The headmaster has objected to my reference to the effects on eyesight caused by glare from LED headlamps, OE/adapted or otherwise.

Quite a few have disagreed with me, fair enough.

I am of the opinion that some of those who have modified their existing lighting because "they cannot see the road ahead that well" could benefit from having their eyes tested in case the issue is there.

Like many others I noticed a gradual deterioration with age - from the age of 60 (IIRC) my eyes were tested (to a higher standard than required for a car) every 5 years for my HGV licence and then when 70 every year. Just over a year ago I had lens replacement surgery and of course my eyes are now more sensitive to light.

As a result of this I don't feel the need to modify my existing lights.

Glare from LED lights can still be a problem sitting over 2m from the ground.

I do agree, Led lights are terrible, specialy as they are not well "aimed" and living in France that's very often the issue. I do not have any eye sight problem. People often forget to reset their beams after having hooked up a trailer or worse a tin/plastic tent. So you're not allone on this item!

I remember reading the summary of a study into this not so long ago...

Basically, it's the 'whiteness' of the modern lights that is the problem. The purity is hard for our eyes to cope with.

Or something like that....

I’d like to see mandatory 5 yearly eye tests for all drivers and stricter MOT headlight tests. Faulty headlights that project light beyond the dipped pattern have always been a hazard even before HID systems came in. 2012 TDV8 Vogue (L322)

I'd go a bit further than 5 yearly eyesight tests.

Once you get to 60 a full medical, then at 65, then 70 & then every year from then on (same as HGV/PCV drivers).

And yes, stricter MOT headlamp alignment tests.

IIRC when HID's came out the dipped beams had to auto-adjust, does this apply to LED's.

If the LED's replace HID bulbs then auto leveling will work the same assuming the autoleveling is correctly adjusted and working. HID systems also have to have high pressure wash systems and not the old mini wipers. If you fit LED's to old halogen dipped beam systems then there is more chance of poorly aligned or hazed lenses causing issues. 2012 TDV8 Vogue (L322)

My understanding having spoken to our local MOT man is, LED bulbs cannot be fitted to replace halogen bulbs. LED light clusters can be retro fitted a'la Defenders with 7" sealed units can be retro fitted with LED replacement headlamps. LED bulbs & HID bulbs cannot be distinguished between so would NOT fail an MOT... Hope that helps?

Everything your really couldn't care about related to MOT & lighting here https://www.motester.co.uk/mot-test-of-lights/

It's against the law to fit a HID or LED "bulb" to a halogen bowl, however, as they point out, they're not allowed to open anything to check it, but they could fail it for some other reason like dispersal or cutoff etc.

HIDs, specifically Xenons, had to have washers and self levelling due to the brightness and hazard of dazzle. However, LEDs don't require that and seems manufacturers have stopped fitting washers except to high performance or off road vehicles again. Fuji White 2012 4.4 TDV8 Westmiinster

Just to clarify, washers for hid lighting only became testable for mot purposes on September 1 2009.
Cars manufactured before that date may or may not have them fitted but they are irrelevant for mot purposes. My own car has washers and wipers fitted but they are never tested come mot time.

JayGee wrote:

Faulty headlights that project light beyond the dipped pattern have always been a hazard even before HID systems came in.

LED Bike/tactical/head torches can be seriously powerful and unlike automotive applications are not governed by any self levelling or beam cutoff devices. 2012 TDV8 Vogue (L322)