State Senator Patty Ritchie is opposed to a Department of Motor Vehicles plan to abolish vision tests for drivers.

Ritchie says the move creates an unnecessary risk for motorists and will undo recent gains in road safety.

The state DMV announced it is abolishing the eye test requirement as part of its effort to push more motorists to renew their licenses online or by mail.

Under the old rules, motorists could take a simple eye test at state or county DMV offices, or submit an eye test performed by their own doctors. Now they will be required only to “self certify” that their vision meets state standards.

Ritchie, who was St. Lawrence County Clerk before her election to the Senate, said she witnessed dozens of cases of motorists who first discovered their eyesight had deteriorated when they appeared at the county DMV to renew their licenses.

“New York has made great progress in making our roads safer, including a determined effort to crack down on dangerous and distracted driving,” said Ritchie, referring to recent new laws against cell phone use, texting and aggressive driving.

“Safe driving requires attention and clear focus to know what’s ahead on the roadway—that’s why New York, and virtually every other state, has always required periodic eye tests for motorists,” Ritchie said. “The vision test requirement—once every eight years—is a mild inconvenience for motorists that makes our roads safer. Eliminating it just doesn’t make sense.”

Ritchie, a Republican from Heuvelton, represents the 48th District, which encompasses western portions of St. Lawrence County including Canton and Ogdensburg.