The AA applauds a fresh initiative by Specsavers to offer all under 16 year old children free eye examinations.

Specsavers, which already offers AA Members a free eye exam every two years, has developed the Kids Go Free programme to improve the eye health of young Kiwis.

AA Chief Executive Brian Gibbons says the Specsavers initiative is great news for New Zealand.

“Kids Go Free is a fantastic extension of the AA Member benefit which has seen hundreds of thousands of our cardholders receive free Specsavers eye exams over the last three years.

“This initiative reaches a big group of Kiwis who are not already covered by the AA Member benefit and encourages early detection of eye problems that can have an impact later in life.”

Mr Gibbons says good vision is essential for road safety.

“If you can’t see properly, you can’t drive safely. Transport Agency statistics show that one driver in 14 has a vision defect that could affect their driving so ensuring good eye health early on benefits everyone.”

AA Members will continue to have access to a free eye exam every two years – saving $60 and for those a little older than 16, under 18s pay just 50% of AA Membership which also includes the Specsavers Member benefit and many more including free vehicle safety checks.