute to Copenhagen’s oldest postal code. Discover how the city’s canals and creative energy inspire their unique designs.
A woman wearing glasses and a black pleated top
By Rosendo C March 26, 2025
Explore Etnia Barcelona’s new eyewear collection, where vibrant colors, bold contrasts, and premium acetates create striking designs. Celebrate individuality with frames that exude confidence and style.
A woman with glasses and a flower in her hair
By Rosendo C March 26, 2025
Dive into Etnia Barcelona's Underwater campaign, a surreal exploration of the ocean's depths. Discover a mystical AI-created world where vibrant flora, fauna, and mythical beings bring the beauty of the deep sea to life.
A man with a beard wearing maui jim sunglasses
By Rosendo C March 20, 2025
Discover Maui Jim sunglasses at Mountain View Optometry, featuring PolarizedPlus2® lens technology for superior glare protection, enhanced colors, and UV defense. Experience unmatched clarity and eye comfort with premium polarized lenses.
A man wearing sunglasses and a maui jim logo
By Rosendo C March 20, 2025
Maui Jim Sunglasses Spring-Summer 2025
A woman wearing glasses is standing in front of a colorful background.
By Rosendo C March 16, 2025
Thierry Lasry Eyewear Calgary - 2024 Campaign
A close up of a woman wearing glasses.
By Rosendo C March 16, 2025
Thierry Lasry Eyewear Calgary - 2023 Campaign
By Tom Wilk March 7, 2025
As a locally owned business, we deeply appreciate your support. Recent events have prompted us to reflect on how many other Canadian companies are also supported when you visit us for eye care services. This month, we are proud to highlight one of our key “Made in Canada” suppliers – ZEISS Vision. Specializing in precision optics, ZEISS spectacle lenses are designed to improve vision in several ways, including sharper vision at night, better contrast, and more natural colours. When you order a set of new ZEISS lenses from MVO, you support a Canadian company employing 250 dedicated staff who work hard to custom build the glasses you will be wearing for (on average) the next two to three years! Thank you for your commitment to keeping your business in Canada!
A man is holding a pair of glasses in his hand and rubbing his eyes.
By Tom Wilk March 5, 2025
Visual snow syndrome (VSS) is a condition that causes people to see visual disturbances similar to static on a television. This "visual snow" can be persistent and is often accompanied by other symptoms that can affect daily life. As more people learn about visual snow syndrome, it becomes essential to understand its symptoms, potential causes, and how to manage it.
Show More
Share by: