Eye Surgery and Driving License

Q: I recently got Lasik surgery. I don’t need to wear glasses or contact lenses to drive. How can I get the restriction 21 (corrective lenses required) removed? And what are the steps and fees? Thanks.

Evaluation of Visual Function

I’ve been told, that you can probably ask ICBC for an EVF form (Evaluation of Visual Function). Once that’s completed by an ophthalmology expert, the restriction should be lifted by visiting ICBC. Possibly, asking for a re-examination in the license office would be sufficient. 

One thing is for certain… the restriction will remain on your license even though the reason for the restriction no longer exists until you do something to change it. I imagine it would be mighty awkward being pulled over without glasses/contacts and trying to explain that you’ve had the procedure without proof.

Police protect the public, not perform eye exams on the side of the road

“If you have had corrective eye surgery, it is up to you to go to a driver service center and take the necessary steps to have the restriction removed from your license. Failing to do that means that you are leaving your fate at the roadside in the hands of the enforcement officer. You do the same thing having decided to leave your driveway without taking needed glasses or contact lenses with you.

“The protests were generally quite strong when I ordered the driver off the road until a qualified driver or the necessary lenses arrived. My duty was to protect you from yourself and other drivers from you. Failing to do so would put me in a position of both failure in my duty and of legal liability. The police are not qualified to verify your eyesight at roadside, so please take the corrective lenses restriction seriously.”