The traffic department’s failure to replace the eye test machine leaves motorists in and around Standerton with more costs.

The department has been without such a machine for some time now.

Residents are obligated to use private optometrists to get an eye test certificate.

The Standerton Advertiser would like to apologise for any confusion caused as regards the mainstream prices of optometrists mentioned on our website and found the following after further investigation at local optometrists.

Mellin Optometrists charges R50 for the licensing requirement which seems to be the average as confirmed by Mark Lawrence Optometrist.

“For a pre-screening we normally charge an average of R400, but the licence test will cost an average of R50,” Ms Marihette van der Walt, practice manager of Mark Lawrence Optometrist, said.

Mr Herman du Preez, optometrist, said pre-screening is a more detailed procedure unlike the eye test for licensing.

“We just check the competency of eyes relating to driving requirements,” Mr Du Preez also said.

According to Ms Van der Walt, they are not required by law to do it, but do it as a service to the community and the money is for administration fees.

Read the complete article in the Standerton Advertiser.

(Please note that this article has been amended)