NORWICH – Dropping vision tests for drivers renewing their licenses may not have been such a good idea after all.

The New York State Department of Motor Vehicles is scrutinizing a decision it made last spring that eliminated the eye test requirement in favor of self-certification.

Chenago County Clerk Mary Weidman said yesterday that the DMV’s new rule officially went into effect at the beginning of last week, but was tentatively reversed on Wednesday upon receiving further notice from state regulators.

“There was a cry from everyone,” said Weidman. “County clerks, seniors, eye care professionals ... saying that the new system was not safe, not well thought out. We are now backtracking and waiting for further notice.”

County clerks from across the state are strongly opposed to the administrative change. State Senator James L. Seward called the DMV’s decision “short-sighted and reckless.”