MOTORING organisation RACT and local optometrists are encouraging older drivers to get their eyes checked before taking their Easter driving holidays.``The Easter holiday is a busy time on our roads and as people get older, their risk of being seriously injured in a crash can increase, usually due to frailty and ageing issues,'' says RACT spokesperson Vince Taskunas. ``We know older drivers tend to regulate their driving, practice safe behaviors such as wearing seatbelts and tend to avoid driving fatigued, drink-driving or risky high-speed driving. ``Age-related vision changes, however, can decrease the ability to determine distance or process information.''There are many things seniors can do to protect themselves and enjoy driving for longer, Mr Taskunas said.``Ensuring their eyesight meets safe driving standards should be a top priority.'' Optometrists Association Australia's professional services manager, Shirley Loh, said ageing can impact your ability to see clearly at night, objects in the distance and out of the corner of your eye.``Seniors are also at risk of eye disease, such as glaucoma, cataract and macular degeneration,'' says Ms Loh. ``Our research shows that Australians over the age of 60 only have their eyes examined around every four years and as a result, may be unaware of problems that can lead to poor reaction times and misjudgment on the roads.Mr Taskunas said in most States, including Tasmania, older drivers must undertake mandatory regular medical check-ups to detect issues such as deteriorating eyesight. In Tasmania it is an annual medical test from the age of 75 onwards. ``We're encouraging Tasmanian seniors to make regular eye-testing by an optometrist their priority _ and you don't need to wait until your next annual test to do so,'' Mr Taskunas said.