The Road Haulage Association is collaborating with sight experts, Vision Express by launching a brand-new Vision Van – a mobile eye-testing facility housed within a customised trailer, designed and built by Cartwright Conversions.

The unique Vision Van will begin its journey across the UK offering free eye tests to the public to highlight World Glaucoma Week 2018. Dates and details click here

Glaucoma is set put even more strain on an already-struggling NHS, with eye health experts predicting that the diagnosed number of cases in the UK is likely to top 1.28 million by 2050 – a huge 85% increase. The Vision Van will help put the condition at the top of the health agenda.

Commenting, Vision Express CEO Jonathan Lawson said: “We know mobile health screening works – the NHS recently reported that stationing mobile screening units in convenient locations such as supermarkets, has prompted a four-fold increase in cancer detection rates, and we want to replicate that kind of success for sight-stealing conditions.”

RHA chief executive Richard Burnett adds the RHA’s support for the Vision Express project. “We are delighted to be associated with this initiative, an initiative that for many will prove to be life changing. Good eyesight is vital for any road user but for an HGV driver, their livelihood depends on it. Despite this, there are still far too many drivers who ignore any weakness in their vision, weakness that may well be because of glaucoma.

“Although easy to diagnose, many drivers are nervous of making the initial approach to an optician. The Vision Van will play a vital role in conveying the message that good eye health will actually prolong a driver’s working life.”

To support World Glaucoma Week, Vision Express is also offering a free eye test in any of its stores, via a voucher that can be downloaded from the12th – 25th March. It will be valid for redemption in-store by the 30th April 2018. To receive a voucher visit www.visionexpress.com/world-glaucoma-week-2018/free-eye-test

Special thanks go to Mercedes Benz dealers, Sparshatts for supplying a brand new 2548 Actros tractor unit and to 3m for their support in manufacturing the Vision Van in state-of-the-art reflective wrap in the Vision Express livery which incorporates the RHA’s branding and to RGVA Vehicle Graphics for the all-important wrapping.

Road Haulage AssociationVision Express

About the Author: John Loughran