The partnership is an important step in OptikosPrime’s commercial expansion, demonstrating how phone-based vision screening can be integrated into established consumer platforms and made accessible to large audiences.

With more than 1,700 driving instructors delivering over 1.3 million hours of training annually, RED provides a significant platform for bringing preventive vision screening into everyday life.

Addressing an overlooked road safety risk

Good eyesight is fundamental to safe driving, yet many motorists are unaware that their vision may no longer meet legal requirements.

A national roadside screening evaluation involving Warwick Medical School, CARGY Research, the Older Drivers Forum and 32 police forces estimated that more than 1.2 million British drivers fail to meet legal eyesight standards.

The same research found that two-thirds of drivers who failed roadside vision checks owned corrective eyewear but were not wearing it, while nearly a third had not undergone an eye examination in more than two years.

In the UK, drivers must be able to read a standard number plate from 20 metres away and meet minimum visual acuity requirements. Failing the eyesight check at the beginning of a practical driving test results in immediate cancellation.

By introducing vision screening earlier in the learning process, RED and OptikosPrime aim to help learners identify potential problems before they reach that stage.

Vision screening built into the learning experience

Through the integration of VisionCheck into the Learn to Drive with RED app, learners will be able to screen their vision in less than a minute using their own phones.

VisionCheck uses proprietary computer vision algorithms to identify potential refractive errors, including signs of short-sightedness, long-sightedness and astigmatism, without requiring specialised optical equipment.

Learners whose results indicate a potential vision issue are encouraged to visit an optometrist for a comprehensive eye examination and, where necessary, appropriate correction.

VisionCheck does not replace professional eye examinations or the official driving eyesight test. Instead, it provides an accessible first step towards identifying potential vision problems.

“The greatest barrier to clear vision is that people simply do not realise when their eyesight has slipped,” says Anders Kofod-Petersen, CEO and co-founder of OptikosPrime.

“Driving is the ultimate example of why accessible, mobile-first screening matters. By deploying VisionCheck across RED’s national UK network, we’re taking optical technology out of clinical settings and putting it where it can make an immediate difference.”

For RED, the integration supports its commitment to developing safer, more confident drivers.

“Being able to see clearly is the absolute bedrock of safe driving, yet eyesight is often taken for granted,” says Seb Goldin, CEO of RED Driver Training.

“Integrating OptikosPrime’s technology into our Learn to Drive with RED app gives our students an effortless way to check their vision early. If correction is needed, they find out in advance, consult an optical professional, and gain the confidence to drive safely.”

Making preventive vision screening more accessible

The partnership reflects a broader opportunity to make vision screening part of everyday digital experiences rather than something that only happens in clinical settings.

Changes in eyesight often develop gradually, and many people do not recognise when their vision has deteriorated. Making screening more accessible can help identify potential problems earlier and encourage people to seek professional eye care when needed.

For OptikosPrime, integrating VisionCheck into established consumer platforms is an important part of its commercial strategy. The technology can be deployed across different industries and use cases, including education, workplaces, optical retail and community health programmes.

“Most people only visit an optometrist once their vision has noticeably degraded,” says Ståle Fredlund Husby, COO and co-founder of OptikosPrime.

“By taking screening out of clinical settings and embedding it directly into everyday consumer habits, we can help identify issues before they turn into real-world risks. Our partnership with RED demonstrates how software can make preventive vision screening accessible at national scale.”

Expanding the reach of VisionCheck

The collaboration with RED Driver Training adds to OptikosPrime’s growing commercial activities and illustrates how vision screening can be delivered through existing digital services.

By combining accessible technology with established distribution channels, OptikosPrime aims to make it easier for more people to understand when they may benefit from vision correction.

The partnership also demonstrates the potential for vision screening to become a natural part of consumer journeys, helping connect people with professional eye care before vision problems begin affecting their everyday lives.

As OptikosPrime continues to expand its commercial partnerships across industries and markets, the focus remains the same: making vision screening more accessible, convenient and scalable.

Interested in integrating VisionCheck into your platform?

Contact OptikosPrime to explore how phone-based vision screening can become part of your customer experience.

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